Troy University will pay tribute to Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. on Saturday, Sept. 28, in honor of his 30 years as the University’s Chancellor.
Dr. Hawkins became the University’s chancellor on Sept. 1, 1989, following the retirement of Dr. Ralph Adams who served in the position for 25 years.
“The number one reason why TROY has had unprecedented growth by any objective metric is the fact we’ve had the same great leader the entire time,” said Gibson Vance, a 1987 alumnus who now serves as President pro-tempore of the University’s Board of Trustees. “As a board member, it’s been a great learning experience for me, having a front-seat view of his leadership ability.”
On Saturday, the University will commemorate Dr. Hawkins’ 30th anniversary as chancellor by dedicating a post clock in his honor in front of Smith Hall on the Troy Campus. The clock, itself, stands more than 16 feet tall and is mounted on a brick foundation.
The dedication ceremony, which is open to the public, will take place at 2 p.m. and feature the Sound of the South band, the presentation of colors by TROY’s ROTC Color Guard, and the National Anthem performed by Shelia Jackson.
Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Walter Givhan, Senior Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Economic Development, will serve as emcee for the ceremony, which will include the presentation of proclamations honoring Dr. Hawkins from Student Government Association, the Faculty Senate, the City of Troy and the State of Alabama.
Dr. Hawkins and TROY First Lady Mrs. Janice Hawkins will unveil the clock, and the Chancellor will follow the unveiling with his comments on the occasion.
A reception will follow in the lobby of Claudia Crosby Theater. Dr. and Mrs. Hawkins are also to be honored on the field during Saturday’s football game at Veterans Memorial Stadium. The Trojans welcome Sun Belt Conference-foe Arkansas State for a 5 p.m. kickoff for the University’s annual Military Appreciation Game.
