Time and time again, visitors to Troy University comment on the family-like atmosphere that welcomes them the moment they step onto campus. In addition to hiring qualified faculty and staff, there is a common theme among many employees—they are actually family.

In a report of employees hired over the last 10 years, TROY has welcomed over 400 family members ranging from spouses to nieces, nephews and in-laws.

“At TROY, it’s not just a workplace; it’s a family where generations of students and employees come home to,” said Ashley English, Associate Vice Chancellor of Human Resources. “Seeing family members on campus adds a special dimension to the TROY experience. It fosters a sense of belonging and connection, reinforcing the idea that this is more than just an institution.

“We want our students to feel like a part of the TROY family—to have a support system that goes beyond the classroom.”

While rural universities have always had a greater difficulty in attracting qualified faculty and staff compared to their urban and metropolitan peers, the pool of qualified applicants shrank considerably post pandemic.

One way to solve the problem is by bringing qualified couples to the school. 

According to research from Inside Higher Ed, as many as 90 percent of public universities in the United States outline policies for hiring spouses and family members. Moreover, data from Capital Resource Network suggest 82 percent of public universities have followed through and made spousal hires for faculty and staff positions.

Drs. Priya and Govind Menon lead the Global Scholars Honors Program and the College of Arts and Sciences, respectively, and have been part of the University for a collective 45 years.

The pair met in Oman more than 20 years ago while Govind was a physics professor at TROY.

“Govind’s description of TROY as an idyllic small town that has nurtured him since his undergraduate years clearly affirmed our decision to settle down here after getting married 21 years ago,” Priya said. “Since then, we’ve experienced major life milestones here in Troy—my graduate school journey, the birth of our daughter, the loss of our parents—all with the unwavering support and care of this community. TROY has been more than a place to work; it’s been the foundation of our family, our growth and our deepest connections.”

Govind said that working at the same place as his wife these many years has been deeply rewarding, both personally and professionally.

“It’s given us a sense of shared purpose and mutual understanding,” he said. “Our connection to TROY’s culture and community has made it possible to navigate our academic lives side by side, supporting both our professional and personal lives. Being in similar environments allows us to support each other’s growth and stay engaged with our students and the TROY community in meaningful ways. 

“This shared commitment enriches not only our individual careers but also our collective contributions to a campus culture and community that we have grown to truly cherish.”

The Menons believe the presence of so many families at TROY has created a “unique, close-knit atmosphere that deeply benefits our students.” 

“Students feel like they are part of an extended family rather than just in a large institution,” Priya said. “The culture this creates shapes events, academic support and student life into welcoming, inclusive spaces. Students feel more comfortable approaching faculty, who seem more accessible and genuinely invested in their success. For many, TROY becomes a true ‘home away from home,’ especially meaningful to those far from their own.”

Sisters Donna Bragg, Director of the Academic Evaluation Center and Associate University Registrar, and Teresa Hussey, Director of Financial Aid, both graduated from TROY and have worked collectively at the University for over 50 years.

Bragg graduated in 1995 and has worked in the Registrar’s Office in some capacity for the last 29 years.

“At the time, I was looking for something steady, good benefits, good retirement,” she said. “Having my own family, being able to do things with my children and of course the environment and the people I work with are what’s kept me here for so long. It’s been a good family-work environment.”

Hussey graduated in 1991 and has worked in Financial Services 24 years. Bragg was already on staff and steadily encouraged her to join the TROY family. 

“Like Donna, I thought it was a great atmosphere, great benefits,” she said. “I was a work study student here in the Financial Aid office, so now I’ve really come full circle. I’ve worked for some great people over the years—Louann Johnson, Dr. Susan Aldridge, Dr. Earl Ingram, Sohail Agboatwala, Dr. Jim Bookout, Tara Donaldson—and throughout the years and personal family tragedies, they’ve all made sure I put my family first.”

Now, both of their daughters are TROY students who also work on campus, as well. Hussey’s youngest daughter, Kacy Kelley, will graduate next December and works part-time in Human Resources, and Raegan Bragg is set to graduate in the spring and holds a work study position with Accounts Payable. Hussey’s oldest daughter, Kerry, is also a TROY alum now teaching at Kinston School. 

“It’s great to have my daughter here on campus. I can’t say she visits me a whole lot, but she basically threatened me that I couldn’t leave until she finished school,” Bragg said. “It definitely works out well having friends and family in different offices because of the way we do have to work with one another. It’s just like raising your own kids—it takes a village.”

Hussey added that they’ve not only been able to provide their own children with assistance, they’ve been able to be close help for their children’s friends, too.

“You’d be surprised at the friends of theirs that have said how much we’ve helped them because of the things we’ve told them and talked with them about over the years,” she said. “Even though I don’t see Kacy every day, it is comforting to know we’re at the same place and that she’s around here somewhere. And she enjoys telling people her mama works here too.”

Troy University’s theme for this past week’s Homecoming 2024 was “Trojans: The Most Wanted.” For Hussey, Bragg and their children, there’s nowhere else they wanted to be.

“I offered for my kids to go other places if they wanted to go, but they didn’t,” Hussey said. “Kerry had scholarship offers from other places, but she never wavered. It was TROY the whole time. All of our kids have the Leadership Scholarship or the Chancellor’s Scholarship, we’re so proud of them.”

As Homecoming festivities draw to a close, we are celebrating more than a school. We are celebrating the relationships that make this University a home.