On this episode of Govs Teach Unplugged, host Megan Simpson sits down with Dr. Terri Clark, who joined the Eriksson College of Education in Fall 2025 as the lead for the nursing educator concentration in the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program. As the first-ever graduate of the concentration she now leads, Dr. Clark shares her inspiring journey from nursing to higher education. She discusses how her philosophy of being "clear and kind" has guided her through 20 years of experience in hospital work, community health, and teaching.

The heart of the conversation dives into Dr. Clark’s research on technostress and the intersection of health education and work-life balance. She introduces her original "Balance Framework," which is designed to help busy professionals manage the stress of constant connectivity through seven simple strategies.

Listeners will also get a personal look at Dr. Clark’s life outside the classroom, from her "mini farm" in Tennessee — complete with horses, dwarf goats, and a "grand puppy" — to her early days as a theater major with dreams of starring on Days of Our Lives. Whether she is hosting the Journal of Pediatric Surgical Nursing podcast or mentoring future nurses, Dr. Clark’s story is a powerful testament to how education can enlarge one's vision for life and create ripples of change in the world.

Dive Deeper:

⁠APSU Eriksson College of Education⁠

APSU Doctor of Education: Nurse Educator Concentration

APSU Full Spectrum Learning

Dr. John McConnell named dean of APSU's Eriksson College of Education

Austin Peay professor publishes new volume of teaching labor history

Audiobooks surge as travel favorite, helping fuel debate over what 'counts' as reading

Journal of Pediatric Surgical Nursing Podcast

Work–Life Balance in an Online World: Simple Strategies for Managing Technostress

It's time for the Season 2 premiere of Govs Teach Unplugged as Megan welcomes Dr. Erica Boone, the newly appointed director of the Center for Rural Education.

An Austin Peay alumna (B.S. ’05, Ed.D. ’25) with over 16 years of teaching experience in rural and suburban districts, Dr. Boone shares her mission to empower rural educators through innovative training, vital resources, and strong partnerships.

This episode dives into the center's major upcoming initiatives, including the 2026 Rural Education Conference themed "Rooted in Rural: Cultivating Place, Partnerships, and Possibilities." Dr. Boone highlights how this year's virtual event on March 16 will expand to include international perspectives and flexible pre-recorded sessions for busy educators.

From her student-centered philosophy to her favorite "hidden gems" in Carroll County — including the best local spots for pancakes and hot wings — get to know the heart behind the center's leadership.

Dive Deeper:

APSU Eriksson College of Education

APSU Center for Rural Education

Dr. Erica Boone: Faculty Bio

APSU Principal Registered Apprenticeship Program

Grow Your Own Grant Announcement

Rylei Johnson (Teen Tennessee Petite)

APSU Tennessee Early Literacy Assessment first-time pass rate

Dr. Terri Clark Journal Article Publication

In the Season 1 wrap-up, Megan welcomes Dr. Allison Oliver, assistant professor of special education at Austin Peay State University. Drawing on her 17 years in public education, Dr. Oliver explores two transformative topics: ethical AI implementation and the future of special education.

Discover how Dr. Oliver views AI as both a powerful teaching tool and a potential challenge, advocating for its use as a "thought partner" rather than a replacement for authentic learning. Learn about her new AI workshop for undergraduates that models responsible usage while promoting deeper thinking.

The conversation shifts to Tennessee's critical special education teacher shortage, with Dr. Oliver — whose research focuses on educational equity and teacher development — passionately describing special educators as "super teachers" who close opportunity gaps. She outlines essential strategies for districts and teacher preparation programs, including APSU's revamped approaches, to better support and retain these vital educators.

Dr. Oliver also shares how her commitment to serving marginalized populations through Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. aligns with her educational mission.

⁠APSU Eriksson College of Education⁠

More about Dr. Allison Oliver

Explore APSU’s Undergraduate Special Education Degree Options

Explore APSU’s Graduate Special Education Degree Options

Association of Teacher Educators Teacher Educator Standards, (3rd Edition)

Call for Proposals: Rural Education Conference

Find Upcoming Events on Govs Connect

Dr. Zack Barnes Quoted in Newsweek

APSU GOVing Tuesday

Meagan Potts, community engagement coordinator for the Office of Community Engagement and Sustainability at Austin Peay State University, joins Megan on this month’s episode. Meagan brings a unique blend of student support and gaming culture to her role in Student Affairs.

She oversees critical initiatives, such as Alternative Break Trips and the Engage Living-Learning Community, where she strives to treat college students as young adults navigating some of life's most significant transitions. She earned a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Instructional Technology from the Eriksson College of Education, which equipped her with practical tools and strategies she uses in her day-to-day work.

As advisor for the Govs Gaming student organization, Meagan bridges her professional and personal worlds. She shares more about the growth of esports at APSU, including a recent tournament victory against Middle Tennessee State University.

Dive Deeper:

⁠APSU Eriksson College of Education⁠

Office of Community Engagement and Sustainability

Master of Arts in Education in Curriculum and Instruction: Instructional Technology

⁠Govs Gaming Student Organization⁠

Austin Peay marks esports debut with tiebreaker win over MTSU

Call for Proposals: Rural Education Conference

APSU Full Spectrum Learning

Advocates for Autism Student Organization

Generative AI Use Among Saudi and Korean Language Learners in Higher Education: Examination Through a Modified TAM Framework

Students’ perceptions of generative AI in EFL writing: Strategies, self-efficacy, satisfaction, and behavioural intention

On this episode, Megan chats with Dr. Jena Collins, a new Full Spectrum Learning staff member and August 2025 doctoral graduate of the Eriksson College of Education at Austin Peay State University. Dr. Collins discusses her experience in special education and role in supporting neurodivergent students at Austin Peay, the rich opportunities for research and mentoring available through the doctoral program, and suggestions for inclusive and accessible field trip options.

Dive Deeper:

⁠APSU Eriksson College of Education⁠

Dr. Zack Barnes Quoted in HuffPost

Join us for our Homecoming Brunch

Meet Dr. Jena Collins

APSU Full Spectrum Learning

APSU Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Program

Plan Your Field Trip to Leadville, Colorado

On this episode, Megan chats with Amanda Bradley, a new reading instructor in the Eriksson College of Education at Austin Peay State University. Amanda discusses her previous experience as a student at Austin Peay and her extensive experience as a teacher in the Cheatham County and Clarksville-Montgomery County school districts in Tennessee.

Amanda provides tips and strategies for ELL and reading teachers and shares some of her favorite classroom memories. Amanda is full of energy, and we are excited to see the impact she makes at Austin Peay.

Tune in to hear about Amanda’s “old lady job” and her suggestions for college students!

Dive Deeper:

⁠APSU Eriksson College of Education⁠

English Language Learner Certificate

Reading Graduate Degree

Financial Peace University

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Tomorrow I’ll Be Brave

Following a trailblazer's footsteps: L.M. Ellis's granddaughter completes her own historic journey at Austin Peay

‘Pillar of my motivation’: APSU graduate receives doctoral hood from mother during commencement

On this episode, we chat with Kristen Johnson, a current student in the Grow Your Own Teacher Residency Program at Austin Peay State University. Kristen is set to graduate in August 2025, after which she will continue her dedicated work as a teacher at Norman Smith Elementary.

Kristen highlights the immense benefits of the Grow Your Own program and candidly discusses the highlights of her teacher apprenticeship, including the strong bonds she formed with her cohort and the challenges she overcame, including re-learning how to write academic papers as a nontraditional student.

This episode is a must-listen for aspiring educators and anyone interested in the transformative impact of teacher apprenticeship programs.

Dive Deeper:

⁠APSU Eriksson College of Education⁠

Austin Peay State University Grow Your Own Teacher Apprenticeship

Tennessee Educational Leadership Journal

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