TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — Less than three weeks after announcing his intent to retire, Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. has decided to continue serving as Troy University’s chancellor.

In a message from the Chancellor’s Office Monday afternoon, Hawkins credited his decision to stay to a recent Board of Trustees meeting during which members asked him to reconsider his retirement.

ORIGINAL STORY: Hawkins announces 2025 retirement as Troy University Chancellor

“Janice and I were incredibly humbled and grateful for the heartfelt sentiments expressed during our board meeting,” Hawkins wrote. “I believe TROY has the most dedicated and unified governing board in all higher education, and I am deeply appreciative to have their support. After consideration, Janice and I are honored to continue to serve as your Chancellor and First Lady.

Hawkins originally announced his retirement to faculty and staff via email on Sept. 3. He later invited members of the media to his office where he answered additional questions. During that press conference, Hawkins said the decision to retire was solidified during a recent trip to Ireland.

“When you’ve served as long as as I have you you begin to think about those things and you begin to think about where you are in life and then you begin to think about things that you need to do and things that you don’t have the time to do,” Hawkins later told TrojanVision. “For example, we’ve had only a couple of vacations over the years but I think it sort of came to a point then that maybe before too many years pass we need to experience other things.”

His retirement was set to begin in Oct. 2025 when he would also claim the title of Chancellor Emeritus. Hawkins now says he and wife will continue to make Troy University a “world-class institution.”

“We have already had much success on the path to that goal, but the journey continues,” Hawkins said. “I am convinced that the greatest days are ahead for our extraordinary University, and as Helen Keller said, ‘together we can do so much’.”

Chancellor Hawkins’ full message can be read below:

Dear TROY Faculty and Staff,

One of the things that makes Troy University unique is its culture, which reflects the commitment of each of you.

On Saturday, the Board of Trustees asked that I reconsider my decision to retire. Janice and I were incredibly humbled and grateful for the heartfelt sentiments expressed during our board meeting. I believe TROY has the most dedicated and unified governing board in all higher education, and I am deeply appreciative to have their support.

After consideration, Janice and I are honored to continue to serve as your Chancellor and First Lady.

Our goal since arriving at Troy University has been to make this a world-class institution. We have already had much success on the path to that goal, but the journey continues. I am convinced that the greatest days are ahead for our extraordinary University, and as Helen Keller said, “together we can do so much.”

Sincerely,

Jack Hawkins, Jr., Ph.D.
Chancellor