A newly established endowment will honor the legacy of one of Troy University’s founders and will be among the first such creation in the nation.
Troy Bank & Trust is donating $1.5 million to the Sorrell College of Business for the creation of the Troy Bank & Trust Community Banking Endowed Chair in honor of Charles Henderson.
“This Chair will carry Charles Henderson’s legacy forward by investing in future generations of financial leaders who, like him, believe in strengthening local communities through service and enterprise,” said TROY Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. “This generous gift is a powerful example of what happens when like-minded institutions are aligned, like TB&T and Troy University, with both truly dedicated to helping their constituents achieve success through dedicated and caring service. It is not by chance that such synergy exists across TB&T, Troy University, and the City of Troy – each is blessed to be direct beneficiaries of one truly extraordinary man, Charles Henderson.”
Henderson was a towering figure in Troy’s history – an entrepreneur, philanthropist and former Alabama governor whose vision helped establish the University in 1887. Following Henderson’s passing in 1937, his Will established a perpetual charitable Trust that initially funded the construction of schools in Pike County. Today and in perpetuity, the Trust distributes financial support to the Charles Henderson Child Health Center, which provides essential healthcare services to children in need as contemplated in Gov. Henderson’s Will. Today, the Charles Henderson Trust owns more than 51 percent of the bank which he and others founded in 1906
“We are proud to carry forward his vision,” said Sherill Crowe, Chairman of the Henderson Bancshares Board. “This Chair will not only strengthen the academic foundation of Troy University but also deepen the connection between our bank and the community we serve. I want to extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Jack Hawkins, Dr. Judson Edwards, and the Troy University Foundation for their unwavering commitment to the students who come to TROY to learn, grow, and lead.”
Jeff Kervin, Troy Bank & Trust President, and CEO said the gift will solidify a well-established partnership with academia.
“This endowed chair represents a powerful alignment between Troy Bank & Trust and Troy University. It will support the Sorrell College of Business in its mission to educate and inspire future financial leaders who understand that banking is not just about numbers, but about people, relationships, and strengthening the communities we serve. It has been an honor to continue the great relationship between the bank and the university—one that supports not only students, but our community as a whole,” he said.
Hawkins said that community banking was the lifeblood of growth in the state.
“The sustainability and growth of Alabama’s economy is directly dependent on local financial institutions,” he said. “The Charles Henderson Chair will support the banking industry through engagement, applied research, and leadership development—delivering resources that help community banks innovate, attract talent, and adapt to an evolving financial landscape.”
The Charles Henderson Chair will help the Sorrell College better serve both students and the banking industry in Alabama, said Dean Dr. Judson Edwards.
“This $1.5 million investment will directly benefit our students by enhancing coursework, delivered by a truly specialized community banking-focused faculty member,” he said. “Through engagement with Alabama banks, this professor will help expand access to internships, mentorships, and real-world banking experiences for our students. Ultimately, this gift ensures TROY students graduate, not only career-ready, but community-minded—being well-prepared to serve Alabama’s financial institutions with skill and integrity.”
The Sorrell College of Business has long been a leader in banking education through its accounting, finance, and economics programs. The College has produced many of Alabama’s most respected banking professionals—from respected former State Banking Superintendents, such as Dr. Wayne Curtis and Mr. John Harrison, to today’s CEOs, such as Jeff Kervin (Troy Bank & Trust), Chad Jones (First Bank of Alabama), and Kevin Chapman (Renasant Bank), and even the Vice-Chairman of the Federal Reserve System, Dr. Manley Johnson.
“The new Chair not only builds on this legacy inside the classroom, but it also enhances our ability to serve community banks through research and outreach, ensuring our impact is making a difference to our graduates and Alabama banks,” Edwards said.
