Troy University officials cut the ribbon on a new Center for Student Success at the University’s Montgomery Campus on Monday.

Made possible by a Title III grant through the U.S. Department of Education’s Strengthening Institutions Program, the Center brought together tutoring, academic and career counseling, testing and student study and work places into a single location on the third floor of the Rosa Parks Library and Museum.

“It is really true that people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care,” said Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor. “Our staff and faculty at Troy University represent some of the most caring people in the world. When you think about what is going on here in this place, it serves as a bridge to the future. I want to thank those of you who come to this Center every day who extend that hand to help so many others. This Center is helping so many students to realize their full potential.”

Bre Gentry, the Center’s Director and Title III Project Director, said the new Center is dedicated to serving the needs of all TROY students.

“We are so excited to finally share our new Center for Student Success with you today,” Gentry said. “COVID caused a little delay, but we’re finally able to officially dedicate this important center for our students. Through a generous grant from the U.S. Department of Education, known as the Title III Project, we offer a central environment for student services, not just the Montgomery Campus students, but any Troy student needing our services, regardless of campus location.”

Gentry said the centralization of services is producing tangible results and having a tremendous impact on TROY students.

“We have an amazing team in the Center for Student Success,” she said. “On top of these amazing services, our students enjoy the open, modern, and quiet spaces to study individually or as groups. The rolling whiteboards have been a hit for students to be creative and collaborate. Overall, the Center for Student Success has had a 29 percent increase in students served this year.”

Tutoring services and Success and Retention services have experienced some of the most impressive increases over last year, according to Gentry.

“Our English/Writing and Math/Science tutoring services have been booming with the addition of two full-time tutors,” she said. “Last year, we offered tutoring to students through part-time faculty support. With the two full-time tutors in place, we have increased the number of students served by 129 percent. Academic Advising services have had a 15 percent increase in the number of students served. Through the Success and Retention services, struggling students are guided toward a path of success. Once students enroll in TROY, we want them to stay and succeed in their educational pursuits. Success and Retention services have seen a 39 percent increase in students served.”

Montgomery Campus Vice Chancellor Ray White served as emcee for the ceremony and cutting the ribbon along with Gentry were: Dr. Hawkins, Dr. Lance Tatum, Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dr. Sharon Everhardt and Dr. Robert Vilardi. Drs. Tatum, Everhardt and Vilardi were instrumental securing the grant for the project.

Also introduced during the ceremony were members of the Center’s staff: Danyal Jones, Title III Project Coordinator, who played a vital role in the design, renovation and implementation of the Center; Stephany Hammock, the Center’s Administrative Assistant and current TROY student; Hiram Faircloth, Student Intervention Coach; Robert Vickery II, Success and Retention Coordinator; Dr. Victoria Springer, Academic Advisor; Jacob Lanier, Academic Advisor; Dr. Sally Clark, Math/Science Tutor; Tyler DeVore, English/Writing Tutor; Keith Winn, Testing Center Manager; Mildred Akintunde, Testing Center Clerk; Sarah Grace Stone, Disability Services Assistant/Reader; and, Carolyn Goode, Disability Services Coordinator.

The Center operates from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m. to noon on Fridays. For additional information, visit www.troy.edu/about-us/montgomery-campus/center-student-success/index.html.