TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — Many Trojans are now wishing Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. the best as he prepares to leave the university he has served for so long.

After the chancellor’s decision to retire was announced to faculty and staff, it wasn’t long before students heard the news, too.

After publicly announcing his intent to retire from Troy University, students have expressed their feelings about Hawkins’ announcement. 

ORIGINAL POST: Hawkins announces 2025 retirement as Troy University Chancellor

“It was definitely a shock, but I think the work that he’s done here over the past three decades has been a big impact on a lot of people,” said junior Andie Lancaster. “He’s done so much great work and he will be missed so dearly by a lot of people here.”

“It’s really weird, since my parents came to Troy and they met here and he was the chancellor when they came,” said freshman Emileigh Grice. “It’s just really weird that he’s not going to be the chancellor when I graduate.”

“He’s done a lot and he will be missed,” said freshman Sarah Burke. “I’m sure he’ll still be around Troy.”

Hawkins’ continuous contributions to campus organizations do not go unnoticed. While some students appreciate his acts and donations, others look up to him as a role model for leadership.

“He made a big impact on campus,” said junior Isaiah Thomas. “There are a lot of campus leaders that look up to him and actually want to do more on campus because of what he has done.

“It’s kind of like he was putting that role for us to step up to and fill in all of the things that he’s doing.”

“He really loves the Sound of the South,” said sophomore Amani Hicks. “The first time I met him was during the medallion ceremony and I just remember him giving me the biggest smile and congratulating me while welcoming me to the campus.”

All in all, students wish nothing but the best for Hawkins and his family moving forward.

“He’s been here for a really long time and done a lot of really good things for the university,” said freshman Hannah Guy. “I hope he enjoys it.”

LOOKING BACK: See Chancellor Hawkins’ timeline at Troy University

“I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting him yet, but I hope to before he leaves,” said freshman Serenity Burgess. “I’m very sad, but he deserves it since he’s been here for a really long time.

“I hope that he enjoys his retirement.”

According to Troy University, Hawkins is currently the United States’ longest serving Chief Executive Officer of a public university. He is set to retire in Oct. 2025.