Dr. Michael Licari: President of Austin Peay State University
Dr. Michael Licari, 11th President of Austin Peay State University
On Dec. 21, 2020, the Austin Peay State University Board of Trustees named Dr. Mike Licari as the University’s 11th president. He officially arrived at Austin Peay on March 1, 2021, and in the years that followed, the university has opened several new facilities and academic programs, secured the largest gift in the institution’s history, joined a new athletics conference, and strengthened its commitment to serving military-affiliated students and the local community. The university also developed new mission, vision, and values statements as well as a new strategic plan.
A native of Minnesota, Licari earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Minnesota and his Master of Arts in Political Science and Ph.D. in Political Science with a focus on public administration from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
His successful academic career spans more than 25 years and four universities, including nearly two decades as a professor in the classroom. Licari has served in university leadership positions at all levels, including department chair, associate provost for academic affairs, graduate college dean, and provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.
Licari previously served as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana, where he oversaw all the school’s academic functions, enrollment management, and IT. He also was responsible for overseeing much of the implementation of that University’s strategic plan.
Licari is passionate about community service, and is a member of the Clarksville Rotary club, a member of the Board of Trustees for Clarksville Academy, a member of the Board of Directors for the Japan-America Society of Tennessee, and works to support the Boy Scouts in Clarksville and Middle Tennessee.
He and his wife, Kirsten, have a grown son, Daniel Licari, who lives and works in Indianapolis.
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