Maj. Gen. William K. Gayler, commanding general of the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker, will deliver the keynote speech during commencement exercises, which begin at 3 p.m.

More than 120 students will graduate during Troy University’s Dothan Campus Spring Commencement on Sunday, May 20 at the Dothan Civic Center.

Gayler assumed duties as the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence commanding general on April 6, 2016.

His career began as a distinguished military graduate of North Georgia College in Dahlonega, Georgia, where he was commissioned as an aviation officer in 1988. He holds two master’s degrees, one in military arts and Sciences and one in national security strategy, and is a graduate of the Command and General Staff College and the National War College.

Gayler’s awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit (3 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Bronze Star Medal (2 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Meritorious Service Medal (5 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Air Medal (Numeral 6), the Army Commendation Medal (2 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Army Achievement Medal (Oak Leaf Cluster), the Air Assault Badge, the Combat Action Badge and the Honorable Order of Saint Michael (Bronze and Silver award).

He is married to the former Michele Nash of Stone Mountain, Georgia, and they have three daughters: Katie, Margaret and Samantha.