Dr. Lisa Barron served as the interim dean of the Eriksson College of Education, concluding her tenure in June 2025 after a 15-year career at Austin Peay State University. Dr. Barron is a nationally recognized expert on teacher apprenticeships, as Austin Peay State University and the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System worked together to launch the Grow Your Own Teacher Residency, which became the first federally registered teacher apprenticeship in January 2022. In this interview, Dr. Barron chats about her time teaching in Tennessee public schools and at Austin Peay, how she has seen teaching change over time, the benefits of teacher apprenticeships, and what’s next after her retirement from Austin Peay.

Dive Deeper:

⁠APSU Eriksson College of Education⁠

Austin Peay State University Grow Your Own Teacher Apprenticeship

National Center for Grow Your Own

⁠RISE Above: Supporting Teacher Candidates with Autism Through Specialized Coaching

⁠APSU doctoral students complete transformative study abroad experience in South Korea

Austin Peay’s MPH program receives $27K for childhood literacy initiative

Dr. Barbara Tucker is the technical services director in the Office of Information Technology at Austin Peay State University. Dr. Tucker holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and an MAED in Curriculum and Instruction from the Eriksson College of Education, embodying the university's commitment to lifelong learning. With over 15 years at APSU, she discusses her journey from student worker to IT leader and highlights the increasing integration of technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR) on campus.

Beyond her work in IT, Dr. Tucker is a self-published children's author of "The Adventures of Bibi and Beaux" series. On this episode, Dr. Tucker bravely shares the inspiring story behind her books, which were born from her personal cancer journey.

Dive Deeper:

APSU Eriksson College of Education

The Adventures of Bibi and Beaux: The Diagnosis

The Adventures of Bibi and Beaux: The Treatment

APSU Eriksson College of Education celebrates excellence at annual awards ceremony

Forbes features APSU’s pioneering teacher apprenticeship program

APSU Office of Information Technology

In honor of Autism Acceptance Month, we’re joined by Emmanuel Mejeun, Director of Austin Peay’s Full Spectrum Learning (FSL) Program. Originally from Haiti, Emmanuel’s journey from student to leader has helped shape FSL into a standout support system for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

In this episode, Emmanuel shares how his personal story fuels his professional mission, how FSL empowers neurodivergent students through events like the Reverse Career Fair, and what it means to create a space where students can truly be themselves.

We also chat about his doctoral studies, his passion for music, and the growth of the program under his leadership. Tune in to hear how Emmanuel and FSL are changing the game for inclusion in higher education.

Dive Deeper:

APSU Full Spectrum Learning

APSU Eriksson College of Education

Mia Ayarza Student Spotlight

Why Some Math Teachers Don’t Want Professional Development on AI

Dr. Noelle Cannon, director of the Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance (TECTA) at Austin Peay State University, joins us to discuss her impactful work in providing professional development and support to early childhood educators across Tennessee. Learn about TECTA's free orientations and tuition assistance scholarships that help individuals achieve their educational goals, from CDA credentials to advanced degrees. Dr. Cannon also shares her experience as a graduate of APSU’s Ed.D. program in Educational Leadership, highlighting how the program has shaped her professional approach. Discover how TECTA and the Ed.D. program empower educators, expand access to higher education for early childhood professionals, and enhance the quality of early childhood education throughout the state. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on shaping the future of early childhood education in Tennessee!

Dive Deeper:

APSU Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance (TECTA)⁠⁠

⁠⁠APSU Doctor of Education (Ed.D) Program Information⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠APSU Doctor of Education (Ed.D) Program Video ⁠⁠

⁠⁠APSU Eriksson College of Education⁠⁠

⁠Introductory Statistics A Contextualized Approach – 4th Edition⁠

⁠Sarah Earls Student Spotlight

⁠2025 Teacher Morale Index⁠

In this compelling conversation, we sit down with Dr. Cheryl Lambert, department chair of Teaching and Learning and Coordinator of the Center for Rural Education at Austin Peay State University. Dr. Lambert shares her journey from rural roots to higher education leadership and discusses the connection between rural communities and educational advancement.

Dive Deeper:

APSU Center for Rural Education

APSU Eriksson College of Education

Dr. Cheryl Lambert

Jon White Student Spotlight

Inclusive Leader Mini-Grants