Austin Peay State University - Yearbook (Clarksville, TN)

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When asked why dorm life has been such a dead beat area of social life, Riggs commented that it was simply a problem of a lack of funds. Although plans for dorm betterment are on the drawing board, it will prob- ably be next year, when hopefully, money will be a little easier to come by, before any of these plans will be put in motion. The physical changes of the campus under the Riggsl administration have been extensive in the past 19-or-so months, The planting of various trees and shrubbery and the grooming of the grounds have given APSUls campus a more distinguished look, which Riggs hopes, will aid in the attraction of more students. But, according to the President, this is just the beginning of campus better- ment at Austin Peay. Included in changes are plans for re- moving the wooden light poles and re- placing them with a more attractive aluminum-type pole. There are also plans for additional sidewalks through- out the campus. One important change to Austin Peay will be the construction of new parking lots. These parking lots will in- clude a new one beside the McCord Building on College Street, plus the paving of the parking lots behind the Armory and in front of Burt Elementary SchooL ltActualIy , stated Riggs, t'we have plenty of parking space, its just that some people are going to have to walk a little to get to class. Another area of campus improve- ment has been the new look given to the University Center snack bar. Al- though there has been some contro- versy over the snack bar, improve- ments have been made to upgrade ser- 1 ? s Top - Dr. George Mabry and his clown of a friend take time out to entertain President and Mrs. Riggs at the Madrigal Feast. Above - With the help of Austin Peay's maintenance staff the buildings on campus have new attractive signs. Left - President Robert Riggs and Maj. Gen. John A. Wickham. post commander of Ft. Campbell, seem to be in happy agreement over the contracts signed between Austin Peay and Eagle University.

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area that made it possible to continue to upgrade Austin Peay academically. The social atmosphere on campus has also improved under Riggs' admin- istration, with the majority of improve- ments being made in the area of intra- mural recreation. Riggs felt that the hiring of a full-time intramural director, Bob Neilson, was the major plus in the up-grading of intramural recreation. This attributed to the fact that Neilson now has more time to plan and impro- vise new areas of recreation. Plans for the construction of new tennis courts and soccer goals and nets for the program were also imple- mented during the 1976-77 year. Riggs indicated that he is pleased with the fraternity and sorority system at APSU, which he feels adds a needed dimension to the social atmopshere of Austin Peay. The Greek system on campus has proved to be such an asset to Austin Peay that the administration has gone as far as helping to improve the appearances of fraternity houses. The reasoning behind the help given the Greek system is obvious; the more active students tend to find their stay at Austin Peay happier. The Wednesday night movies are an- other example of the administration's effort to try to keep students socially involved on campus. The movie nights, sponsored by the University Social Activities Board on campus, have been termed a success, probably due to the good quality of films presented, plus the fact the mov- ies tend to break the monotony of the school week. Yet, as far as Austin Peay has pro- gressed socially, Riggs still feels that one major area of campus life has been overlooked . . . dorm life. The 34-year- oid president commented Dormitory life should be the focal point of social activities on campus, sponsoring such activities as dances, intramural teams, dinners, etc. Right - While some people don't take basketball games seriously, George Fisher, President Riggs and Doug Vance can't be included in that group. Top Right - The re- roofing of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity House was just one of the summer projects that Riggs had planned for campus betterment.

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Right - With the APSU campus police direct- ing traffic, Drane Street gets a much needed repaving job. Below - Slowly, but surely, the Dunn Center nears completion as finishing touches are added to the landscaping of the structure. Bottom - Charles McCormick and , H L Billy Jones, from the Department of Gas and s 4H sz-3 t ?; M Water, help make Austin Peay a little safer W i 6;? l with the addition of a new fire hydrant near , Killebrew Hall. . L399 Me vice and to provide a greater variety of food. Yet, no matter how attractive a place is, if students cant find a seat it doesn't do much good; and, as Riggs explained, HThere is just no way to ex- pand the seating capacity at this time. As far as building renovation goes, Austin Peay has much to look forward to in the near future. The Clement Building will again be under renovation tAustin Peay is pres- ently going to court to find out why the new heating system doesnt work; the Harvill Cafeteria will be getting a com- plete workover and the Marks Industri- al Arts and Technology Building is also scheduled for upgraded facilities. The Dunn Center will finally be com- pleted in the near future, with the ad- dition of shrubs t and other landscap- ing; and attractive lighting system. There are no current plans for the construction of new buildings on cam- pus, since Austin Peay can presently handle, in a comfortable manner, all enrollment estimates. When asked how he viewed his ac- complishments to date, APSU's fifth president responded, HWe have made some progress this year, but it has been a frustrating time because of the budget. llm looking forward to next year, since the money situation should be easier and we can finalize some of the plans welve made. F8lH