Around 450 high school students and their families attended the first Admitted Student Day at Troy University on Monday in anticipation of their first day of college this coming fall. 

Held in the Trojan Center Theater, Admitted Student Day was designed to give students who have committed to TROY for Fall 2025 another opportunity to tour campus, meet with faculty and see what life is like as a TROY student.

The day kicked off with a welcome from Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., and the Admissions staff. After, students broke out to different corners of campus to meet with the deans and department faculty for their individual colleges.

“Some of the best years of a person’s life will be spent through their university years. It’s a time of excitement, a time of fun—not too much fun—and it’s a time for preparation for the rest of your life,” Chancellor Hawkins said. “It’s important for us to make sure students coming to TROY understand our culture and the opportunities that are available. Students who come and take full advantage of the experience will grow the most, and they’ll grow into great alumni who change the world. That’s what this process is about: making a difference in the lives of our students.”

After a complimentary lunch, students attended an organizational browse session and a financial aid and housing informational seminar. 

“We wanted our students to get to know each other, and TROY, a little bit better,” said Gus McKenzie, Assistant Director of Enrollment Services. “I hope they gained a wealth of knowledge from their individual colleges, but ultimately we hope they became comfortable with campus and are ready to be engaged once they get here so they can start making the memories we’ve all made here.”

To round out the day, head football coach Gerad Parker led a pep rally before the students were released for campus tours.

Deasya Hill, a senior at Demopolis High School, said she’s excited for the start of the semester in a few months.

“I feel more confident to start college in the fall after attending Admitted Student Day,” she said. “I learned a lot in our meeting with the department head for criminology. I’m excited for college life and starting to study for my major. Today was great.”

Ambria Mckinley, Hill’s mom, said she appreciated the wealth of information provided and the welcoming atmosphere.

“We learned a lot from the criminal justice professor—there was a lot we didn’t know about that and it was interesting to hear more about the program,” she said. “The experience today was great, especially the atmosphere. I have the feeling she will be at home when she starts in August.”

Violet Riddle, a senior at Crestview High School, said she plans to major in education and enjoyed the opportunity to tour the College of Education.

“We wanted to find out more information about my major and see the campus more,” she said of her reason for attending. “We got to tour the College of Education and listen to the dean speak, and I also found out I can minor in interpreter training so there’s the option for me to pair that with my education major. I’m loving it here so far, everyone has been super nice and it’s been good energy all around.”

Her father, Bryan, said he’s comfortable sending her away to TROY for college.

“It’s seemed like a very nice campus, and she’s right that everyone has been friendly,” he said. “As a parent I do feel comfortable sending her to college here, and we got a lot of good information today.”

TROY is offering waived application fees for the month of February. To apply, visit https://troy.edu/apply and use code HEARTMONTH25.