Halbert Harvill (November 28, 1893 – December 1, 1986) was an American university president, basketball and baseball coach, and politician. A native of Tennessee, Harvill became an educator and taught in small towns until he served in the Army during World War I. Upon his return from war, he attended Middle Tennessee State University where he graduated in 1927. Harvill moved to Murfreesboro, Tennessee to become an assistant professor of history at Austin Peay State University. After a few years, he fought in World War II, and upon his return Harvill was named the next president of Austin Peay. Harvill held the position from 1946 to 1962. During his tenure, the school grew from 417 full-time students to 2,118 and had constructed 13 new buildings. Harvill also served as the school's first ev