CLARKSVILLE, TN – Humphreys County native Brad Withrow began his journey at Austin Peay State University (APSU) in 1984, balancing coursework, part-time jobs and campus life. Then a car accident left his accounting professor, Dr. Wesley Fortner Jr., paralyzed, and the experience taught Withrow a leadership lesson that guides him to this day – “it’s not about me.”
When Fortner returned to campus, Withrow helped with his physical recovery as a student aide, assisted with lesson preparation and wrote accounting problems on the chalkboard during class. Working to mirror his professor’s precision sharpened his accounting and communication skills.
“The added complexity of me writing while he was speaking and trying to understand what he wanted at times was challenging because he was very precise, and thankfully, very patient with me,” Withrow said. “I learned so much, and we helped each other.”…