Centers of Excellence

Austin Peay State University boasts two Centers of Excellence - the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts and the Center of Excellence for Field Biology. Because of their outstanding performance outcomes, both have earned the designation of "Accomplished" Centers of Excellence among Tennessee's public universities.

Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts

Established in 1985, the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts captures the uniqueness of the University's tradition in the liberal arts. Combining the institution's well-established disciplines of music, creative writing, art and theatre, the center is designed to promote the creative arts in Tennessee. A regional oasis for the arts, the center sponsors more than 100 arts events annually.

Center of Excellence for Field Biology

The Center of Excellence for Field Biology, established in 1986, is a major research component of the University, highly regarded by scientists from coast to coast. Much of the research is conducted in the natural laboratory of nearby Land Between The Lakes, a 300-square-mile forested preserve between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. Undergraduate students, as well as graduate students, work closely with investigators in the center. As a result, they have the opportunity to conduct hands-on research and to publish their findings.