After 38 years leading Troy University, Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. will conclude his service as Chancellor on June 30, 2027, under a revised timeline designed to align the University’s leadership transition at the start of the 2027-2028 academic year.
Last year, Dr. Hawkins and the Troy University Board of Trustees announced he would serve as Chancellor through Dec. 31, 2027. Dr. Hawkins said the revised timeline will allow his successor to begin the new academic year at the beginning of the Fall semester.
“I joined Troy State University on Sept. 1, 1989,” Dr. Hawkins said. “The opportunity to welcome faculty, staff and students at the beginning of a new academic year was beneficial as I transitioned into leadership following Dr. Ralph Adams. Dr. Adams was a great friend, and he worked with me during the months that followed to ensure the transition was seamless. That is also my desire as we prepare for TROY’s next Chancellor.
Under the revised plan, Dr. Hawkins will transition to an advisory role after concluding his tenure as Chancellor and will formally retire from the University on June 30, 2028. But even in retirement, Dr. Hawkins and wife Janice Hawkins will continue to serve and support the University.
“As Chancellor Emeritus I look forward to supporting Troy University and its leadership for years to come, Dr. Hawkins said. “That is why Janice and I are building a home here in Troy. We love this university and this community.”
President Pro Tem Gibson Vance said the Board of Trustees supports the revised timeline as it conducts the search for Troy University’s next Chancellor.
“The Trustees look forward to celebrating Dr. Hawkins’ 38 years of extraordinary accomplishments in the months ahead while we remain actively engaged in the search for Troy University’s next Chancellor,” Vance said. “This timeline will provide the next Chancellor with the opportunity to begin alongside our students, faculty and staff at the start of a new academic year.”
Dr. Hawkins’ final academic year as Chancellor will coincide with Troy University’s 140th anniversary.
“The year ahead promises to be an exciting one as we celebrate 140 years of service,” Dr. Hawkins said. “Our academic reputation is strong, our athletic teams are positioned for success, we are financially healthy and our campuses are beautiful. As I begin my final 10 months of active service as Chancellor, I join our entire leadership team in reaffirming our commitment to ensuring that this University is positioned for another 140 years of success.”
More than $400 million has been invested in capital improvements since Dr. Hawkins was named Chancellor of the Troy State University System in 1989, including new academic buildings across TROY’s Alabama campuses.
A Marine Corps combat veteran of the Vietnam War, Dr. Hawkins has made service to military students a hallmark of his tenure. TROY has been repeatedly recognized for its support of military-connected students, including being named a “Best for Vets” institution by Military Times.
Dr. Hawkins also served as the catalyst for the University’s evolution into an international institution. During his tenure, TROY attracted record numbers of international students and established teaching sites around the world. Academic standards for admission were elevated, new degree programs were established across the University’s academic colleges, and intercollegiate athletics advanced to the highest level of NCAA competition.
