Troy University has honored two students and a member of the University’s staff with the 2025 Algernon Sydney Sullivan Awards.

Alyssa Billings, a senior Rehabilitation and Disability Studies major, Ben Hollensworth, a senior Exercise Physiology Pre-Health major, and Preston Pritchett, Director of the Sorrell 360 Center and Lecturer in the Sorrell College of Business, received the Sullivan Awards during a luncheon in their honor on Wednesday at the Troy Campus. The recipients were also honored during the University’s annual Honors Convocation Wednesday afternoon.

The Sullivan Award, which is presented at select colleges and universities throughout the United States, recognizes recipients for their excellence of character, humanitarian service and spiritual qualities. The award has been presented annually to a male student, a female student and one non-student at TROY since 1981. Students, faculty and staff nominate candidates for the award.

“We believe that it is appropriate that we present the Sullivan Awards at Troy University,” said Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor. “Our mission is to develop students into leaders with well-defined values who will go out into the world and make a huge difference. We believe that these values are more important today than ever in our history.”

Billings has dedicated her time to Kappa Delta sorority and is active in the community where she is involved with Girl Scouts of the USA, Prevent Child Abuse America and volunteering at Serenity South, Troy Elementary School, Backpack for Kids among others.

Billings said her TROY experience has meant everything to her.

“It has taken the shell of the girl I once was and turned her into the woman I am today,” she said. “I have made so many connections and formed so many friendships. The faculty and staff have really helped grow me into the person I am today. I’m really sad to be leaving soon.”

Billings said she was shocked but extremely honored to receive the Sullivan Award.

“I feel so humbled and honored that someone thought so highly of me to nominate me,” she said. “To be chosen is something I will never be able to say thank you for enough because it is so incredible to me.”

Hollensworth is president of TROY’s Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity and took part in the organization’s six-day, 128.3-mile fundraising walk to support Jeep Sullivan’s Wounded Warrior Outdoor Adventures, committing himself not only to completing the physical challenge but to ensuring others were cared for along the way. Hollensworth also has served TROY as an Impact Leader, helping to creates a welcoming environment where new students feel connected and valued.

Hollensworth said TROY has provided him with many opportunities to get involved and grow during his time on campus.

“I really wanted to get involved, and TROY has given me numerous opportunities to get involved,” he said. “It has formed me into the man and leader I am today. TROY has been absolutely everything to me.”

Hollensworth said knowing that someone felt he was worthy of nomination for the award is something he will always treasure.

“It means a lot to me,” he said. “Winning the award is cool, but I think the best part about all of this is that someone taking the time out of their day to nominate me. That has to be the highest honor that I could receive.”

Pritchett works with Families Count, an organization offering teaching and mentorship for parents with children who are either in foster care or in danger of being removed from the home. He volunteers with the children’s ministry in his church where he makes it a priority to be a resource for others. Pritchett mentors TROY students, as well as supports them in their endeavors. He previously served as a public-school educator and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Global Leadership at TROY.

Pritchett said receiving the Sullivan Award was not something he expected but was truly an honor.

“I would imagine that most people who are passionate about serving aren’t seeking recognition, but when it happens to find you, it is certainly an honor,” he said. “I’ve been blessed to be surrounded by so many leaders in my family and friend group who practice service on a daily basis. Being able to reflect the service that I’ve seen shown to me is something I try to live out on a daily basis. The opportunity to have recognition was not something I was expecting but I’m certainly accepting of and very honored to receive this recognition.”