Austin Peay mourns the loss of former president Dr. Sherry Hoppe

The Austin Peay community is in mourning this week, after President Emeritus Dr. Sherry Hoppe has passed away at the age of 78.

Dr. Hoppe was a revolutionary force for Austin Peay, serving as its first female president and leading the university during a pivotal time in its history, from 2001 to 2007. Officials credit Dr. Hoppe with guiding APSU through a period of growth, innovation and renewed stability.

She’s credited with expanding enrollment, strengthening academics and reshaping the campus to welcome future generations and students from all walks of life.

Officials say her legacy lives on at Austin Peay, through the programs, the traditions and the countless lives she impacted along the way. Their thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and all who loved her and were impacted by her leadership.

It's believed by many that she will go down in history as one of APSU's best presidents.