APSU Board of Trustees Awards

At the summer meeting, the Board of Trustees approve the recipients of three awards to deserving alumni/friends/organizations. The awards are: APSU Philanthropist of the Year, Board of Trustees Military Service Award, and Board of Trustees Service Award.

2024 Recipients


	APSU Philanthropists of the Year Ron and Andrea Morton H&R Block Franchise Owners Ronald L. Morton, a 1970 graduate of Austin Peay College of Behavioral and Health Sciences and former star athlete for the APSU Track and Field team, set a school record for the three mile in his freshman year. Post-graduation, he served as a basketball coach and physical education teacher in Tunisia through the Peace Corps. Ron now owns the largest number of H&R Block franchises in the country, with offices in several states. In 2012, Ron and his wife Andrea established the Ronald L. Morton Scholarship for business-majoring student-athletes involved in their communities. Their significant contributions, including a transformational gift in 2020, continue to support APSU athletics and student-athlete success. In 2022, the APSU Board of Trustees named the Ron and Andrea Morton Family Track to honor their commitment. Read more
	Board of Trustees Military Service Award Gary Luck Retired U.S. Army General Dr. Gary Luck, a retired four-star U.S. Army General, served on the Austin Peay State University Board of Trustees from 2017 to 2021. His illustrious 36-year military career included leadership roles such as Commanding General of the 18th Airborne Corps and Commander in Chief of U.S. Forces Korea. General Luck's post-retirement contributions include mentoring as a Senior Fellow for the National Defense University. In addition to his military achievements, General Luck holds advanced degrees from Kansas State University, Florida State University, and George Washington University. His dedication to developing leaders and his impact on national defense are well-recognized. Read more
	Board of Trustees Service Award Barry Kulback Retired Process Improvement Professional Barry Kulback, an Austin Peay State University alumnus, and his wife Maggie have been dedicated supporters of their alma mater, donating for 43 consecutive years. Barry founded the Trane Alumni Chapter and has held numerous leadership positions, significantly contributing to campus initiatives and endowments that have grown to nearly $1 million in value. His roles have included serving as the Homecoming co-chair, a member of the Govs Club, the President’s Giving Tower, and the Monocle Society, as well as various leadership positions within the APSU Foundation. Barry’s community involvement is equally impressive; he has served on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County Tennessee and the Clarksville River District Commission, among others. Professionally, Barry was honored with the Tennessee Academy of Science Industrial Scientist Award and holds four U.S. patents for innovative software programs. Read more

APSU Philanthropists of the Year

Ron and Andrea Morton
H&R Block Franchise Owners

Ronald L. Morton, a 1970 graduate of Austin Peay College of Behavioral and Health Sciences and former star athlete for the APSU Track and Field team, set a school record for the three mile in his freshman year. Post-graduation, he served as a basketball coach and physical education teacher in Tunisia through the Peace Corps. Ron now owns the largest number of H&R Block franchises in the country, with offices in several states.

In 2012, Ron and his wife Andrea established the Ronald L. Morton Scholarship for business-majoring student-athletes involved in their communities. Their significant contributions, including a transformational gift in 2020, continue to support APSU athletics and student-athlete success. In 2022, the APSU Board of Trustees named the Ron and Andrea Morton Family Track to honor their commitment.

Board of Trustees Military Service Award

Gary Luck
Retired U.S. Army General

Dr. Gary Luck, a retired four-star U.S. Army General, served on the Austin Peay State University Board of Trustees from 2017 to 2021. His illustrious 36-year military career included leadership roles such as Commanding General of the 18th Airborne Corps and Commander in Chief of U.S. Forces Korea. General Luck's post-retirement contributions include mentoring as a Senior Fellow for the National Defense University.

In addition to his military achievements, General Luck holds advanced degrees from Kansas State University, Florida State University, and George Washington University. His dedication to developing leaders and his impact on national defense are well-recognized.

Board of Trustees Service Award

Barry Kulback
Retired Process Improvement Professional

Barry Kulback, an Austin Peay State University alumnus, and his wife Maggie have been dedicated supporters of their alma mater, donating for 43 consecutive years. Barry founded the Trane Alumni Chapter and has held numerous leadership positions, significantly contributing to campus initiatives and endowments that have grown to nearly $1 million in value. His roles have included serving as the Homecoming co-chair, a member of the Govs Club, the President’s Giving Tower, and the Monocle Society, as well as various leadership positions within the APSU Foundation.

Barry’s community involvement is equally impressive; he has served on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County Tennessee and the Clarksville River District Commission, among others. Professionally, Barry was honored with the Tennessee Academy of Science Industrial Scientist Award and holds four U.S. patents for innovative software programs.

Criteria and past recipients

This award recognizes an individual or organization that has given a large amount of resources to Austin Peay State University. More than one individual or organization may receive the award dependent on the merit of nominations received, which will be given on an annual basis. A minimum of the criteria for the award must be met for the award to be given out.

Criteria:

Generous giving of resources to Austin Peay State University.
Significant influence on others to become involved in fundraising or supporting APSU.
Exceptional civic responsibility and integrity.
A continued commitment and philanthropic effort that has improved the quality of life for Austin Peay State University.

Past Recipients:

2023 - Google

2022 - Tom Kane

2021 - The Band Foundation

2020 - Joe and Cathi Maynard

2019 - Wilma Newton

2018 - Doug and Linda Downey

Austin Peay State University established the Board of Trustees Military Service Award award to give special recognition to an individual or organization who demonstrates support of APSU through leadership, service and advocacy. His/her efforts have provided honor and distinction to APSU. More than one individual or organization may receive the award dependent on the merit of nominations received, which will be given on an annual basis. A minimum of the criteria for the award must be met for the award to be given out.

Criteria:

Service, leadership, or advocacy to Austin Peay State University.
Exceptional civic responsibility and integrity.
This individual must fall into one these three categories: is a veteran, active duty, or significantly supports the APSU military community.

Past Recipients:

2023 - Bill Harpel
Phil Harpel

2022 - Yolonda M. Williams

2021 - Retired CW4 Joe Shakeenab

2020 - Retired Lt. Col. Thomas E. Mercer Sr.

2019 - Jack Turner

2018 - Lt. Gen. Ron Bailey

Austin Peay State University established the Board of Trustees Service Award to give special recognition to an individual who demonstrates support through leadership, service and advocacy. His/her efforts have provided honor and distinction to APSU. More than one individual or organization may receive the award dependent on the merit of nominations received, which will be given on an annual basis. A minimum of the criteria for the award must be met for the award to be given out.