Troy University has welcomed the inaugural class of University Honors Global Scholars (UHGS), a group of students distinguished by exceptional academic achievement, leadership and community engagement.
Representing all academic colleges at TROY, this cohort brings together students from over 23 majors. The class boasts a median unweighted GPA of 4.2 and a median ACT score of 32, and 10 percent of students ranked in the top 5 percent of their graduating high school class—with one in four finishing first or second.
“This inaugural class of Global Scholars represents the future of Troy University,” said Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor. “These students embody the values of excellence, leadership and service that have defined our institution for more than 135 years, and we are proud to welcome them into the Trojan Family.”
The UHGS Class of 2029 represents 10 states nationwide, with the top five states outside Alabama being Minnesota, Tennessee, New York, Georgia and Wisconsin. The class also includes a student from Ansbach Middle High School, Armed Forces Europe, adding an international dimension.
The group reflects a wide range of educational backgrounds, including public high schools, private and faith-based institutions, homeschools and online academies.
“The Global Scholars program is designed to challenge students to think deeply, lead boldly and engage with the world around them,” said Dr. Kerry Palmer, Senior Vice Chancelor for Academic Affairs. “This group brings with them not only outstanding academic credentials, but also creativity, resilience and a commitment to service that will enrich the entire Troy University community.”
The achievements of this class extend far beyond the classroom, reflecting remarkable leadership, creativity and service:
- 85 percent have served as president, captain, or founder of a club, organization, team, or business
- 20 percent conducted research during high school
- 23 percent completed an internship or job shadow
- 75 percent engaged in volunteer or community service
- 60 percent participated in athletics, including varsity sports, cheer, dance, equestrian, and martial arts
- 58 percent pursued at least one art form, from visual arts to music and performance
Beyond academics, this inaugural class also reflects extraordinary talents and accomplishments. Among them are two CEOs/founders, a costume designer, a published author and an award-winning photographer. The cohort also includes a first-place division winner in the 2025 NASA InSpires competition, a volunteer ESL teacher at a community college and a Civil Air Patrol Cadet 2nd Lieutenant who has taught aerospace robotics and drill classes since the age of 12.
Collectively, students have traveled to 17 different countries, and roughly 25 percent of the class is proficient in a foreign language, further underscoring their global outlook.
“Our Global Scholars embody the very best of Troy University through their academic excellence, leadership and service that extends beyond the classroom,” said Dr. Priya Menon, Director of University Honors. “This remarkable class shows that high-achieving students from across the nation are choosing TROY as the place to grow, to lead and to prepare for global impact.”
Students kicked off the year with a Smart Cookie Social and have already launched both an Honors Enrichment Club and an Honors Book Club. They are also engaging with several community leaders through a bi-weekly Honors Speaker Insight Series, deepening their connections to the TROY community and beyond.
For more information on the University Honors Global Scholars Program, visit https://www.troy.edu/academics/university-honors-global-scholars-program.
