Ƶ

Go back

In the News: Austin Peay alum promoted to lead Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory

Austin Peay State University physics alumnus Billy Teets (’04) has been promoted to director of Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory.  Teets has worked at Dyer for more than 14 years and took the helm there as interim director last summer after the retirement of longtime director Rocky Alvey.  Vanderbilt University’s Vice Chancellor for Government and Community Relations Nathan Green told Vanderbilt News, “Billy has enthusiastically contributed to the Dyer legacy in his many roles at the observatory. He is the unique person to advance Vanderbilt’s mission through community engagement with an academic focus at Dyer. He knows, loves and can lead the observatory into a bright future.”  Teets earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Austin Peay and a doctorate in physics with a concentration in astronomy from Vanderbilt in 2012. He is also a Clarksville native.  “As so many people have said before, Dyer Observatory is a very special place,” Teets told Vanderbilt News. “It is a great honor and privilege to hold the same position as someone like Professor Seyfert, and I am excited to continue in this rich legacy.”  Dyer was the brainchild of Vanderbilt astronomer Carl K. Seyfert, who is renowned for his discovery of a class of galaxies that still bear his name.  To read the full story, click here.  To see a video displaying Teets’ passion at Dyer, click here.  To learn more  For more about the Department of Physics, Engineering and Astronomy at Austin Peay, visit www.apsu.edu/physics.
Teets during a Vanderbilt outreach program. (Vanderbilt University photo)

(Posted Jan. 14, 2021)

Austin Peay State University physics alumnus Billy Teets (’04) has been promoted to director of .

Austin Peay State University physics alumnus Billy Teets (’04) has been promoted to director of Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory.  Teets has worked at Dyer for more than 14 years and took the helm there as interim director last summer after the retirement of longtime director Rocky Alvey.  Vanderbilt University’s Vice Chancellor for Government and Community Relations Nathan Green told Vanderbilt News, “Billy has enthusiastically contributed to the Dyer legacy in his many roles at the observatory. He is the unique person to advance Vanderbilt’s mission through community engagement with an academic focus at Dyer. He knows, loves and can lead the observatory into a bright future.”  Teets earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Austin Peay and a doctorate in physics with a concentration in astronomy from Vanderbilt in 2012. He is also a Clarksville native.  “As so many people have said before, Dyer Observatory is a very special place,” Teets told Vanderbilt News. “It is a great honor and privilege to hold the same position as someone like Professor Seyfert, and I am excited to continue in this rich legacy.”  Dyer was the brainchild of Vanderbilt astronomer Carl K. Seyfert, who is renowned for his discovery of a class of galaxies that still bear his name.  To read the full story, click here.  To see a video displaying Teets’ passion at Dyer, click here.  To learn more  For more about the Department of Physics, Engineering and Astronomy at Austin Peay, visit www.apsu.edu/physics.
Teets (Vanderbilt University photo)

Teets has worked at Dyer for more than 14 years and took the helm there as interim director last summer after the retirement of longtime director Rocky Alvey.

Vanderbilt University’s Vice Chancellor for Government and Community Relations Nathan Green told , “Billy has enthusiastically contributed to the Dyer legacy in his many roles at the observatory. He is the unique person to advance Vanderbilt’s mission through community engagement with an academic focus at Dyer. He knows, loves and can lead the observatory into a bright future.”

Teets earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Austin Peay and a doctorate in physics with a concentration in astronomy from Vanderbilt in 2012. He is also a Clarksville native.

“As so many people have said before, Dyer Observatory is a very special place,” Teets told Vanderbilt News. “It is a great honor and privilege to hold the same position as someone like Professor Seyfert, and I am excited to continue in this rich legacy.”

Dyer was the brainchild of Vanderbilt astronomer Carl K. Seyfert, who is renowned for his discovery of a class of galaxies that still bear his name.

To read the full story, .

To see a video displaying Teets’ passion at Dyer, .

To learn more

For more about the Department of Physics, Engineering and Astronomy at Austin Peay, visit .

News Feed

View All News
april-2025-governors-golden-ale
Austin Peay State University partners with NASCAR's Michael Waltrip on signature light beer

APSU unveiled the Governor's Golden Ale, a signature light beer developed in partnership with Michael Waltrip Brewing Co. and Shelby's Trio, during a community meet-and-greet at Joe's Garage.

Read More
april-2024-jazz-festival
Austin Peay hosting 64th annual Mid-South Jazz Festival through April 5

This year's event features performances by the APSU Jazz Collective, Cumberland Winds Jazz Project, and the Bobby Watson Group.

Read More
Forbes features APSU's pioneering teacher apprenticeship program
Forbes features APSU's pioneering teacher apprenticeship program

Forbes has recognized APSU's Eriksson College of Education for its groundbreaking teacher apprenticeship program--the nation's first approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. The innovative "earn while you learn" model has influenced similar programs across 45 states and U.S. territories.

Read More