Troy University’s Board of Trustees have asked Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. to reconsider his decision to retire and have asked him to continue to lead the University. 

Board President Gibson Vance reaffirmed the board’s commitment to Dr. Hawkins’ continued leadership and vision during the Board’s meeting on Saturday, Sept. 21 at the Troy Campus.

“I’ve spoken with each member of the Board and they’ve asked me to deliver a message to you,” Mr. Vance said to Dr. Hawkins.

“It is with unanimous consent that we do not accept your resignation. Given the ongoing plans to move to R2 status and other initiatives now in motion, the Board is unanimous in its belief that Dr. Hawkins is the right person to lead our institution,” he said.

Dr. Hawkins announced his intent to retire on September 3 in an email to faculty and staff. He is the longest-serving chief executive of a public university in the nation.

“I seldom find myself speechless, but I find myself that way today,” Dr Hawkins said. “One thing (First Lady Janice Hawkins) and I have found at TROY is its unique culture, and I’m humbled and grateful for what has been said today. We’ve always preached ‘mission first’ and, as long as there is a mission that remains to complete, we will be here.

“In my retirement letter I referenced Ecclesiastes which tells us there is a season for all things. I look forward to working with my family and the entire university community to define the next season,” he said.

Dr. Hawkins formally responded to the Board’s request in an email to faculty and staff on Monday, Sept. 23, affirming his commitment to continue serving as chancellor:

One of the things that makes Troy University unique is its culture, which reflects the commitment of each of you.
 
On Saturday, the Board of Trustees asked that I reconsider my decision to retire. Janice and I were incredibly humbled and grateful for the heartfelt sentiments expressed during our board meeting. I believe TROY has the most dedicated and unified governing board in all higher education, and I am deeply appreciative to have their support.
 
After consideration, Janice and I are honored to continue to serve as your Chancellor and First Lady.
 
Our goal since arriving at Troy University has been to make this a world-class institution. We have already had much success on the path to that goal, but the journey continues. I am convinced that the greatest days are ahead for our extraordinary University, and as Helen Keller said, “together we can do so much.”   

Jack Hawkins, Jr., Ph.D.
Chancellor

Dr. Hawkins, a native of Mobile, Alabama, was named Chancellor of the Troy State University System on Sept. 1, 1989. He has overseen an era of change and growth at TROY. More than $375 million has been invested in capital improvements by the Hawkins Administration, including new academic buildings on all four of TROY’s Alabama campuses. Chancellor Hawkins served as the catalyst for the University’s evolution to an international institution, as TROY has attracted record numbers of students from other nations and established teaching sites around the world. During his tenure, academic standards for admission have been increased, new degree programs were established in all academic colleges, and intercollegiate athletics joined the highest level of NCAA competition.