Meet our advising team
Academic advising is an essential part of the educational process and is designed to help you navigate the undergraduate experience at Austin Peay. The College of Business has a team of professional academic advisors who provide advising on general education requirements, CoB admission requirements, and graduation support. Our academic advisors also serve as a resource for business minors, students pursing a second bachelor's degree, and transient students.
Prospective high school and transfer students may meet with an academic advisor to discuss a business program fitting their career goals.
New students should contact Student Success Coordinator, Margaret Douglas, to schedule an appointment. Advising offices are located in the Student Success Center on the second floor of the Kimbrough Building. Appointments can be made Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm.
Name: Margaret Douglas
Position: Student Success Coordinator
Education: Master of Science in Management, Austin Peay State University ('13), Bachelor of
Business Administration in Accounting, Austin Peay State University('10)
Office: Student Success Center, Kimbrough 209
Phone: (931) 221-7685
Email: douglasm@apsu.edu
Margaret Douglas has worked at Austin Peay since 2010. Her professional experience includes work as a coordinator and academic advisor working with academic focus and College of Business students. Margaret also serves as an adjunct instructor for UNIV 1000.
Name: Jack Fitzgerald
Position: Academic Advisor
Education: Bachelor of Business Administration, Austin Peay State University ('23)
Office: Student Success Center, Kimbrough 205
Phone: (931) 221-1284
Email: Fitzgeraldj@apsu.edu
Jack earned his Marketing BBA in 2023 and is pursuing his M.A. in Marketing Communication. While a student, Jack was a captain of the APSU cross country and track team and the vice president of the APSU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. In the last year, he has worked as a Student-Athlete Success GA, assisting over 150 student-athletes across 13 different sports and ensuring they met NCAA eligibility requirements.
Name: Matthew Kilpatrick
Position: Student Success Professional
Education: Master of Professional Studies in Leadership, Austin Peay State University ('12)
Master of Science in Management, Austin Peay State University ('13), Bachelor of Science
in Sociology, Austin Peay State University ('10)
Office: Student Success Center, Kimbrough 207
Phone: (931) 221-1285
Email: kilpatrickm@apsu.edu
Matthew began his career in higher education at Austin Peay in 2012 as an Academic Advisor for the College of Business. After expanding his role to include recruitment and graduate advising, Matthew worked for the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics at APSU as the Director of Student-Athlete Development. Matthew received meaningful guidance and mentorship as a student and hopes to share that with APSU Business Govs. He enjoys cheering on Govs at sporting events, watching plays and musicals, and spending time with his family.
Name: Jonell Nicholson
Position: Academic Advisor
Education: Master of Strategic Leadership, Austin Peay State University ('14), Bachelor of Science
in History, Austin Peay State University ('12)
Office: Student Success Center, Kimbrough 208
Phone: (931) 221-1282
Email: nicholsonj@apsu.edu
In addition to being an academic advisor, Jonell is a Title IX Investigator and serves on many committees throughout campus. She enjoys being able to assist students in navigating their academic journey. Jonell is also a licensed Zumba Instructor and TedX speaker.
Name: Lauren Pate
Position: Graduate Academic Advisor
Education: Master of Business Administration, Austin Peay State University ('25), Bachelor of
Science in Marketing, Austin Peay State University ('23)
Office: Kimbrough 217
Phone: (931) 221-7698
Email: patel@apsu.edu
As an undergraduate, Lauren participated in research with College of Business faculty, which led her to pursue as a Graduate Assistantship during her MBA program. She has contributed to future publications and presented research at conferences over the last two years. She has previously served as a course instructor for APSU 1000 and is passionate about equipping students in achieving their personal and professional goals. She is a also a licensed real estate agent, serving families in Clarksville and the greater Nashville area. Lauren enjoys cheering on Govs at campus events, volunteering at her local church, traveling on mission trips, and spending time with her family.
Advising Forms