The Troy University Board of Trustees has appointed a 14-member search committee and retained executive search firm Funk Associates to assist in the search for the University’s next chancellor.
Gibson Vance, President Pro Tempore of the Board of Trustees, will chair the committee, which includes representatives from the Board of Trustees, senior administration, faculty, the Student Government Association, community leaders and alumni.
Funk Associates and its consultants bring four decades of experience in higher education executive searches, including searches for university presidents, provosts, vice presidents and deans. The firm will assist the committee in identifying and evaluating candidates.
“Selecting Troy University’s next chancellor is one of the most important responsibilities entrusted to the Board of Trustees,” Vance said. “We are seeking a leader who will build on TROY’s accomplishments during Dr. Hawkins’ 37 years as chancellor, advance its mission and guide the University into its next chapter. We welcome the perspectives our committee members will bring to this process.”
The search follows Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr.’s announcement that he will retire after nearly four decades as chancellor. He will step down from the role on June 30, 2027.
“Troy University is a special institution with a unique culture,” Dr. Hawkins said. “It has been a tremendous honor for my wife, Janice, and I to be a part of this community for nearly 40 years. I am confident the search committee and Board of Trustees will identify the right leader to build on TROY’s success and guide its continued growth.”
Members of the search committee include:
- Gibson Vance, committee chair and member of the Board of Trustees;
- Ed Crowell, committee co-chair and member of the Board of Trustees;
- Karen Carter, member of the Board of Trustees;
- Charles Nailen, member of the Board of Trustees;
- Dr. Judson Edwards, interim Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs;
- Kyle George, Senior Vice Chancellor for Athletics;
- Dr. Dionne Rosser-Mims, Montgomery Campus Vice Chancellor;
- Jack Weaver, Alumni Association President;
- Chris Hood, Student Government Association President;
- Jason Reeves, alumnus and Mayor of Troy;
- Donna Horn, member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors;
- Alison Hosp, alumna, Alabama Retail Association;
- Dr. Lenetra Jefferson, Faculty Senate President; and
- Kyle Weidman, Supporter
Advertising for the position is underway. Applications and nominations will be accepted until a new chancellor is selected; however, interested candidates are encouraged to submit their materials by Jan. 4, 2027.
Additional information about the position and instructions for submitting applications and nominations are available at https://www.troy.edu/chancellor-search.html.
