APSU Hosts Back to School Bash for Military Students

Austin Peay State University welcomed military-affiliated students back to campus at its Newton Military Family Resource Center.

Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Military Jobs

Photograph of neatly arranged tables with folded blue t-shirts and water bottles on a brick walkway in front of a red-brick campus building under oak trees. — Austin Peay State University hosted a Back to School Bash on Tuesday for military-affiliated students at its Newton Military Family Resource Center, which makes up 35% of enrollment. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Austin Peay State University hosted a Back to School Bash for military-affiliated students at its Newton Military Family Resource Center. Cumberland Connect and Folds of Honor sponsored the event, which offered catering from Jim N' Nick's Bar-B-Q and t-shirts and limited-edition water bottles while supplies lasted.

Why it matters

The event was held to welcome military-affiliated students back to campus. Military-affiliated students make up 35% of APSU's enrollment, making support services like this a significant part of campus life in Clarksville.

APSU's Military and Veterans Affairs Division employs 27 staff serving a student body in which 35% are military-affiliated. The event drew over 400 attendees last year, and about 500 are expected this year, though the extraction does not state the total enrollment base.

The players

Tommy Baker

Tommy Baker is Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Veteran Services, the state agency overseeing veterans' affairs across Tennessee.

Walt Lord

Walt Lord is Austin Peay State University's Vice President for Military and Veterans Affairs, leading campus support for military-affiliated students.

The details

Guests at the Newton Military Family Resource Center were served catering by Jim N' Nick's Bar-B-Q and received t-shirts and limited-edition water bottles. Operation Stand Down shared information on Operation Commissary, which provides food bags for military-affiliated students.

Last year: The previous Back to School Bash drew over 400 attendees.
November 7, 2026: The Back to School Bash was held at the Newton Center.

Military Jobs Landscape

Campus-based veteran services like APSU's Military and Veterans Affairs Division build on the Operation Commissary model of direct food support for military-affiliated students. Events such as this one extend that support model into the orientation period that begins each academic year.

Military-affiliated students at APSU can access catering, campus supplies, and food bag information through the Newton Military Family Resource Center. Students interested in Operation Commissary food bags should contact the center directly for availability.

The takeaway

Campus support programs for military-affiliated students extend beyond classrooms into welcome events and resource access. Students who are new to the university or returning from service can benefit from connecting with their campus military resource center early in the term.