Officials from Troy University and the Alabama World Affairs Council signed a partnership agreement on Wednesday during a ceremony at the University’s Montgomery Campus.

Under the agreement, events of the Council will be held at Troy University Montgomery, including an upcoming presentation by Ambassador Joseph Wilson on “Africa and the U.S.: Past and Present on Sept. 20 and an International Security Issues daytime lecture series that will kick off on Sept. 22. Evening programs will take place in the Gold Room, located on the second floor of Whitley Hall, beginning with a reception at 5:30 p.m. The daytime lecture series will be held at 1 p.m. in the auditorium of the Rosa Parks Museum.

The Alabama World Affairs Council sponsors lectures and programs on current and recent events of national and international interest throughout the year with the aim to increase individuals’ knowledge of world affairs and how they impact the United States. The Council also serves as a platform to showcase some of the world-class faculty at Maxwell Air Force Base’s Air University.

Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor of Troy University, said the partnership was a natural extension of the University’s international focus.

“We believe that this partnership will serve Troy University, the Council, its members and its future members, which will increasingly include students, very well,” Dr. Hawkins said. “We want our students to be mindful and sensitive to the cultures of the world. We want our students to be globally competitive, and I believe to be globally competitive, you must be globally aware. This is win-win for everybody.”

Dr. Grant Hammond, president of the Alabama World Affairs Council, said his organization was excited about the opportunity to join in partnership with TROY.

“A great many of the World Affairs Councils nationwide are affiliated with universities, and joining forces with Troy University – Alabama’s international university – made perfect sense,” Dr. Hammond said. “Through the years, the Alabama World Affairs Council has primarily served the people of the River Region, but we believe that in concert with Troy University, we can make this truly a World Affairs Council that serves all of Alabama.”

For additional information about upcoming events or membership, visit the Council’s website.