Troy University Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. has been appointed Chairman of the Air University Foundation, which provides vital resources and support to Air University in its mission to develop future military leaders.

“We are honored to welcome Dr. Jack Hawkins, Chancellor of Troy University, to the Air University Foundation Board of Officers and Trustees as its newly elected Chairman of the Board,” said Joe Panza Air University Foundation Executive Director. “His leadership and expertise will be invaluable in supporting our mission and guiding our initiatives. We look forward to Dr. Hawkins’ contributions and collaboration in advancing the foundation’s goals.”

The Foundation complements Air University programs and initiatives by offering resources when, for policy or budgetary reasons, government funding is not available. Its primary focus is on study, research, and programs related to the role of air, space, and cyberspace power in advancing U.S. security interests around the world.

“The Air University Foundation is integral in supporting both students and faculty at Air University, and I look forward to helping continue its mission to develop America’s next generation of military leaders,” Dr. Hawkins said.

Air University, headquartered at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama, is the nation’s only university dedicated solely to developing leaders who are experts in air and space power. Each year, its resident and non-resident programs graduate more than 120,000 officers, enlisted personnel, civilians, and joint and coalition partners from countries around the world.

Appointed Chancellor of Troy University in 1989, Dr. Hawkins is the nation’s longest-serving chief executive officer of a public, four-year institution of higher learning. A combat veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, he earned the Purple Heart for his service in Vietnam.  His experiences in higher education and the Marine Corps led to his past selection for service on Boards of Visitors at Air University and the Marine Corps University.

Under Dr. Hawkins’ leadership, Troy University has become internationally recognized for its commitment to serving military students and veterans through flexible degree programs, campus partnerships, and a strong emphasis on leadership development.