Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor of Troy University, has announced the individuals selected for the University’s 2019 Chancellor’s Fellows Program.

The program, directed by Dr. John Kline, professor and director of the Institute for Leadership Development, spans the spring and summer academic semesters and enables Fellows to take part in briefings and meetings and be mentored by senior University officials, while also having the opportunity to meet with business leaders and state government officials.

“The Chancellor’s Faculty and Staff Fellowship Program enables qualified full-time faculty or staff to develop increased knowledge and understanding of the programs and operations of Troy University; furthermore, the fellows receive executive leadership, management and communication skills training,” said Dr. Kline. “Participants are selected based on their leadership potential and service to the University.”

During their tenure, Fellows undertake and complete a study of significance and importance to the University. The 2018 Fellows: Victoria Lee Averett, Dr. Courtney Baggett, Dr. Stephanie Lewis, Dr. Leora Waldner, and Dr. Jason Wingate focused on LATC: Leadership Across the Curriculum. The 2019 Fellows will develop a plan for LATC implementation.

The fellows were nominated by TROY deans, directors or vice chancellors. Five were selected from a list of highly qualified candidates:

• Jerri Carroll is currently Phenix City Campus registrar and the Disability Services coordinator. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate and Organizational Communication from Western Kentucky University, a Master of Science in Human Resource Management with Troy University and is nearing completion of a Ph.D. in Adult Education at Auburn University. Carroll and her husband, A.C., initially moved to Columbus, Ga. as a military family and still reside in the area.

• Matt Clower is the director of University Relations for Troy University and is a TROY graduate and former award-winning newspaper reporter and editor. He joined TROY’s staff in 2008 as a University Relations coordinator and was named the department’s director in 2015. His accomplishments at TROY include development of the University’s social media and digital content strategy, including launching the TROY Today blog. Matt lives in Montgomery with his two sons, Liam and Aiden.

• Tonya Conner is an associate professor and assistant chair and assessment coordinator for the Department of Leadership Development and Professional Studies. She also serves as the International Programs liaison for the College of Education. Her Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Collaborative Education and her Master of Science in Education as a Reading Specialist are from TROY. Her Ed.S. is in Educational Leadership and her Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction are from the University of West Florida. She lives in Headland with her husband of 34 years. The couple has two grown children and three grandchildren.

• Maria Frigge is associate dean of International Student Services. Her bachelor’s is from Carson-Newman University in International Economics. Her master’s is from University of Tennessee – Knoxville, in Sport Management. She works to improve and retain international students at Troy University and to assist students throughout their education at the University. She also seeks to find ways to integrate students into the culture and community. She and her husband, Mike, and their three sons reside in Troy.

• John C. Garner is professor and chair of Kinesiology and Health Promotion at TROY. His research focuses on biomechanics of human movement in work and sport settings, specifically focused on footwear and posture mechanics. Garner’s Ph.D. in Biomechanics and his master’s in Exercise Science are from Auburn University. He completed an All-American Baseball career and earned his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Delta State University. Dr. Garner and his wife, Bethany, have a daughter.