In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Trahern Theatre
200 college street
Clarksville, Tennessee, 37040
United States

Chinyere Ogbonna

Re-creating my Norm: Reconciling my Educational Experience in Nigeria with my Experience as a University Professor at a Southern State University.

Prior to her extensive 30-year-career in academia and health in the U.S., Dr. McGruder worked for WHO in outbreak research. After immigrating to the U.S., she worked in melanoma research at Vanderbilt, served as the bioterrorisim epidemiologist for the state of Tennessee. She is currently a professor of Political Science/Public Management/Criminal Justice and Health Policy at APSU as well as a visiting research professor of International Comparative criminal Justice Systems, Corrections and Women and Crime at Fisk University.

Dannelle Whiteside

You Can’t Say That: Higher Education’s Role in Preserving Free Speech and Promoting Togetherness (Expression)

Whiteside is a higher education leader, education lawyer, strategist, and authenticity advocate. She joined APSU in 2017 and has held various and historic leadership roles including general counsel, vice president for legal affairs and organizational strategy, and interim president. Whiteside and her husband, Sean Whiteside, are the proud parents of two sons, Donovan and Shannon.

Dr. Gregg Steinburg

Purpose Driven Toughness: The key essential to confidence, concentration, and peace of mind.

Dr. Steinberg is a professor in HHP at APSU. He works as a mental game coach for many professional athletes and teams. Golf Digest ranked him as one of the world's greatest sport psychologists.

Jonell Nicholson

Academic Wellness, focusing on the wellness of students and how it affects their academic success.

Nicholson works in the Office of Community Engagement and Sustainability and is a 12-year employee of APSU. She has completed a Bachelor of Science, a Master’s in Strategic Leadership, a certification in Academic Advising & Counseling and a certification in Diversity, Inclusion and Equity at APSU as well. Nicholson is also a Staff Senator and a Title IV Investigative Writer and Advisor.

Jordan Turner

The Fear of Failure

Pursuing a degree in K-5 education, Turner is one credit shy of being a Junior here at APSU. Her aspirations in life are to be an inclusive elementary school educator as well as a child’s author and illustrator. In her free time, she loves to read, draw, write, and play video games!

Laura Farley

Sign Language- The Most Important Factor for Building Connection Between Parents and Deaf Children

Farley was born Deaf and adopted into a family who learned sign language to communicate with her. Farley now advocates for parents of Deaf and Hard of Hearing children to use sign language. She works at APSU as an American Sign Language instructor, and also works with Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals who are in recovery from mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders. Farley enjoys spending time with her three children, having outdoor adventures, playing the piano, gardening, art, and traveling.

Mike Licari

“Star Wars and The Force: Thoughts on Leadership”

Dr. Licari is APSU’s 11th president and has served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Indiana State University. His academic background is in Political Science. He has been a passionate Star Wars fan since 1977.

Obadiah Ewing-Roush

How A Coin Collection and Theatre Taught Me True Togetherness

Ewing-Roush received his MFA in Theatre Arts from the University of Louisville in 2011. He stays busy acting, writing, storytelling, and occasionally directing. Ewing-Roush has performed with Kentucky Shakespeare Festival (Antonio / Much Ado About Nothing), Nashville Shakespeare Festival (Lodovico / Othello), Tennessee Women’s Theatre Project (Voltaire / Emilie du Chatelet Defends Her Life Tonight) and has a feature role in Eric Church’s Lighting video. Married for 30 years and a father of three, Obadiah has taught at Austin Peay as an adjunct theatre professor for six years.

Ray Cole

Expanding the Canon: A new approach to diversifying music education

Cole is a second-year master’s student in instrumental conducting at APSU. Before returning to school to complete his masters, Cole was a high school music teacher in Randolph, Vermont. His studies center around ways to integrate other cultures into the western European centered music ensembles.