Troy University’s Global Leadership Ph.D. program united 52 students and 15 faculty members for its annual Immersion Weekend, a two-day event focused on learning, networking and professional development. The program, offered exclusively online through the University’s College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, provides distance learning convenience while offering annual in-person connection opportunities. 

The weekend took place in Hawkins Hall on the Troy Campus and featured welcoming remarks from university leadership, including Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Dr. Stephen Scott Napoli from Leadership Development, Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost Dr. Kerry Palmer and Dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences Dr. Fred Figliano. The weekend’s most memorable moment came when Traci Howell successfully defended her dissertation, completing her journey to become Dr. Howell in a powerful demonstration of the program’s academic rigor and the perseverance that defines the doctoral experience. 

Dr. Tonya Conner, Associate Professor in the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences and Assessment Coordinator, helped plan this year’s event. “I thoroughly enjoyed this year’s Immersion Weekend—now in its third year. It continues to serve as a valuable opportunity to gather in person, strengthen connections and explore the full potential of the Global Leadership PhD program,” Conner said. “Faculty, students and candidates come together to exchange ideas, reflect and collaborate on ways to further enhance the program. I am grateful for this time of shared learning and insight and always appreciate seeing everyone engaged in meaningful conversation and growth. It is consistently a fun, energizing and rewarding experience.”  

Students and graduates traveled from across the country and beyond to participate, highlighting the program’s wide reach and diverse perspectives. 

Philip K. Bell, a Cohort 9 member from Washington, D.C., said he was motivated to attend because of the unique chance to meet peers face-to-face. Bell, president of a steel industry trade association working in public policy with a background in corporate communications and government affairs, valued the networking opportunity. 

“I’m really pleased to be part of such a strong program at TROY in Global Leadership, and this was a great opportunity to meet my cohorts and to network, learn, grow, share ideas and also to interact with the faculty on a more personal basis,” he said. 

For Bell, leadership development is both an academic pursuit and practical necessity. “There are many challenges the world faces, and often the solutions are elusive. But one thing that’s common is it’s going to require strong global leaders to help bring people together, create innovation and engage and inspire others,” he said. 

Dr. Jenene Calloway, a Cohort 1 graduate and executive for a global food company, returned from Green Bay, Wisconsin. Her dissertation examined the leadership approaches of African women leaders and how they leveraged those approaches to shift from traditional workplaces to entrepreneurship. She graduated in May 2025 after finishing her dissertation in April. 

“What’s really unique about Immersion Weekend is that we all get to come together with the faculty and staff on the University campus and really learn about new research and innovation in the space of global leadership,” Calloway said. “Every time I come to an immersion, I’m reminded of our charge—to really lean into being change agents.” 

Calloway has attended every Immersion Weekend since the program began offering them and noted the value of connecting with fellow leaders facing similar challenges. “We are spouses. We are parents. We work full-time. And so this commitment, to truly be successful, you have to want to be here,” she said. 

Both Bell and Calloway reflect the diversity of backgrounds represented in TROY’s Global Leadership Ph.D. program. Students include executives, military leaders, policymakers, educators and parents balancing demanding lives while pursuing their doctorate. Their stories exemplify Dr. Hawkins’ reminder to the group: “Vision is a critical piece of leadership. If you can see it, you can make it happen. If you can’t see it, it probably won’t.” 

Bell praised the weekend’s organization. “The preparation of the staff, as well as the professors, has been great. I like the outside speakers. It was great hearing Dr. McManus. And then it’s good to meet folks from other cohorts as well,” Bell said.  

The first day closed with a mixer at the IDEA Bank in downtown Troy, offering a relaxed opportunity for continued conversations. The second day brought participants back to Hawkins Hall for faculty-led breakout sessions on topics including artificial intelligence, identifying literature gaps and writing for your audience. 

The weekend proved that TROY’s Global Leadership Ph.D. program continues to shape leaders making an impact in communities and industries worldwide.