Alabama Secretary of State and Troy University alumnus Wes Allen encouraged Troy University graduates on Friday develop a strong work ethic and be willing to meet adversity head on as they progress into the next chapter of their lives.

Allen delivered the keynote address during the summer commencement ceremony inside Trojan Arena on the Troy Campus. Nearly 350 graduates took part in the ceremony, including three receiving associate’s degree, 168 receiving undergraduate degrees, 157 receiving graduate degrees, six receiving the Educational Specialist degree, and one receiving a doctorate.

“When you wake up tomorrow, a new chapter will begin in your life,” he said. “I want you to picture what you want your life to be. Where do you envision yourself 10 years from now? What do your dreams and aspirations look like 30 years into the future. Some of you will pursue additional degrees, some of you will immediately join the workforce, but all of you will start a new part of your life – a part where the years will seem to pass much quicker, where expectations increase and responsibilities become more serious. As you step into the next phase of life, circumstances will not always be easy, days will not always be fun, but every day, every decision, every achievement will matter. It will matter to you in the present and it will help shape your life in the future.”

Allen reminded graduates that the world owes them nothing. Everything, he said, must be earned and that begins with developing a strong work ethic.

“Your life will be the sum of all your choices and decisions, and that starts will work ethic. Work ethic is the belief in work as a moral good and a set of values centered on doing work and reflected in a determination to work hard to accomplish your goals,” Allen said. ‘Work ethic is setting goals – short-term or long-term, professional or personal – and working through the steps to achieve those goals. But you’ve got to have a plan. Write down that plan. I had someone tell me a long time ago, plan your work and work your plan.”

Work ethic, Allen said, is the key to realizing success and achieving goals.  

“Regardless of how long the road to achieving your long or short-term goals may be, work ethic is being willing to be tired, it is being willing to be to have aches and pains, it is being willing to put down the video games or miss your favorite television show, to miss a fun night out with your friends, if that is what is necessary to accomplish your goals,” he said. “It is realizing the value to earning what you have and be willing to put in the hours and the effort to achieve what is required to live the life that you want to live, not just today but in the future.”

Allen reminded graduates that failure is a part of life, and things might not always go as planned.

“Things are not always going to go your way. Failure is part of life, but it is your reaction to failure that will determine your future,” he said. “You must be willing to learn from failure, adjust and try again. Never, ever quit. That is the key to success. Winston Churchill said that failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts. Today is the day that you decide that hard work, early hours, late hours, the chance of failure will not be enough to keep you from tackling difficult things.”

In closing, Allen challenged graduates to meet adversity head on.

“I’m here to encourage you to commit to be the person that meets adversity head on. Every day, wake up early, get out of bed, roll your sleeves up and go earn it. Every day, work your plan. You will get what you earn,” he said. “You will have the dignity and pride that comes with knowing that you worked hard and earned the things that you have. You will pass those principles on to your children, and they will possess the work ethic and commitment to excellence that will ensure the next generation can succeed. You will serve as an example to those around you. Your life will encourage others to strive to be their best. Don’t complain, just do. Lead your life with honesty and integrity and you will become the person you want to be. This state is a place where impossible is probable. This country is a place where extraordinary is ordinary. Go out and earn your place in it.”

Allen was sworn in as Alabama’s 54th Secretary of State on January 16, 2023. A lifelong Republican, he served as Pike County’s Probate Judge for nearly a decade before being elected to serve District 89 in the Alabama House of Representatives. He has announced his candidacy for lieutenant governor.

He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama where he played football for the Crimson Tide. He received his master’s degree from Troy University. He and his wife, Cae, have two children. Davis is a graduate of Troy University. Dee is a student at the University of Alabama. They are members of First Baptist Church of Troy, where Wes is an ordained Deacon and Sunday School leader.