APSU alumna named new Alumni Relations director
An Austin Peay State University alumna 鈥 who also was crowned Mrs. Tennessee in 2009 鈥 has been named the new director of the Office of Alumni Relations at APSU.
Nicole Loos Peterson, known by colleagues and friends as Nikki, took the helm of the alumni office Oct. 1. She succeeds longtime director Shelia Ross (鈥71), who retired in August after serving the University in various positions for 39 years.
An Austin Peay State University alumna 鈥 who also was crowned Mrs. Tennessee in 2009 鈥 has been named the new director of the Office of Alumni Relations at APSU.
Nicole Loos Peterson, known by colleagues and friends as Nikki, took the helm of the alumni office Oct. 1. She succeeds longtime director Shelia Ross (鈥71), who retired in August after serving the University in various positions for 39 years.
鈥淚 am so excited and anxious to begin work as the director of Alumni Relations. Austin Peay has meant so much to me throughout my life and college career and I am always ready to give back in any way that I can,鈥 Peterson said. 鈥淥ur alumni have laid the foundation of this University and continue to play a vital role in our success. It is my goal as director to continue to build those lasting relationships with our alumni and to increase awareness of APSU and all it has to offer.鈥
As director, Peterson will oversee all APSU National Alumni Association-related events and meetings, alumni volunteer committees and student alumni organizations.
鈥淣ikki has already proved herself to be an invaluable asset in the University鈥檚 efforts to engage and connect with our many alumni,鈥 APSU President Tim Hall stated Thursday in an e-mail announcing her appointment. 鈥淚鈥檓 convinced she will serve the University and our alumni well over the coming years.鈥
A Clarksville native, Peterson most recently was special events coordinator in the Alumni Relations office at APSU. While serving in that position, she developed an undergraduate alumni program called Future Alumni Members, designed to foster affiliation with and affinity for alumni program among students before they graduate.
Prior to APSU, she was assistant director of sports marketing at Middle Tennessee State University from 2007-08.
In addition to alumni service, Peterson competed in the Mrs. Tennessee pageant, winning the title in 2009. That qualified her for a spot in the Mrs. United States 2009 competition, in which she advanced to the semifinal round.
Peterson earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in business marketing in 2004 and then received a master鈥檚 in sports administration in 2006, both from APSU. -- Melony Shemberger