When Deonte Jackson arrived at Troy University following his time in community college, he quickly found a familiar setting that made him feel right at home as a part of the TRIO programs.

“It really felt like family here,” said the senior from Jackson, Alabama, who is set to graduate in December. “I had the opportunity to gain leadership skills here at TROY and better myself as a person and a college student.”

Jackson’s dedication and hard work recently earned him a special recognition – TROY’s Mary J. Griffin Outstanding TRIO Student Award. The award, which honors the legacy of the former director of TROY’s TRIO programs, recognizes one Troy University TRIO student annually for their outstanding academic performance, student leadership and civic engagement. Griffin retired in the spring after 40 years of service to the University.

“Receiving this award means a lot to me,” Jackson said. “The TRIO Program here at TROY has equipped well for life when my college career is complete. I’m just so very grateful for this award and this program.”

Jackson is a Global Business major with concentration in Human Resource Management and has a 3.651 grade-point average. He is the Vice President of Chapter Operations for Delta Sigma Pi and the President of the Student Support Services Student Advisory Council. He is also a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

“We are extremely pleased to have a way to honor the legacy of Mrs. Mary Griffin for her long years of service with our TRIO programs,” said Dr. Hal Fulmer, Associate Provost and Dean of Undergraduate and First-Year Studies. “This annual award provides us with an opportunity to remind future students of the importance of difference-makers like Mrs. Griffin.”

Student Support Services is a federally funded program that provide opportunities for academic development, assists student with basic college requirements, and motivate students toward successfully completing their degree program.