By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–Austin Peay State University President Dr. Alisa White was the speaker at this morning’s Donuts With the Director at the Paris-Henry County Chamber of Commerce office, speaking of her passion for education and how important Paris and Henry County is to the university.
It will be a full day for Dr. White, as she also is making a presentation at local schools and at the Paris Rotary Club. Dr. White’s husband, Elliott Herzlich, is a member of Rotary and accompanied her on her Paris visit.
Speaking of Paris, Dr. White said, “You have such a spirit here, such a community built here where kids really don’t have to leave”.
Dr. White spoke of the growth being made at APSU in many areas and her strong belief that education can transform families. College graduates, she said, “need to think beyond that first job” and she advises graduates how important it it “to continue to be an educated person after you graduate. Read newspapers, a variety of them, so that you can learn about all points of view and continue educating yourself.”
APSU is growing the academic opportunities available there “to match where the industries are going” and has formed natural alliances with military and their families due to its proximity to Fort Campbell, she said.
Photo: Dr. Alisa White, right, speaks before this morning’s presentation with (from left): Chamber Community Relations Director Kasey Muench, Armand Hebert of McKenzie, Chamber Director Travis McLeese and Paris City Commissioner Sam Tharpe. (Shannon McFarlin photo).