TROY Today Magazine 2024

AI FORWARD

How Troy University is facing the challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence

New entrance greets visitors to the Troy Campus

BEYOND A WAR

Documentary highlights TROY’s partnerships in Vietnam

TROY UNIVERSITY PODCAST NETWORK

• The Talk of TROY

• In Focus with Carolyn Hutcheson

• Clarinet Corner

• Econversations from Troy University

• Speaking Globally

• The Double Dome

• It Came from The Archives

• Mad Melodies

• Culture and Belonging

• Alabama Aloud with Don Noble

• On Leadership with Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr.

WHEREVER YOU GET YOUR PODCASTS.

FROM THE DESK OF THE CHANCELLOR

We live in a rapidly changing world full of opportunity; one of the benefits of serving as Chancellor is getting a front-row seat to see how our students and faculty take advantage of the opportunities presented to them. One of the most significant opportunities today lies in the field of artificial intelligence. At TROY, our faculty, staff and students are paving the way in exploring and harnessing the technology to revolutionize our world.

Artificial intelligence creates new and unprecedented times in our country. There lies a natural and expected caution of how to navigate this technology in an ethically responsible manner. Questions persist on its proper use in all aspects of life, particularly in higher education. What is its appropriate use in the classroom? How does AI impact job automation and the future of employment? Questions like these and others have steered many away from AI entirely. At TROY, we recognize that AI is a part of our world and is here to stay. Rather than run from this technology, we have taken the stance to approach it head on and lead society in proper use and control of artificial intelligence.

In this volume of TROY Today, I invite you to take a glimpse into how TROY is taking charge in AI. Dr. Scott Nokes, Professor of English, has been recently awarded a grant from the Alabama Commission on Higher Education to create a three-stage program to promote thoughtful AI use in education, both for higher education and for K-12. Dr. Shaoyang Liu, Associate Professor of Chemistry and Physics, has been awarded a grant from ACHE to study how AI-assisted coding can aid computer programming and research. Our students are getting in on the action, too. Peyton Lawrence is a Graphic Design student who successfully utilized AI in collaboration with his professors to complete his senior thesis project.

Around campus as a whole, we also have two stellar graduates, Lillie Smith and Angerline Day, who proved that you’re never too old to invest in your education. Of course, graduating from a university is a tremendous accomplishment, but Smith, Day and all our TROY graduates can take pride knowing their degrees will soon carry even more weight, for on Sept. 8, 2023, the Alabama Commission on Higher Education officially reclassified Troy University as a doctoral institution. This change will allow us to expand our degree offerings while continuing our current top-notch programs.

In closing, this edition of TROY Today is filled to the brim with stories of how our Trojans are taking charge and paving the way for brighter days ahead.

Jack Hawkins, Jr., Ph.D. Chancellor

Troy University Marketing and Communication | 2024

CONTACT

Executive Editor

Matt Clower ('04)

Art Directors

Zhane McKee ('23)

Mark Moseley (’97, ’99)

Copy Editors

Andy Ellis

Kiara Posey ('24)

Contributors

Faith West Byrd ('81, '87)

Clif Lusk

Jane Martin ('97, '99)

Adam Prendergast

Jonathan Sellers ('07, '11)

Savanah Weed ('17)

Holli Melancon ('08)

Photographers

Joey Meredith ('16)

Mark Moseley (’97, ’99)

Chancellor

Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr.

Senior Vice Chancellor, Student Services and Administration

Sohail Agboatwala ('91, '93)

Associate Vice Chancellor, Marketing & Communication

Leslie Scrushy ('90)

Senior Director, Communication

Matt Clower ('04)

Chief Marketing Officer

Samantha Johnson

Director, Art

Mark Moseley (’97, ’99)

Director, Advertising

Rob Drinkard ('09)

Director, Alumni Affairs

Faith Ward Byrd ('81, '87)

President, Troy University Alumni Association

Rosemary Elebash ('76)

INTRO

2 From the desk of the Chancellor

5 Table of contents

IN THE KNOW

6 Welcome home

8 New buildings, new opportunities

10 TROY Sports Hall of Famer, Freddie Thomas, named to University's Board of Trustees

12 Troy University renames Collegeview Building in memory of alumnus Bennie Adkins

13 Out of this world

14 "Beyond a War"

ACADEMICS

16 More than a center

18 'Nothing better than being a writer'

20 River research

22 Living shorelines

23 New partners in Mexico, Bermuda

30 Morrison gets groundbreaking copyright

24 ON THE

COVER

TROY UNIVERSITY: AI FORWARD

Troy University faculty are taking on the challenges and opportunities presented by the rise of artificial intelligence. Learn how faculty are using AI in research and in the classroom, how it is changing the learning experience for students and what AI means for the future of higher education.

STUDENTS

31 Trojan Book Bag

32 Supporting first responders

33 TROY names first recipient of James F. Rinehart Memorial Scholarship

34 A world of learning

36 Summer programs shape future leaders

ALUMNI

38 Values learned at TROY translate well for SCOB alumnus, Derek Young, in Japan

41 From Malawi to Alabama

42 TROY alumni presidents of Alabama two-year colleges

43 Graduates realize lifelong dreams

44 Alumni of the Year / Homecoming

46 Letter from Alumni Director

46 TROY alumnus among Olympic elite

46 Alumna remembered

47 Alumni notes

50 New addition

51 In remembrance

GIVING

52 New scholarship supports military dependents

53 Homecoming queen gives back

54 Young alumnus paying it forward

55 Remembering Sam

ATHLETICS

56 New era for Riddle-Pace Field

58 Trojans poised for success

60 Academic champions

61 Trojans hit the road

AI-generated artwork by Mark Moseley

TROY's new entrance banners.

IN THE KNOW WELCOME HOME NEW SIGN, BANNERS GREET VISITORS TO THE TROY CAMPUS

Driving to Troy University’s campus looks a lot different than it did three decades ago, thanks to the completion of a beautiful and inviting entryway that warmly welcomes Trojans home. Led by First Lady Janice Hawkins' vision and dedication, this latest project is part of her ongoing mission to enhance the beauty and spirit of our campus.

The idea to transform Trojan Parkway into the main campus entrance blossomed to life three years ago when Mrs. Hawkins was on her way to the University.

“All of a sudden, I realized, ‘This looks exactly the same as it did 32 years ago,’ and we still have no real entrance to the campus,” she said.

This realization was confirmed when a friend of the Hawkins family, visiting from the National Football Hall of Fame, passed through Troy but could not find the campus. To Mrs. Hawkins, that was the final straw: Troy University must have an official entryway.

The transformation began in earnest with the construction of a stunning 35-foot-tall digital display sign at the intersection of Trojan Parkway and Highway 231.

“This sounded so simple, but nothing is ever as simple as it seems. We began by meeting with PowerSouth, which owns the substation and leases the space for the sign to the University, then we had to work through the highway regulations,” Mrs. Hawkins said. “Many people throughout the Troy community and our state were supportive of us and were eager to help us make the dream a reality.”

Andalusia Mayor Earl Johnson and former State Sen. Gerald Dial, both TROY trustees, were supportive of Mrs. Hawkins' vision of having an official entrance to the campus they love.

“Our First Lady’s vision was to create a main driveway for the Troy Campus that reflects its beauty and sets the stage for people to be inspired before they ever arrive,” Sen. Dial said. “I appreciate not only her vision and leadership but the cooperation and willingness to work with us to bring that vision to reality. It now stands as a testament to Janice Hawkins’ dedication to Troy University.”

After thoughtful planning and collaboration, the final design included a brick wall around the substation, a striking sign welcoming people to Troy University and a video screen to highlight the beauty of our campus -- complete with a trademark TROY cupola.

The vision did not stop with a new sign, however. Themed banners now adorn Trojan Parkway, establishing the University’s new main entryway.

As students and community members make their way to campus, they are greeted by a showcase of everything TROY embodies. Banners proclaiming “Welcome Home” are followed by images and words showcasing what TROY is the "Home of;" “Honor,” “Excellence” and “Leadership."

First Lady Janice Hawkins had a vision for a revitalized entry to campus that would inspire Trojan pride.

The additions are making a positive impact on Trojans from all over.

Donna Horn, owner of Horn Beverage Co. in Troy and a long-time Trojan supporter, said the project captured what many have long known about the campus.

"I wish everyone could experience the beauty of the Troy University campus at night with all the beautiful buildings and landscape lighting," she said. "The new sign has brought a taste of that beauty and class to (Highway) 231 to direct you to campus. This sign leads the way to campus for all Trojans as they return home and all future Trojans as they look for a college home."

Mrs. Hawkins said Horn's reaction was exactly what they were hoping to achieve.

“We struggled with an appropriate theme and finally settled on our daughter Kelly’s suggestion of ‘Welcome Home Trojans,’” Mrs. Hawkins said. “The theme reflects much of what the University has to offer and will be reproduced on the video board so that people who don’t come to the campus will get a taste of what the University is.”

Troy Mayor Jason Reeves said the City of Troy would continue to partner with other agencies on future upgrades to the Trojan Parkway corridor.

"We are excited about the upgrades to the gateway to Troy University. The City, in addition to working with the University, will work with the State to improve the thoroughfare that so many travel to visit, work and most importantly, be educated at Troy University," he said.

Mrs. Hawkins expressed her gratitude for the teamwork and creativity that brought the project to life.

“There are many people to be thanked for providing expertise and assistance with the project, and Dr. (Jim) Bookout is at the forefront. He was intimately involved in seeing the vision realized,” Mrs. Hawkins said.

This latest project is just one in a long line of improvements that demonstrate Mrs. Hawkins' unwavering dedication to the beautification of our campus, greatly impacting the Trojan experience. From the moment students arrive, they are embraced by welcoming messaging and thoughtfully designed spaces to remind them they are part of a community that deeply values excellence, care and tradition. Mrs. Hawkins hopes that our students, as members of the Trojan Family, feel a sense of pride in belonging, are inspired by what is to come and know they have truly found their home.

Janice Hawkins, First Lady of Troy University

IN THE KNOW

NEW BUILDINGS, NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Jones Hall will be the home for the College of Health Sciences.

On Saturday, Sept. 21, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for the new Center for Materials and Manufacturing Sciences, one of three new buildings on the Troy Campus.

The first building specifically dedicated to research, CMMS houses laboratories and workspaces for polymer science within the College of Arts and Sciences’ School of Science and Technology.

An expanded Riddle-Pace Field opened during the 2024 baseball season and contains new suites, a club level and player and coach support facilities as well as expanded seating in the stadium.

The College of Health Sciences’ Jones Hall will be completed during the Fall 2024 semester as a home to health-related professions and the College.

The three projects added nearly 130,000 square feet to campus facilities and represent an investment of nearly $67 million.

In addition, work is underway at the Lagoon, where a clearing and cleaning project will link it with Janice Hawkins Cultural Arts Park, providing walking trails, bridges and leisure opportunities for students. Silt is being removed from the Lagoon to restore depth and clarity to the pond, which serves as the primary irrigation source for the TROY Golf facility. Work is expected to continue through Spring 2025 and includes improved lighting in the area.

Center for Materials and Manufacturing Sciences

Jones Hall

Riddle-Pace Field

IN THE KNOW

TROY SPORTS HALL OF FAMER FREDDIE THOMAS NAMED TO UNIVERSITY'S BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Thomas’ appointment was confirmed in April by the Alabama Senate. The move is part of a reorganization of Board positions for TROY. Allen Owen, who has held the Board’s Area 3 position since 1988, has recently stepped down as an active member and moved to an emeritus role. Karen Carter, the Area 6 Trustee since 2009 but who now lives in the Auburn area, took over the Area 3 spot. Thomas, a resident of Birmingham, now holds the Area 6 position.

Thomas, a 2015 inductee into the Troy University Sports Hall of Fame, was a member of the 1984 and 1987 NCAA Division II National Championship football teams. The unquestioned leader of the Trojans’ defense, Thomas recorded 110 total tackles as a senior in 1987 to go along with two interceptions, two forced fumbles and two blocks. He led a defense that allowed 14 points or less in eight games and never allowed more than 21 points.

“The University community is excited to welcome Hall of Famer and Alumni Board member Freddie Thomas to our Board of Trustees. He joins one of the most cohesive and committed university governing boards in America,” said Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. “Freddie has been a leader on and off the field, and he will make a great addition to our Board of Trustees. As a member of our National Alumni Board of Directors and loyal supporter of our sports programs, Freddie has truly been a Trojan for life, and I am grateful he will continue to serve his alma mater as a member of the Board of Trustees.”

Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business management and administration, Thomas went on to a career in human resources, first with Rheem Manufacturing Corporation and Bose Corporation, then for 22 years as an Administrator with American Honda Motor, Co. Thomas supported HR administration for the more than 4,500-employee Honda plant in Lincoln, Alabama, before retiring in 2023.

“I join our entire Board of Trustees in welcoming our newest Board member, Freddie Thomas,” said Trustees' President Pro-Tempore Gibson Vance. “Although Freddie is new to our Board, he has a sterling legacy at Troy University.

Freddie Thomas

Freddie Thomas, a Troy University alumnus who was a member of two national championship-winning Trojan football teams, was appointed to the TROY Board of Trustees by Gov. Kay Ivey.

His wisdom, passion and love of all things TROY make him a perfect addition. On a personal note, Freddie and I have been friends for almost 40 years, and I can personally attest to his character and ability.”

Thomas has been a dedicated alumni volunteer for TROY. In addition to his service on the national alumni board, he has served as president of the Trojan Tailgaters Alumni chapter, was a charter member of the T-Club and was a 2020 Alumnus of the Year.

“I had the opportunity to watch this young man throughout his playing career at Troy University, which is my alma mater as well,” said State Sen. Donnie Chasteen (R-29), speaking in favor of the confirmation on the Senate floor. “He led the Trojans to two national championships in ’84 and ’87. He’s been a great ambassador for the University, and he’s been a great leader all of his life. To have him step into the role, we’re certainly proud he has received this honor.”

Thomas said he was honored to be appointed to the Board of Trustees.

“I extend my sincere gratitude to Gov. Ivey for this opportunity, and I want to also express my appreciation to Dr. Hawkins and the members of the Board of Trustees, both past and present,” Thomas said. “As a newly appointed Board member, I fully recognize my responsibility to serve the citizens of our great state, along with our alumni and friends of Troy University. As a proud TROY alumnus, I’m thankful for the chance to engage in all aspects of fulfilling the duties of Troy University. In my new role as a Trustee, I am looking forward to building relationships with current members, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the Trustee’s role and diligently meeting the needs of our citizens on this collective journey.”

The Trustees of Troy University are appointed by the Governor for 12-year terms and confirmed by the state Senate. The Governor serves as President of the Board.

Freddie Thomas was a member of TROY's 1984 and 1987 national championship football teams.

IN THE KNOW

TROY RENAMES BUILDING IN MEMORY OF ALUMNUS

MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT BENNIE ADKINS

The Collegeview Building on the Troy Campus will now honor the memory of Troy University alumnus and Medal of Honor recipient, Bennie G. Adkins.

The name change was approved by the University’s Board of Trustees earlier this year. The building is currently home to programs in the College of Health Sciences. However, those programs will soon be relocating to the new Jones Hall Center for Health Sciences. Bennie G. Adkins Hall will then become home to the Army and Air Force ROTC programs and the Troy University Police Department.

“Troy University is very proud to count Medal of Honor recipient Bennie Adkins among our alumni,” said Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor. “It is important to note that since the Medal of Honor was first awarded in 1863, only 3,500 men have received that honor. This is remarkable considering 41 million men and women have served in the military since our nation was founded. While we lost Bennie in April of 2020, his legacy of heroism and leadership lives on, and we are pleased to name our Collegeview Building in his memory.”

Adkins, who served three tours in Vietnam, received the Medal of Honor in 2014 for his actions during 38 hours of close combat fighting against enemy forces at Camp “A Shau” in the Republic of Vietnam on March 9-12, 1966. When the camp was overcome by enemy forces, Adkins

displayed extraordinary courage and bravery as he rallied survivors and helped the wounded without regard to his own well-being. He sustained 18 different wounds as he helped his injured comrades to safety. His experiences were chronicled in the book, “A Tiger Among Us: A Story of Valor in Vietnam’s A Shau Valley,” which was written with author Katie Lamar Jackson and published in 2018.

Adkins held three degrees – a bachelor’s degree in 1979, a master’s degree in education in 1982, and then, a second master’s degree in management in 1988 -- all from then-Troy State University Montgomery. He was awarded the Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from TROY in May 2017.

In 2017, Adkins created the Bennie Adkins Foundation, which provides scholarships to Special Forces transitioning to civilian life.

In 2021, the Alabama State Board of Veterans Affairs voted to name the state’s fifth veterans’ home, located in Enterprise, in Adkins’ memory.

(Left to right) Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor, Bennie Adkins ('79, '82, '88) and TROY Trustee Gerald Dial

OUT OF THIS WORLD

TROY GETS 'MOON TREE' FROM ARTEMIS I MISSION

After receiving hundreds of applications, Troy University was selected by NASA to receive a “Moon Tree” seedling that flew around the moon on the 2022 Artemis I mission. NASA chose institutions based on an organization’s ability to care for the tree and how they planned to utilize the tree to promote educational opportunities in their communities.

Dr. Alvin Diamond, Biology Professor and Director of the Arboretum, said they have a plan for how to use the tree in different interactions tailored to the varying age groups TROY and the Arboretum serve.

“For the younger kids, to actually have something that’s been to outer space that they can see and touch will hopefully inspire them to look into STEM careers,” he said.

“With the older students, we can look at things about how space travel affects the human body and other living things and what we can do to protect people in space. Hopefully, having something hands-on will inspire the students more than just reading from a book.”

The Artemis I trees traveled on board the Orion and were flown around the surface of the moon 270,000 miles from Earth from Nov. 16, 2022, to Dec. 11, 2022.

The first batch of trees was sent to nearly 50 institutions across the 48 contiguous U.S. states. Additional trees will be sent in Fall 2024, Spring 2025 and Fall 2025. TROY received its tree in April and planted it in the Meadowloop Trail at the Arboretum.

“We wanted to pick a place where there would be plenty of room for it to grow, and we thought the Meadowloop Trail would be best because it’s open and cleared out and nothing else would be competing with it,” Diamond said. "And it’ll be a reason for visitors to go out on the trails to come see the tree.”

This project is a continuation of the original Moon Tree Project launched in 1971 after traveling with Apollo 14. Astronaut Stuart Rosa, a former U.S. Forest Service smoke jumper, packed hundreds of tree seeds in his personal kit. Alabama received five Moon Trees that are located in Birmingham, Montgomery, Tuscumbia, Tuskegee and in Troy at the Pioneer Museum of Alabama.

Dr. Alvin Diamond, Director of the Arboretum

IN THE KNOW

'BEYOND A WAR'

FROM BATTLEFIELD TO COLLABORATION: A STORY OF RECONCILIATION AND EDUCATION

“Beyond a War,” the moving, award-winning documentary portrait of university presidents Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., and Dr. Lê Công Cơ made its U.S. debut this fall at Troy University’s Montgomery Campus. The film premiered at a special celebration on Sunday, Sept. 29, at the Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts.

“Beyond a War,” produced by Duy Tan University, opened to praise in Vietnam and among key stakeholders for its powerful message of reconciliation.

More than 50 years ago, Dr. Hawkins and Dr. Lê Công Cơ were on opposite sides of the Vietnam War. Hawkins served as a platoon leader in the U.S. Marine Corps and Lê Công Cơ fought against American forces as a member of the Viet Cong. Today, they lead Troy University and Duy Tan University, respectively, and are working together to ensure a brighter future for students in both the U.S. and Vietnam. “Beyond a War” captures their personal stories of combat and survival during the war, and their drive to bring about change through the power of education and international collaboration.

“This documentary is riveting -- informative, interesting, inspiring, involving -- and I think it will continue to be well received in this state and in the country by audiences who see it,” said Dr. Jim Vickrey, film critic and former president of the University of Montevallo. “It is well made in every respect, from the musical background with voice-overs throughout to the balance of contrast between Dr. Hawkins and Dr. Lê Công Cơ.”

In Vietnam, the documentary has gotten rave reviews from critics, said Dr. Hang Le, Vice Provost of Duy Tan and daughter of the University’s founder. She said the idea for the documentary grew out of her admiration for Troy University and the relationship she saw between Dr. Hawkins and her father.

“When the documentary was nationally broadcasted the first time, the former President of Vietnam, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Phuc, called me on the phone while he was still watching the documentary,” Dr. Hang Le said. “He said that the documentary presented a lot of precious footage of a

U.S. Army Capt. (Ret.) Gary Michael Rose, a Medal of Honor recipient, speaks during the premiere event for "Beyond a War" at the Davis Theatre.

historical period of the country and congratulated my family on making the documentary. In the beginning, we did not mean to make this documentary for national broadcasting. We just thought that it is a good story to tell, and we hoped that we could record our partnership between Troy University and DTU through which our students could learn from the examples of [Dr. Hawkins] and my father ... The reception of the documentary is beyond our expectations.”

Jack McManus, President of the Vietnam Veterans of America, said “Beyond a War” was a testament to the humanity and opportunity for mutual respect with our former enemies in Vietnam.

“This insightful documentary illustrates how extremely far the people of Vietnam and the U.S. have traveled together in friendship since our long-ago war,” McManus said. “The use of historic footage, along with the counterpoint interviews, illustrates what we have long known, that at the heart, we had much in common with the enemy against whom we fought.”

Dr. Wayne Reynolds, Treasurer for the Vietnam Veterans of America and a member of the Alabama State Board of Education, said he was impressed with the quality and messaging in “Beyond a War.”

“I am a National Officer in Vietnam Veterans of America, and we enthusiastically endorse the documentary and commend Dr. Hawkins for the efforts he and Troy University have undertaken,” Dr. Reynolds said. “I served in Da Nang, Vietnam in 1968-69, and the partnership with a university in that region is impressive and indicative of a healing and brotherhood of former combatants. As an educator, this is a significant addition to the body of knowledge about Vietnam. It shows how former warriors are continuing to serve in civilian capacities. It exhibits aspects of our individual and organizational involvement in Vietnam 50 years after the end of the war.”

Troy University first established academic programs in Vietnam in 2002 in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. In 2008, TROY awarded the first baccalaureate degree ever by an American university in the history of Vietnam. Today, TROY enrolls 1,200 students in classes and has 2,000 alumni in leadership roles throughout Vietnam.

Troy University's formal partnership with Duy Tan began in 2017 when Dr. Lê Công Cơ asked to meet with Dr. Hawkins while he was in Vietnam.

“Nearly seven years ago, we met for dinner and had our first dialogue. That was a fascinating conversation! That meeting led to the partnership with Duy Tan University. Now we are actively engaged in offering academic programs and working together to help build the future of Vietnam,” Dr. Hawkins said.

“What excites me about the documentary is it shows the transformation of the relationships between two countries

that a half-century ago were at war,” Dr. Hawkins said. “Today, not only do we recognize each other as countries, but we are working together as partners. While we came from different backgrounds and certainly different sides of the war, our goal now is unity and a common focus on students. Dr. Lê Công Cơ is committed to building a great university and that is exactly what we are committed to doing at TROY.”

Dr. Lê Công Cơ, on the left, in a period photo

Dr. Hawkins during his service in Vietnam

MORE THAN JUST A CENTER

TROY FOR TROOPS CENTERS

PROVIDE RESOURCES, SUPPORT FOR MILITARY STUDENTS

Active duty, veterans, Reservists, National Guard members and their families all call TROY their university of choice. Their reason is simple: TROY truly is military friendly.

“Whether bringing students onboard through enrollment, advising their academic path, maximizing their benefits through financial services, or our efforts to connect and educate them in the classroom, all of these components reflect our dedication and serve as an example that TROY is for Troops,” said Scot Brumbeloe, Director of Military and Veterans Affairs.

One of the most visible ways TROY supports militaryconnected students is through the TROY for Troops Centers located on campuses in Troy, Montgomery, Dothan and Phenix City. The Centers offer a “one-stop shop” for military student support as well as sponsoring several veteran or service member clubs and honor societies.

The Center was championed by University First Lady Janice Hawkins, who wanted to give military-connected students a dedicated space for support in academic, career and life goals. Moreover, as Brumbeloe is quick to point out, the TROY for Troops Center is much more than that.

“For us, it is not simply a center. It’s a promise. The Center is a commitment to students that goes beyond being a physical location and extends that military-centric support to all our faculty and staff,” he said. “TROY has long had a reputation of being ‘military friendly,’ but amongst today’s education institutions that all strive to bear that title, TROY stands out in our commitment to see its students achieve their goals, to go from ‘military friendly’ to ‘military successful.’”

The University has been repeatedly recognized for efforts to support military-connected students. Among those recognitions is the Best for Vets designation from Military Times on Nov. 6, 2023, which ranks TROY as the leading four-year public university in the State of Alabama for its support. Also during 2023, TROY was named “Gold” status with Military Friendly® and was designated a Military Friendly® school for spouses and dependents of service members.

“For more than 70 years, Troy University has taken great pride in serving and supporting those who sacrifice daily to protect our way of life,” said Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. “When others recognize our dedication, it serves as validation that we are going above and beyond to provide a quality education at an affordable price to our service members.”

TROY offers its Military and Family Scholarship that caps the cost of tuition at $250 per credit hour for spouses and dependents of members of the military currently serving on active duty, in the National Guard or in the Reserves at undergraduate and graduate levels. Active duty, Reserve and National Guard service members themselves pay no out-of-pocket tuition costs beyond what military tuition assistance pays.

Since 1950, the University has served and supported the armed forces and those who are or have served

in uniform, their spouses and their dependents. TROY counts some 60 flag officers among its alumni ranks, has had a presence on or near military installations worldwide and participates in online learning programs with all service branches.

“For generations, Troy University has understood the needs of the military student and has built a militaryinclusive institution offering a broad range of high-quality, very affordable undergraduate and graduate academic programs supported by outstanding student services,” Dr. Hawkins said.

TROY first began serving military students in 1951 through then-Camp Rucker. In 1965, Troy established a teaching center at Maxwell Air Force Base and, in 1974, began establishing teaching sites in Europe through a contract with the U.S. Air Force. Today, nearly 30 percent of TROY’s student body is made up of students with some affiliation with the military, and the University’s TROY for Troops Centers serve as a one-stop shop for services and support of militaryaffiliated students.

Members of Troy University's ROTC programs are commissioned during a commencement ceremony.

'NOTHING BETTER THAN BEING A WRITER'

HALL-WATERS PRIZE RECIPIENT PATRICIA FOSTER

Author and Fairhope native, Patricia Foster, received the Hall-Waters Prize from Troy University during a ceremony in April at the Troy Campus.

Foster, who is professor emerita at the University of Iowa’s Master of Fine Arts Program, where she taught for more than 25 years, read selections from her most recent memoir, “Written in the Sky: Lessons of a Southern Daughter” and responded to questions from TROY students. The reading was followed by a luncheon in the University’s International Arts Center, where Foster received the award.

“I am so honored to receive this award, and I’m simultaneously humbled,” Foster said. “I want to thank Dr. Hawkins and Dr. Curnutt. The students here have been so articulate and so eloquent in their questions and their comments. TROY is lovely. This has been a wonderful experience.”

Endowed by the late Dr. Wade Hall, a Bullock County native and TROY alumnus, in memory of his parents, Wade Hall Sr. and Sarah Elizabeth Waters, the award is presented regularly to a person who has made significant contributions to Southern heritage and culture through history, literature or the arts.

Patricia Foster responds to questions from TROY students as a part of the Hall-Waters Prize event.

Drawing on themes common to the writings of both Hall and Foster, Troy University Chancellor, Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., said that strength is found in differences.

“I think we are all victims or creatures of the experiences that we have had,” he said. “I think one thing that has driven us at Troy University is the recognition that there is strength in differences. I think that has been at the heart of us wanting students from around the world to come to this place to create a new and different culture where people from all backgrounds, races and beliefs can learn from each other. It is from understanding that appreciation develops, and then lasting relationships are the result.”

Foster is the author of eight books, including “Written in the Sky,” published by the University of Alabama Press, the novel “Girl from Soldier Creek,” the essay collection “Just Beneath My Skin,” and the memoir “All the Lost Girls: Confessions of a Southern Daughter.” Additionally, she co-edited the creative nonfiction anthology “Understanding the Essay,” with Jeff Porter, and three collections of women’s nonfiction, “The Healing Circle: Narratives of Recovery,” co-edited with Mary Swander, “Sister to Sister,” and “Minding the Body: Women Writers on Body and Soul.”

English majors in Dr. Kirk Curnutt’s senior seminar class organized the event. Students participating in the program were: Destiny Ford, Jason Frye, Carolyn McInnis, Jonathan Sheffield and Makayla Thomas, who served as emcee of the luncheon.

Students in Dr. Curnutt's senior seminar class organized the events that honored Foster during her visit to the Troy Campus.

TROY senior Makayla Thomas with Foster.

ACADEMICS

(Left to right) Dr. Brian Helms and Jonathan Miller during field research in the Tallapoosa River.

RIVER RESEARCH

TROY BIOLOGISTS ARE SEARCHING FOR FRESHWATER MUSSELS

Grant-funded research project is looking for endangered species in Alabama waterways.

Researchers in Troy University’s Department of Biological and Environmental Science explored areas of the lower Tallapoosa River in search of three endangered freshwater mussel species in connection with a $54,769 grant from the State of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The areas stretched from the Thurlow Dam in Tallassee, Alabama, to Fort Toulouse in Wetumpka, Alabama, the confluence of the Coosa River.

Dr. Brian Helms, Associate Professor and the Principal Investigator for the grant, said that stretch of river historically contained a few now federally listed freshwater mussels.

“These species hadn’t been detected there in a long time, so we were going back just to verify if they were there or not. That stretch of the river is heavily regulated,” he said. “Thurlow Dam is a major hydroelectric dam from Alabama Power that releases water. Normally, it’s a daily cycle where the water will raise four, six or eight feet or more, so it has a really dramatic impact on wildlife and makes it really hard for anything to live there.”

To search for the three specific mussel species — Pleurobema perovatum, Pleurobema decisum and Hamiota altilis — the pair had to overcome inaccessibility and rapidly changing water conditions.

“A big part of this study that was actually interesting was we had to do a fair amount of reaching out to the community because most of the accessible points were on privately owned land,” said Jonathan Miller, a Lecturer and Aquatic Biologist. “We had to find boat ramps that actually gave us access. There’s a kind of rocky outcrop surrounding most of the shores, and you don’t want to take a boat flying down in that.”

Despite having success last year in finding the second-largest known population of a highly endangered mussel in the Pea River, they were unable to identify the federally listed species. However, Miller said they were able to find multiple species of native freshwater mussels.

Although they’re no longer under contract with the grant, Miller and Dr. Helms agree there’s more work to be done. And because of the small size of the mussel research community, there’s always new things to look for and information to share.

“Jonathan and I both have a wish list, which I think is pretty parallel. There’s a couple of other places we’d like to hit, particularly some of the tributaries,” Helms said. “Our mussel research communities are rather small across the Southeast, generally, so we tend to know each other and you get wind of who is going to be where and who needs specimen samples from this place. The biologist in us and the love of nature and the species urges us to try to contribute more.”

A freshwater mussel held by a TROY researcher.

ACADEMICS

LIVING SHORELINES

TROY PROFESSORS HELPING TO PROTECT LOUISIANA WETLANDS

Troy University Professors Dr. Chris Boyd and Dr. Xutong Niu served on a Louisiana-based team that is striving to help the Pointe-au-Chien Indian Tribe (PACIT) protect its land from climate-related hazards.

Made possible thanks to a $780,308 grant awarded by the Gulf Research Program (GRP) of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Boyd and Niu are two members of a 12-person team composed of researchers from Louisiana, Washington, Arizona and Mississippi.

While officially named in this second phase of the project, Boyd served as a subject matter expert in Phase One last year after being contacted by Project Director Dr. Matthew Bethel, Associate Executive Director of Research at Louisiana Sea Grant at Louisiana State University.

“They saw value in the Living Shoreline Suitability Model that I’d been funded for in Pensacola, in Perdido Bay and in Mobile Bay, and we’d run the model before near New Orleans in Lake Pontchartrain,” Boyd said. “It’s an effective tool that helps in long-term coastal resiliency planning.”

In Phase Two, the pair worked as part of the living shoreline development team. Along with working with the tribe on adapting the model according to the area’s needs and picking the best sites for the Phase Three implementation project, Niu created an online viewer and website similar to what they had provided Santa Rosa and Escambia counties in Florida.

“Our job was to identify the most appropriate type of living shorelines to install while using the model to assist in determining the most appropriate locations to protect their community from storms, climate change and flooding,” Boyd said. “This tool will help them better determine where more projects could be installed, potentially by the Phase 3 implementation grant and future funding down the road.” After Hurricane Ida in August 2021, the tribe developed a community-based strategy plan to prepare for future storms called the Pointe-au-Chien “Resilient Rebuilding Plan.”

Project coordinators believe a coordinated network of living shorelines is a key strategy for protecting the community from future storm impacts and flooding while also honoring the tribe’s cultural heritage and priorities.

“Traditionally, the focus of living shorelines is controlling erosion in a natural way. We have to protect our natural spaces — we’re losing our wetlands,” Boyd said. “The tribe respects the oyster shell reef breakwater living shoreline design because not only does it work to control erosion while protecting cultural resources, but they are also a community of fishermen. Having the living oyster reef is considered very important. Oysters will help improve the water quality and, in the future, will make for even better fishing.”

Members of the research team survey the lands via boat travel.

NEW PARTNERS IN BERMUDA, MEXICO AGREEMENTS OPEN DOORS FOR EXCHANGE, COLLABORATION

A pair of new international partnerships are opening the door for student and faculty exchanges and collaborative research between Troy University and institutions in Bermuda and Mexico.

In February, Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor, and Bermuda College Interim President Branwen Smith-King signed an agreement that will provide a pathway for students from Bermuda to study in Troy in the University’s bachelor’s degree program in business administration.

The agreement will enable Bermuda College students pursuing the associate of arts business administration program to seamlessly transfer two years of credit hours to complete a bachelor’s degree in business administration at TROY.

“We are appreciative of this opportunity and see this as just the beginning of a great partnership between Bermuda, Bermuda College, the United States Consul General’s

Office and Troy University,” Dr. Hawkins said. “We believe this agreement will pay dividends for Bermuda College and TROY as we seek to prepare students for success in the global marketplace.”

TROY’s connection to Bermuda began through its relationship with the Honorable Kim Swan, a 1980 TROY graduate and member of the Bermudian Parliament. At TROY, Swan was named Most Valuable Player of the University’s 1979 golf team that finished fourth in the NCAA Division II Golf National Championships before going on to play professionally.

In March, TROY signed a partnership agreement with Anáhuac Querétaro University in Querétaro, Mexico, the University’s first partner in Mexico.

The agreement was signed during a visit by TROY officials to the Anáhuac Querétaro campus and provides for a variety of potential activities, including

faculty exchange, research and studyabroad opportunities for students. In addition, both universities will create opportunities for student-athletes to travel and compete.

“We had a wonderful visit to the Anáhuac Querétaro campus,” Dr. Hawkins said. “The campus is beautiful, is located in a safe region of Mexico and the leadership and faculty are outstanding! I believe this partnership offers many unique opportunities for students from both universities to learn and expand their horizons across many fields of study. As Alabama’s International University, TROY is committed to preparing students to be both globally competitive and globally aware, and this partnership is beneficial to the efforts of both institutions as we seek to develop the next generation of global leaders.”

In September, TROY welcomed the first students from Anáhuac for a weeklong visit to the TROY Campus. The Anáhuac University faculty and students participated with students from the Sorrell College of Business in attending a two-day business tour in Mobile. They met with officials from Continental Aerospace Technologies, Austal USA, and the Port of Mobile. The visit was capped off with some having their first college tailgate experience. Hearing the Sound of the South and greeting members of the TROY football team during Trojan Walk were special moments of their college game day experience.

Areas of collaboration between TROY and Anáhuac include a Global MBA Program, Sport Management Degree Program, Student and Faculty Exchange Agreement and the potential for a Health Sciences Program partnership. Anáhuac Querétaro has also announced a partnership with St. Andrews Medical Center to establish the first teaching hospital within the Network of Anáhuac Universities in Mexico. This initiative will allow students of health sciences and other disciplines to develop essential practical skills from the beginning of their academic training.

(Left to right) Luis Eduardo Alverde Montemayor, Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. and Dr. Andrés Ysita León Portilla

FORWARD AI

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IS RESHAPING HIGHER ED. TROY FACULTY ARE LEADING THE WAY.

WRITTEN BY: HOLLI MELANCON

BY : MARK MOSELEY

Artificial Intelligence may be a bit of a buzzword these days, but TROY’s leaders are looking past the hype and embracing a powerful tool for education.

With the vast expansion of AI, Troy University has launched its own “AI Forward Initiative” to embrace this rapidly growing technology as a tool for its students.

“I’ve been in education for almost 30 years, and I’ve seen a lot of innovations come. This may be the most difficult to put our arms around, but it may also be the most significant,” said Dr. Kerry Palmer, Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and leader of TROY's AI Forward Initiative. “One thing we know is we need to get out in front and lead with an AI Initiative that helps our faculty and students embrace this technology.”

Due to the recent rise of AI as a platform open to the public, Dr. Palmer formed a team of dedicated individuals to lead TROY in responsible use of this technology. Comprised of Dr. Richard Scott Nokes, Associate Professor of English, Dr. Sharri Hoppin, Associate Professor of Journalism and Communication Studies, and Dr. Arun Ghosh, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, the team was formed in the 2023-2024 academic year primarily to explore ethical use, to educate faculty on technology and ultimately leverage the tool for a more robust education for students.

“We have an obligation as a University to see that our students are employable. I don’t think our students will be employable if they aren’t comfortable with AI, so my main objective is to make our faculty comfortable with it, so they can make our students comfortable with it,” Dr. Palmer said. “Like the technology itself, the AI Forward Initiative is one that will evolve. But its current work is largely in faculty education. This education involves general instruction, addresses the potential for students to plagiarize content using AI and how to avoid that and guidance for students.”

The University has a zero-tolerance policy for plagiarism, and this remains true with the dawn of readily accessible AI tools. Dr. Palmer said TROY’s role will be helping students use these tools in an ethical way to enhance their education and future career opportunities.

“We are AI forward because we really want to embrace the technology so students have as much success as possible,” he said.

Dr. Nokes has been at the helm of this initiative’s work, bringing a valuable perspective on many levels given his history of using artificial intelligence both professionally and personally since 2019. At his publishing company, he has experimented with using AI to write a synopsis of books written by his authors as a way to cut down on the costs of editors.

Additionally, Dr. Nokes has recently been awarded a grant from the Alabama Commission on Higher Education

(ACHE) to create a three-stage program to promote thoughtful use of artificial intelligence in Alabama’s communities, among university students and for Alabama’s high school students.

In partnership with the Better Business Bureau’s Educational Foundation (BBB), TROY will begin the first stage of the initiative with a public-facing AI Summit in the Fall of 2024. This Summit will bring together Alabama business leaders and University faculty for a moderated discussion on challenges, needs and solutions.

The next stages of the program will take this work into Alabama high schools with the creation of a module for the BBB’s Laws of Life Program, inspired by the contents of the symposium. A paid student intern will help plan the symposium, create the program and teach it in high schools.

Dr. Kerry Palmer, Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

AI-generated artwork by Mark Moseley

AI on campus

Palmer said the AI Forward team may eventually create a standardized policy for use of AI across campus, though many TROY professors have already been implementing AI uses in their classes.

Nokes said the English Department is in the process of bringing AI to its freshman curriculum as a way to teach its youngest students how to have a writing voice, which is a lesson traditionally reserved for upper-level classes.

“If you give AI a detailed outline with a strong thesis statement and a series of paragraphs, it will do a good job of drafting what you want it to draft,” he said. “So the first half would be teaching them how to use the tools and not be used by the tools.”

Then, once AI has drafted a basic paper using the students’ outlines, students will then have a framework to begin developing their own writing voices.

“The writing (from AI) will still be very boring. It will be a mechanical and thoughtless way of writing, so we will be doing something new and revolutionary, and that is teaching students about voice,” Nokes said. “How to edit

Dr. Richard Scott Nokes, Associate Professor of English

once AI has produced what you want it to say to turn it into your voice that doesn't just sound human, but expresses things in the way you want to write.”

Nokes said this skill for freshmen will be a game-changer, especially advantageous for anyone who has not yet developed a strong writing voice, which is why it will be catered to the youngest students.

Across campus, Dr. Shaoyang Liu, Professor of Chemistry and Physics, is in the process of implementing AI in his department with the help of a grant from ACHE to study how AI-assisted coding can help with computer programming and research.

Liu said his grant will allow chemistry students to develop predictive models and perform spectrometric quantitative analysis without needing to learn to code.

“Modeling is fairly complicated mathematical work, and our students have the chemistry skill but not the mathematical and coding skills,” Liu said. “We can use natural language to describe our requirements, and AI will autonomously generate the necessary code. Then we can get to modeling.”

Essentially, this allows the chemistry students to focus more time on building these core chemistry skills without having to learn computer coding.

In the Department of Art and Design, professors are implementing AI in the classrooms in creative ways. Chris Stagl, Associate Professor of Graphic Design, said the department’s professors are looking at AI as a journey they are collectively on with students.

Peyton Lawrence discusses his senior graduate thesis.

“As a department, we are embracing AI cautiously,” he said. “More than anything, we want to make sure students know they are responsible for creating original content.”

Stagl said AI is largely useful for research and ideation, and students are encouraged to use the tools for this purpose–with an important caveat: they need to get prior approval. In fact, if students use AI without permission in the creation of submitted work, the professors treat it as plagiarism.

“We want students to approach AI in an inquisitive, curious manner, but we want to journey with them,” he said. “We want them to use it as a tool, not a crutch.”

Peyton Lawrence, a recent TROY graphic design graduate, was the first student in his department to utilize AI on a large-scale project. For his senior thesis, Lawrence created a hoodie business and used AI to showcase the innovation of combining technology with design.

Lawrence said he would use AI to help create his hoodie designs by writing very specific creative prompts into the software, then he would pull pieces from different images, customize and make them his own.

“I wanted to show that AI is innovative and it’s the best tool to continue to grow into,” Lawrence said. “If you know how to work with AI, someone is going to want to hire you.”

Stagl said Lawrence’s thesis showcased the designs he started with in AI, and then how they ultimately ended up in his finished project.

“We did put Peyton through his paces to ensure the work he was creating with AI was in fact modifiable and editable. What he finished with was not what he started with—we felt

One thing we know is we need to get out in front and lead with an AI Initiative that helps our faculty and students embrace this technology.

— Dr. Kerry Palmer, Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and leader of the AI Forward Initiative

like they were his own creations,” he said. Generative AI also offers an opportunity for research in academia. Dr. Suman Kumar, Interim Chair of the Department of Computer Science, has been using AI tools as part of research focusing on data-driven systems since 2014, years before AI tools became so readily available.

One project he worked on with a student included creating a mapping system for traveling the safest route. Whereas Google Maps will give travelers the quickest route, Kumar’s model took things like weather conditions, traffic conditions and other safety hazards into account, and entered them into their model using AI.

“In real time we were extracting the weather data, and in real time it was actually giving us how it was changing in different regions–whether it was getting worse or better,” Kumar said. Using this project, the student also earned a full-ride to Louisiana State University’s graduate program.

With the development of generative AI, Kumar said his research has become even more efficient, taking the load off of research assistants in doing work that would normally take them months or years. Where a research assistant may have previously had to read 10 books to conduct research, with overlapping or not relevant material, using AI helps to find these overlaps and point more readily to the material that will actually aid their process.

On the administrative side, Chief Technology Officer Greg Price said AI tools have been a part of TROY systems since the 1990s. This includes logic-based AI applications that are commonplace now, such as automated scheduling systems in universities, predictive maintenance in facilities management and AI-enhanced security measures that monitor network traffic to prevent unauthorized access.

MORRISON GETS GROUNDBREAKING COPYRIGHT

In a new development in the field of artificial intelligence, Dr. Rodger Morrison has secured the world’s first copyright for a tokenization of his distinctive creative writing style. Granted in March by the U.S. Copyright Office, the action is a significant achievement in intellectual property rights within the realm of AI-assisted writing and style replication.

Morrison is a professor in Troy University’s Sorrell College of Business and his research includes work in Artificial Intelligence, biometrics, trust in computermediated environments, technology-related change, and more.

Tokenizations are intricate strings of characters, words, or phrases representing unique elements that are used to quickly train AI systems to emulate specific stylistic nuances. They are lengthy, in a particular sequence and contain sufficient complexity to represent an individual’s unique style, rather than the style of a particular genre.

“This copyright represents an advance in the intersection of creativity, technology, and intellectual property law,” said Morrison. “It underscores the vital importance of protecting authors’ unique voices and creative expressions in an era of rapid technological advancements in publicly available AI.”

The significance of Morrison’s copyright extends far beyond the realm of literary style. “It holds profound implications for legal scholars, creators and the broader intellectual property community, serving as a catalyst for rethinking existing frameworks and establishing new precedents in the protection of creative work,” he said. “Legal scholars will soon examine the implications of this copyright within the context of existing intellectual property laws, exploring its potential impact on future copyright claims and the evolving landscape of digital creativity. “

Dr. Palmer said some of his colleagues utilize AI as a big time-saving tool, assisting with scheduling or even in condensing information.

Some challenges to AI

TROY is working hard to ensure it's staying on top of the downsides to AI as well as embracing the positive.

The biggest issue is safety, Price said. Systems have been put in place to ensure sensitive data is not compromised. In fact, AI offers ways to enhance security protocols.

Nokes said a key problem he has found with AI that can affect students is hallucination of the tools. “If I were to ask Chat GPT to give me a list of publications I wrote, the titles are all real, the genre might be real, but none of them are written by me,” he said. “The facts look real, but they are kind of like you took a box of Legos and put them up randomly.”

From another perspective, Price said the hype of AI has caused some confusion among faculty and staff. Because of AI’s popularity, many software vendors are using the term as a marketing buzzword and advertising their AI offerings. In many cases, however, software programs have already been using AI as part of their products.

The future is bright

While it's unknown exactly how AI will evolve, one thing is for certain: it is here to stay. “It's essential to approach these new tools with a balanced perspective. Similar to the early concerns about internet search engines, generative AI raises questions but also offers significant educational opportunities,” Price said. “These tools have already begun to make an economic impact through smart devices and productivity apps, enhancing our daily lives and workflows. I vividly recall requests to block search engines because those tools were going to ‘kill academia.’

“Obviously, we did not block search engines. In fact, I imagine most that sought those blocks could not imagine working without the use of productivity tools, such as search engines, grammar, spell checkers and more.”

There are many ideas for how AI can be a useful tool to TROY students’ education, and it's impossible to predict them all with such an evolving tool. “It remains to be seen. It’s a bit of a frontier at this point,” Dr. Palmer said.

Holli Melancon is a freelance writer living in Columbus, Georgia. She graduated from TROY in 2008 with a B.S. in Print Journalism and again in 2012 with an MPA. She is married to Joseph Melancon, also a TROY alum and they have three children.

Dr. Rodger Morrison

TROJAN BOOK BAG

NEW PROGRAM SAVES STUDENTS MONEY, TIME ON COURSE MATERIALS

Launched in time for the Fall Semester, Trojan Book Bag is a new program designed to save students money, time and effort by allowing them to rent required course materials in a convenient package before the first day of class.

Under the Trojan Book Bag program, all required course materials are included in a $21 per credit-hour charge for each course. Students who utilize the program are expected to save an average of 35-50 percent off the retail price of course materials.

“The amount of savings per student will vary depending on the number of hours they are taking and the ‘typical retail cost’ of the materials required for their courses,” said Dr. Jim Bookout, Senior Vice Chancellor for Financial Affairs and Online Education. “Savings calculations were made using the 2023 academic year, and if the program had been in place in 2023, enrolled students, collectively, would have saved $2.3 million.”

Students are automatically enrolled in Trojan Book Bag. One month before classes start, students receive an email with instructions to review their courses and choose how to receive their physical materials. All digital materials are delivered within Canvas.

Once the materials are ready, students receive an email that their order is ready for pickup at the bookstore or that it has been shipped.

When classes are over, the bookstore will send reminder emails to return the rental materials or purchase the textbooks at a reduced rate during the return period.

“Troy University is excited to partner with Barnes & Noble College to help drive student success by ensuring all students are prepared on the first day of class,” said Dr. Kerry Palmer, Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. “Having access to course materials is vital, and we are proud to offer this new program to better meet the needs of our students.”

Students who choose not to utilize Trojan Book Bag have the option to opt out beginning approximately 30 days before classes start up to the last day of the free drop/add period.

Trojan Book Bag is TROY’s implementation of First Day Complete, Barnes & Noble College’s equitable and inclusive access program that aims to remove barriers to higher education by improving access, affordability and convenience. TROY will now be one of more than 150 college campuses nationwide and one of the first public four-year institutions in Alabama to adopt the program.

NEW SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORTS FIRST RESPONDERS

FIRE, EMERGENCY AND POLICE PERSONNEL AND THEIR FAMILIES TO BENEFIT

The First Responders and Family Scholarship will provide a 10 percent tuition scholarship and waive application fees for all fire, emergency and police employees and their families, including spouses and dependents.

“For all that first responders do for our communities, our safety and their own families, Troy University offers this scholarship to honor that work and assist in easing the cost of higher education,” said Staci Hutto, Senior Director for Out-of-State Operations and Admissions.

“This opportunity facilitates a constant stream of exchange of ideas and enhances marketability as a community that encourages education among its employees. The common goal is to expand access to high-quality educational opportunities for life-long learners,” she said.

The scholarship applies to any degree path (excluding doctoral-level programs) and applications are online at troy.edu. The program became effective April 1, following approval by TROY Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr.

Troy University is a public, historic, international university with more than 14,000 students and 175,000 alumni. Students choose TROY for its quality academic programs, reasonable costs and availability of financial aid, outstanding faculty and flexible in-class and online class offerings. Students on the Troy, Alabama campus enjoy a traditional college experience, while adult students are the centers of attention at campuses in Dothan, Montgomery and Phenix City, Alabama, as well as at locations across the Southeast and online.

Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, TROY is a doctoral university that offers degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels. TROY offers degree programs in some of the most high-demand fields such as business and management, education, nursing, computer science, public administration, journalism, psychology, counseling and criminal justice.

Members of the Troy Fire Department speak to children during Civic Heroes Camp on the Troy Campus.

TROY NAMES FIRST RECIPIENT OF JAMES F. RINEHART MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Named in memory of the late Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, the first James F. Rinehart Memorial Scholarship has been awarded.

Laura Grace Dennis, a graduate student in the Applied Mathematical Science Graduate Program, graduated from TROY with her bachelor’s degree in secondary math education in 2022. After graduating, she enrolled in the online program before starting her career as a math teacher at Wetumpka High School, where she also serves as the junior varsity dance coach.

Dennis said she knew from a young age she wanted to be a teacher but never anticipated she’d be a math teacher. “Both my parents work in the educational system and both my grandmothers were teachers. I can remember doing the career days as a kid, and I would dress up like my mom,” she said. “I have always admired them and wanted to be like them. I would even make my mom buy teacher supplies from Dollar Tree so I could pretend I was a real teacher and would pay my brothers to be my students for the day.”

Dennis worked for three years as a math tutor while also assisting in the remedial math classes. It was during these classes she realized she wanted to teach at the college level one day.

“Working with these students and watching their excitement as they started to understand the concepts is what furthered my desire to share my love and knowledge of math,” she said. “The investment of my TROY professors led me to the decision to continue my education at the master’s level.”

Dr. James F. Rinehart joined the Troy University faculty in 1995 as Director of the International Relations Graduate Program at the United States Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School. He relocated to the Troy Campus in 2001 when he became Chair of the Political Science Department. In 2008, he was promoted to Associate Dean of the CAS before being named Dean in 2012.

Dr. Rinehart passed away in May 2015, and faculty in the CAS began preparing for a scholarship in his honor. The James F. Rinehart Memorial Scholarship was designed to benefit students exactly like Dennis, said Dr. Steven Taylor, former Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

“We wanted to honor his legacy,” Taylor said. “He was passionate about learning and teaching and engaging his students. He dedicated a lifetime to his research. We wanted his memory to live on at Troy University by assisting students in pursuit of that same dream.”

The scholarship will be awarded on an annual basis to a graduate student in the College of Arts and Sciences. To apply, students must have a 3.0 GPA and write a two- to three-page essay on why they are seeking a master’s degree and what they hope to accomplish with their education.

Laura Grace Dennis ('22)

STUDENTS

A WORLD OF LEARNING

STUDY-ABROAD PROGRAMS EXPAND STUDENTS' GLOBAL AWARENESS

From Puerto Rico to Japan and points in between, TROY students traveled to 27 countries this summer.

Castles, white sands, Greek temples and Italian ruins are just a few of the sights more than 300 Troy University students experienced during studyabroad trips throughout the 20232024 academic year.

Over the last year, 306 students took advantage of 19 faculty-led trips to 27 different countries, plus Puerto Rico, with 34 students participating in exchange programs in Taiwan, Japan, Columbia, Poland, Austria and more.

Sarah McKenzie, Study Abroad Director, said she’s proud to see the number of students participating in study abroad and exchange opportunities growing.

“Not only does study abroad enhance students’ global awareness and future graduate school and employment paths, but it allows students to network with TROY faculty, staff, other students and community partners,” she said. “Traveling with people from all walks of life, people with whom they may never have come into contact otherwise, gives students different and valuable perspectives.”

In May, Dr. Duane Gunn, Director of Operations for the Leadership Institute, led a group of 46 around Italy and Greece.

Prior to the trip, students enrolled in an Intercultural Studies course tailored to studying the cultural aspects of the locations they’d be visiting.

Over the course of nine days, they took part in a guided tour of Florence, Rome and Vatican City and visited the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon and more before traveling to Greece. Once in Greece, they explored the Delphi Archaeological Museum, the Temple of Apollo and the Parthenon and embarked on a Greek island cruise.

Gunn said the trip was “eye-opening” for many students who had never been on a plane or out of the country.

“I think it helps many of the students open their eyes to the world and the fact that they haven't seen everything there is to see,” he said. “They were used to American culture, and I think it helped them understand the global world that we live in. That’s one of the things that Chancellor Hawkins talks about — understanding how we fit in this global society, and I think it helped hit those points a little bit closer to home for them.”

In July 2024, Dr. Samantha Booker, Coordinator of the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Program, led a group of 26 to Tampere, Finland, to

attend the World Association of Infant Mental Health Conference.

Multiple TROY graduate students were given the opportunity to present as well. Their topics included maternal mental health and postpartum depression, language deprivation for deaf and hard-of-hearing infants and the importance of infant and early childhood mental health professionals and school counselors identifying mental health issues early.

“Many of the attendees are professors from different universities from all across the world,” Booker said, “and they ask you about your research, they quiz you on it, they want to know where you're going next. I think it prepares them differently for a handson approach, and then getting to see the world on top of it is just icing on the cake.”

The Leadership Institute led a trip to Greece and Italy this summer.

In addition to the conference, the group traveled to multiple cities and were able to visit national parks, go on river tours and see castles.

“Not only are we getting to let students experience the multicultural aspect of traveling, but specifically we're getting to go overseas and see how infant and early childhood mental health differs based on cultures,” Booker said. “This field is newer in the United States compared to other countries, so we are building a name for the state of Alabama, but specifically for Troy University.”

After the conference, Booker and her students were invited to visit universities in Australia and Switzerland to see their research and opportunities to collaborate.

TROY students in Italy

SUMMER PROGRAMS SHAPE FUTURE LEADERS

TROY HOSTS BOYS STATE, GIRLS STATE, HOBY AND TROJAN PATRIOT ACADEMY

Troy University welcomed more than 1,000 future leaders to the Troy Campus this summer during the annual American Legion Alabama Boys State and Girls State programs and the inaugural Trojan Patriot Academy.

ALA Boys State and Girls State aim to teach leadership skills and the importance of good citizenship during the six-day camps. Held in late May and early June, the delegates spent the days hearing from state and local officials, business leaders, military officials and more, campaigning for government positions, holding elections, having debates and signing legislation. At night, they competed in field trials, skit nights and other bonding activities.

“Hosting camps such as Boys State and Girls State is a win-win for the University,” said Herb Reeves, Dean of Student Services. “The University is able to fulfill its mission of education and outreach, which benefits the community and state, and these camps attract some of the best and brightest young leaders among Alabama high school students. As the host site, we have the opportunity to introduce these prospective students to the Troy Campus.”

A new partnership between the American Village Citizenship Trust and Troy University also enabled a select group of rising high school juniors and seniors from around Alabama to learn more about leadership, civics and U.S. history.

Held in mid-June, Trojan Patriot Academy participants spent two days of the five-day camp on the Troy Campus learning about servant leadership before taking a trip to Montgomery to meet state leaders, tour the Alabama State House and learn about the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement during a tour of TROY’s Rosa Parks Museum.

The camp ended with a stay at the American Village in Montevallo, where students took part in an immersive educational experience.

“We are grateful for our partnership with the American Village Citizenship Trust, and we are excited about the difference the Trojan Patriot Academy will make in shaping the next generation of leaders in Alabama,” said Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor of Troy University. “We believe our nation needs leaders now more than any point in its history. This weeklong academy will help to equip students with the practices and ideals that have made our country great.”

In addition to Boys State, Girls State and now Trojan Patriot Academy, TROY has hosted the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar for the last 20 years. Founded as a nonprofit in 1958 by Hugh O’Brian, the organization’s goal is to inspire a global community of youth and volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service and innovation.

Gov. Kay Ivey visits with Girls State delegates on the Troy Campus.

A Boys State delegate shows off their student newspaper.

Sen. Katie Britt takes a selfie from the stage while addressing Girls State.

VALUES LEARNED AT TROY

DEREK YOUNG IN JAPAN

For one Trojan, being a world away from Troy in Japan has felt almost like being at home, where everyday values of compassion, competence and respect are the mainstays of society and business.

Derek Young, a 1986 finance graduate of the Sorrell College of Business, is Global Head of Asset Management Distribution at Fidelity International. Prior to his appointment to its London center, Young led Fidelity International’s Japan operations as president for the past six years. He served as President and Representative Director at FIL Investments (Japan) Limited, the asset management arm, as well as FIL Securities (Japan) K.K., which provides investment products and services to Japanese individual investors. He is also a member of Fidelity International’s Global Operating Committee.

Fidelity is one of the world’s largest privately held financial services corporations with some $4.4 trillion in total discretionary assets and more than $11.5 trillion assets under administration. Some 43 million individuals and 24,000 businesses do business with the company, based in Boston, Massachusetts.

“Fidelity is a family-owned business, and its values are very similar to mine,” Young said from his Tokyo office. “If people are not capable, not willing or don’t have the time to manage their investments, Fidelity is there to help. Our two guiding principles are ‘the client is always right’ and ‘what’s in the best interest of our customers.’

“Those values – family values – are Fidelity Values and Southern Values, and I get to see how they interact in this country to earn the respect of those people around me,” the Milledgeville, Georgia, native said.

Those values, first learned at home, were honed at TROY in the Sorrell College, where Young said the combination of professors taking an interest in him, leadership development, work on campus and social activities is what has led him to success in business.

Derek Young ('86), Fidelity International Operations President of Japan

A Sullivan Award winner, Young was a George C. Wallace Leadership Scholar, through which he expanded his leadership capabilities greatly.

“I had the privilege of being involved in leadership activities and those helped to develop my values of caring about other people, respecting other people, of making sure you did the right thing for other people,” he said.

He was a resident advisor in Alumni Hall and then moved up to be manager of Dill Hall – both experiences proved invaluable learning labs for Young.

“The work ethic skills that came from having to work with people across the University were important, and I learned so much about different people from different walks of life, and I got to be the person to understand where they were coming from,” he said.

“I had real learning experiences (at TROY) as I moved through on how you fit in, how to bring the TROY values into the workplace and be the kind of leader who motivates people to follow, who want to win and want to do it the right way. I’m a leader with a carrot, not a stick,” Young said.

“I have built amazing teams of amazingly talented people who have wanted to be a part of the winning culture and team. I learned that at TROY,” he added.

Young points to three professors in particular who mentored and pushed him to succeed academically.

“Robert Earl Stewart was so great – he was the ‘Z’ of the balance sheet. He taught me to think about things in a different way and was very supportive of me as a finance major. His classes were incalculable in understanding finance; he was easy to follow and had a natural gift as a teacher,” he said. “When you were dealing with him, he was giving you the tools to go about and be successful.”

The real difference for him was seeing that TROY professors took an interest in developing a total package, not just a competent practitioner in a given field.

“They really cared about me as an individual and cared about my being successful. Having that background has been really important in my life,” he said.

It was Ira Pyron, who taught finance alongside Stewart, who pushed Young to take his education to the next level.

“He had gone to Harvard, and he pushed me to Vandy. I had a full scholarship at Georgia and only a partial to Vanderbilt, but he convinced me it would be a good opportunity to grow and do things in a big way,” he said.

Young went on to complete an MBA in accounting and finance at Vanderbilt and later earned his Chartered Financial Analyst certification.

“Eugene Sherman in accounting really challenged me,” he said. “The professors really challenged me on a personal basis and made sure I was doing everything I could to excel and leverage my skill sets. They were really great, and I learned from them. They were true mentors.”

Today, although working in a global environment on a large scale, Young carries the lessons he learned at TROY into his everyday strategy in business.

“One of the biggest challenges facing us in Japan is the standard of living – the life expectancy is increasing as people live longer and I want to make sure they have enough money to live on,” he said.

Noting that Japanese culture – not unlike Southern culture -places a very great importance on respecting and caring for the elderly, Young is concerned with teaching families about how money works for them.

Derek Young receiving the Sullivan Award as a student

“In Japan, 55 percent of household assets are in cash or cash equivalency. In a deflationary world, that feels OK, but over the past 12 months, inflation is increasing, and people are sitting on cash. Costs are going up and what that means for the elderly is that food costs are going up. They are sitting on cash and have no ability to offset those increasing costs,” he said.

“I want to push the idea of trying to help people invest in the ways it takes to maintain their quality of life. These issues mean a lot to me and to Fidelity, so I want to help the Japanese people to understand it,” he added. Two avenues have opened to give him a greater platform from which to spread those values and expertise.

Young is the first non-Japanese speaker to serve on the Investment Trust Association Board, the governing body for industry in Japan. He also serves as Vice Chairman of the Financial Service Committee of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan.

“I’ve been able to share my insights and learning from the United States on how we can make the Japanese market sustainable and successful. With the Chamber, I can concentrate on how we can bring our expertise to Japan and help make it a better place for those who are investing in Japan – and those who should,” he said.

It’s part of the “Fidelity Way,” according to Young: “Fidelity cares for us as individuals, as a team and cares about our clients.”

When he arrived in Japan five years ago, Young needed a mentor to help him navigate a new business and cultural environment. He found that person amongst the Fidelity family.

At 88, Kuramoto-san still comes to the office to work with Young. He was Fidelity’s first employee in Japan, and 54 years later is still working.

“I’ve learned about what I didn’t know and having good people around me compliments my skill sets. There’s a real deference to the elderly in Japan and that makes it feel very much like home, a Southern set of values,” he said.

“It lets me lean back on my Southern roots and my TROY roots."

Now, beginning in October, those Southern roots will expand into London in his new role.

"After 6 exciting and rewarding years in Japan, I will be moving my base to London. While I will miss Japan and all the wonderful friends I have made, including our amazing Fidelity team in Japan, I am looking forward to this new global challenge," he said.

Young, left, with other Sullivan Award winners and then-Troy State University Chancellor Dr. Ralph Adams

FROM MALAWI TO ALABAMA

TROY ALUMNA FINDS SUCCESS AS AN ECONOMIST

Martha Njolomole, a native of Malawi and a 2017 and 2019 graduate of Troy University, has built a successful career as an economist in Minnesota where she draws daily from the concepts she learned as a student at TROY’s Manuel H. Johnson Center for Political Economy.

After a 30-hour journey, Njolomole arrived at TROY in 2013 with two other women as part of a scholarship program funded by the 100X Development Foundation. After earning her undergraduate degree, she decided to stay and pursue a master’s degree in economics.

In October 2019, she was hired as an Economist at the Center of the American Experiment, researching economic policies on taxes, spending and government relations, among others. She has been published in the Journal of Entrepreneurship and Public Policy and has also written numerous op-eds to various research outlets, including the Foundation for Economic Education.

Njolomole said growing up in Malawi sparked her interest in economics, even if she didn’t have the word to describe that feeling at the time.

“We had this small radio we used to listen to in the evening for the news. You would hear things like the U.S. government is giving Malawi aid, maybe for building schools or building roads, or sometimes the government would be asking for aid,” she said. “I just really wanted to know why Malawi was poor while these other countries were rich.”

After arriving at TROY and immersing in classes and a new culture, Njolomole found a home at the Johnson Center. She credits the instructors in this program with preparing her to work in the field she’s in now.

“The way the program was structured was really useful,” she said. “You have all these teachers doing research that was mostly geared toward policy, as opposed to just academically oriented, which seeped into how they were teaching us. So instead of being more theoretical, I think we did more research.”

Njolomole said the international presence at TROY benefited her just as much as the education she received. Sharing a space with students from across the world allowed for different perspectives to be shared, ones that she still takes into consideration today.

“I just really like how TROY puts emphasis on international students and having so many people from so many backgrounds together. It makes your whole experience more enjoyable, but also more interesting,” she said. “It was especially useful for me because I remember, in some of my classes, we had to talk about institutions and culture and how that plays into economic development. Everybody brought their own perspective, things that you wouldn’t normally think about that I relate to to this day.”

Martha Njolomole ('17, '19)

TROY ALUMNI LEADING COLLEGES

Troy University was founded in February 1887 as an institution to train teachers, and while it has expanded its academic offerings since then, TROY has held onto its roots and continues to offer a first-class education to future educators. Of the 25 current two-year college presidents in Alabama, nine of those boast degrees from TROY.

College presidents include:

Dr. Corretta Boykin, Reid State Technical College

Dr. Kemba Chambers, Trenholm State Community College

Annette Funderburk, J.F. Ingram State Technical College Vicki P. Karolewics, Wallace State Community College

Dr. Brock Kelley, Lurleen B. Wallace Community College Daniel Long, Enterprise State Community College

Dr. Aaron Milner, Coastal Alabama Community College

Dr. Kathy Murphy, Gadsden State Community College

Dr. Linda Young, Wallace Community College-Dothan

Additionally, Jimmy Baker has served as Chancellor of the Alabama Community College System since 2017, and two other alumni also serve as college presidents in other states: Rep. Bill Johnson, Youngstown State University; and Dr. Lance Tatum, Northwest Missouri State University. Dr. Susan Aldridge, former TROY Vice Chancellor, is President of Thomas Jefferson University.

Chambers, who earned both her master’s and Educational Specialist degrees from TROY, said the education she received from the University helped prepare her to take on leadership roles.

“The courses at TROY helped me to advance my career as a mathematics teacher and enter into the world of leadership,” she said. “Being able to learn valuable leadership skills and having former administrators, such as Dr. Curtis Pitts, serving as faculty members helped me to understand real-life scenarios that I can relate to in my present role.”

Earning both his undergraduate and graduate degrees at TROY, Kelley said the connections he made as a student have continued to serve him well into his professional career.

“I’m forever grateful for my time at Troy University, and I have always been proud of the education I was afforded there,” he said. “As President of LBW, the network of peers and instructors established at TROY has been crucial to my role in creating and cultivating educational and training partnerships, which have a considerable economic impact on the communities in which we live. Troy University has always felt like home to me and will forever hold a special place in my heart.”

Knowing she wanted to be an educator, Young, who retired Oct. 1, also earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at TROY and said she still calls on the skills she was taught during her time at the University.

“I am extremely proud to be an alumna of Troy University. Attending there was a time full of discovery,” she said. “TROY provided top-notch academic preparation for a specialized career in education. I was taught to think critically, solve problems and have the capacity to learn new things — all skills that I utilize daily in my present role as a community college president. To be sure, Troy University continues its deep-rooted commitment to provide a quality education that serves students well in their future lives, whatever direction they take.”

Dr. Kemba Chambers, Trenholm State Community College

Dr. Brock Kelley, Lurleen B. Wallace Community College

Dr. Linda Young, Wallace Community College-Dothan

GRADUATES REALIZE LIFELONG DREAMS

INSPIRE OTHERS TO NEVER GIVE UP

A pair of recent graduates from Troy University’s Montgomery Campus realized lifelong dreams by earning their degrees and, at the same time, provided inspiration to others to be lifelong learners.

The two graduates – 70-year-old Lillie Thompson Smith, who graduated last Fall, and 79-year-old Angerline Day, who graduated in the Spring – never gave up on their dream of earning degrees.

Smith received her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling, vowing that she was not finished with furthering her education.

“I got my associate degree and then my bachelor’s and now I’m receiving my master’s,” said Smith, a U.S. Postal Service retiree. “I want to continue and go into a field where I can work and go back to school and get my Ph.D. I need to get my LPC. I would like to work with older people. You can still be productive and help someone. I would like to help older people to help others.”

Since her retirement, Smith hasn’t stopped moving, and after following her military husband and raising her children, she decided it was time to pursue her dreams.

“I have always wanted to further my education, but raising kids and working made it hard to do,” she said. “I was a dependent of a military person and followed him all over the country and overseas with his assignments. Once he retired and the children were grown, it was time for me to go back and do what I wanted to do, which was get my education.”

Day crossed the Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts stage to receive her diploma during the Montgomery Campus’ spring commencement.

“I never thought I would see this day, and it is wonderful for me,” Day said. “It was always something that I wanted to do. It feels wonderful to finally be able to do something for me that I love.”

Day received her bachelor’s degree in psychology by completing all of her coursework online without much previous computer experience. Her sons helped her get enrolled and she did the rest. She encourages others to pursue their dreams as well.

“Never give up on it. It is very, very fulfilling,” she said. “I have learned more and, the one thing about knowledge, it does build upon itself. That can be very, very exciting, especially for those who are my age who thought they had already lived their best lives. There is so much more ahead.”

Lillie Thompson Smith

Angerline Day

ALUMNI OF THE YEAR

OUTSTANDING ALUMNI HONORED DURING HOMECOMING CELEBRATION

Troy University celebrated its 2024 Homecoming on Nov. 2 as the Trojans played host to Coastal Carolina at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

As a part of the annual festivities, the Troy University Alumni Association recognized three Alumni of the Year and one Honorary Alumnus of the Year. This year’s honorees, who were recognized on the field during halftime, were Dr. Kathy L. Murphy (’81), Derek Ellington (’92) and Alison Scott Wingate Hosp ('98, ’99). The Honorary Alumnus is Jason Jones.

FORMER TROJAN ATHLETE JODY SINGLETON INDUCTED INTO WIREGRASS SPORTS HALL OF FAME

Former TROY outfielder Jody Singleton, a member of the Alumni Board, was inducted into the 30th class of the Wiregrass Sports Hall of Fame in August.

Singleton, a native of Headland, Ala., starred for the Trojans from 199091 after a standout junior college career at Wallace-Dothan. During his TROY career, the right fielder hit for a .344 batting average with 96 hits, 21 doubles, one triple, 12 home runs and 77 RBIs.

During his senior season in 1991, Singleton led the Trojans with a .348 batting average and was named to the All-Gulf South Conference Team in addition to the All-Region Team. Singleton was also the first player in Troy State history to be named to the CoSIDA-GTE Academic Team.

With Singleton leading the way, the Trojans compiled a 51-10 record during head coach Chase Riddle's

final season in 1990 and followed it up with a 34-19 record and a Gulf South Conference East Division crown in 1991.

Singleton joins his father Sherrill Singleton in the Wiregrass Sports Hall of Fame.

Ellington is an Enterprise native. While at TROY, he was a linebacker for the football team, president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc and elected SGA Senator and Clerk. Ellington graduated from TROY in 1992 with a double major in Business Administration and Computer Science. He also holds a master’s degree in public and private management with a concentration in international business from Birmingham-Southern College. Ellington's Financial Services career spans 30 years with stints at some of the nation’s largest banks in Executive Leadership roles. He has helped businesses with their growth strategies in places like Singapore, Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, London, Dublin, Zurich, Munich and Frankfurt to name a few. Today, he serves as Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Value Creation Centrifuge, a premier business consulting firm focused on helping businesses achieve their full potential. Ellington also joined Uplinq Financial Technologies as a Board advisor earlier this year. Ellington serves on the Dean’s Executive Advisory Board for the Sorrell College of Business. He is an active supporter of Trojan Athletics and TROY's IDEA Bank. He loves engaging with students through speaking engagements and other forms of career guidance.

DEREK ELLINGTON (’92)

ALISON SCOTT WINGATE HOSP (’98,’99)

Hosp has served as the Alabama Retail Association’s Vice President since 2005. She joined Alabama Retail in 2001 as Communications Director after serving as Director of Public Relations for the Alabama Bankers Association. In 2003, she became Alabama Retail’s director of governmental and public affairs. She is a certified Association Executive as designated by the American Society of Association Executives. She also serves on the board of directors for Kid One Transport System, Inc., which transports children and expectant mothers to necessary health care services. Hosp was a member of the 33rd Legacy Class of Leadership Montgomery, and in 2011 and 2014, she received the Alabama Civil Justice Reform Committee’s Chairman’s Award for her efforts to win approval for tort reform measures. Hosp is a two-time TROY honors graduate, earning her bachelor’s degree in 1998 and her master’s degree in 1999. During her time at TROY, Hosp was an undergraduate and graduate assistant in the Office of Alumni Affairs. She was a member of the first Young Alumni Council in 2009 and is a lifetime member of the TROY Alumni Association.

DR. KATHY L. MURPHY (’81)

Dr. Murphy is President of Gadsden State Community College with campuses in Gadsden, Centre and Anniston, a position she has held since January 2021. She began her career in education in 1984 in the classroom at Auburn Junior High School before going on to serve as an Assistant Professor at Judson College and later at the University of West Georgia. She also served as Principal of Greenville Middle School, Greenville High School and Charles Henderson High School in Troy and Superintendent of Monroe County Schools and Hoover City Schools. Murphy attended TROY on a Leadership Scholarship and was inducted into five honor societies during her time on campus. She received the Outstanding Senior Award and graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in education. She also holds a master’s degree and an Educational Specialist degree from Auburn Montgomery, and a Doctor of Education degree from Auburn University. She funded the Dr. Kathy L. Murphy Leadership Scholarship, awarded annually to TROY students. She is a lifetime member of the TROY Alumni Association, and her only child is a TROY graduate, as well.

JASON JONES (HONORARY ALUMNUS)

Jones, a Brundidge native, is owner of Jones Medical Supply in Troy and Greenville, as well as CPAP Plus in Dothan. He is a deacon at Troy’s First Baptist Church, has served on the boards of the Pike County Alumni Association, Troy Rotary Club and Pike County Relay for Life, and currently serves as Chairman of the Alabama HME Licensure Board and board member for ADMEA. He is co-founder of Workout for Water Troy, a fundraising arm for nonprofit NeverThirst, which provides clean water to those around the globe who do not have access. To date, more than $700,000 has been raised in Pike County alone. Jones and his wife Kristy, a two-time TROY graduate, have two daughters – Blakely, a freshman at Zion Chapel High School where Kristy has taught for 24 years, and Hudson, a freshman at TROY who is a member of Freshman Forum and Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. Jones’ businesses have arranged NIL deals with more than 60 TROY student athletes. He is cofounder and Vice President of Trojans Together Collective, which, in its first year, has coordinated NIL deals for more than 100 TROY student athletes spanning five sports. He has not missed a home football game in more than 22 years.

Dear Alumni and Friends,

Our Chancellor, Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., often says that the best barometer for what Troy University can be is what it has done. Trojans are truly making a difference around the world, and your Troy University Alumni Association is grateful for how you continue to represent TROY.

One of our favorite traditions is celebrating our alumni during Homecoming. This year’s celebration included honoring our Alumni of the Year recipients (pages 46-47).

I also want to encourage you to become a member of the TROY Alumni Association. Annual dues are only $50. Lifetime memberships are also available at $750 for individuals and $1,250 for couples, and a payment plan is available.

I am pleased to announce the new slate of Alumni Board officers that will assume leadership roles in 2025. Judge Jack Weaver will serve as our Alumni President, Steve Sanders as our Vice President, Jody Singleton as our Treasurer and Rosemary Elebash as Immediate Past President.

It was your Alumni Board that adopted scholarships as the primary focus of the Alumni Association. Your continued support can help to provide future generations of Trojans with the same type of lifechanging experience you enjoyed during your time on campus. By supporting these efforts, you can help to ensure the impact of “the school we love” continues to grow for generations to come.

Faith West Byrd (’81, ’87) Troy University Alumni Director

TROY ALUMNUS AMONG OLYMPIC ELITE

VINCENT HANCOCK EARNS FOURTH GOLD MEDAL

Troy University alumnus Vincent Hancock ('14) made Olympic history this summer by earning his fourth gold medal in Men’s Skeet. Hancock, of Eatonton, Georgia, is now the sixth Olympian ever to win four gold medals in the same event, and the first shooting Olympian to accomplish this feat. He earned his first Olympic gold in Beijing 2008, his next in London 2012 and his third in Tokyo 2020.

“We are extremely proud of Vincent Hancock and his record-making achievement during the Olympic Games,” said Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor. “His excellence and dedication truly exemplify the best of the Trojan spirit and he is a great source of pride and inspiration for the entire Troy University family.”

ALUMNA REMEMBERED

UNIVERSITY MOURNS DEATH OF VIRGINIA BUSH

Virginia Bush (’50), founder of Troy University’s New York Alumni Chapter and longtime Chair of the Alumni Association’s World War II-era alumni reunion, passed away on Aug. 21. She was 95 years old.

Bush, a native of Glenwood, Alabama, graduated from Troy State Teachers College and spent her career as a high school English teacher in Georgia and New Jersey. She was a lifetime member of the TROY Alumni Association.

Bush met her husband, Joseph, during her time at TROY and he proposed to her in front of what was then Bibb Graves Hall. It was a marriage that would last for 60 years until his death. Bush is survived by her sons, Joseph Bush, Jr. (Elizabeth) and Jeffrey Bush (Joanne); granddaughter, Gillian Bush; along with many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

Vincent Hancock, right, during the Paris Olympics

ALUMNI NOTES

’85

Dr. Patricia Engelhardt (’85) has been acknowledged as a Top Pinnacle Platinum Professional by The Inner Circle. Engelhardt was recognized for her contributions to the field of Industrial and Organizational Psychology and the military. She is recognized by the Florida Department of Health as a Registered Mental Health Counselor since 2005. Her more than 40-year career, from active-duty military service, government service and entrepreneurial roles, to achieving her doctorate researching predictors of hostile work environments has come full circle - to the political environment today. A highly regarded expert in multiple fields, Engelhardt has a comprehensive skill set encompassing expertise in mental health care, leadership competency and business development. She is a current member of many prestigious organizations, including the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) and the American Psychological Association (APA). Dedicated to service in civic advocacy, she is the founder of the Coalition of Forces for Veterans, Connecting the Red, White, and Blue, which she began in 2016. Engelhardt previously served as a founding board member for The Tender Loving Care Complex, Inc., from 1995 to 2015, and served on the Board of Directors for the Guardian Ad Litem program, the American Red Cross, the Juvenile Justice Council, the Restorative Juvenile Justice program. She recently served as board officer for a $6 million homeowner's association.

’87

Eddie Brundidge (’87), Head Football and Track Coach at Houston Academy, was among 12 inductees in the 2024 class of the Alabama High School Athletic Associations Hall of Fame. A well-respected member of Alabama’s high school coaching community, he was named the Alabama Assistant Football Coach of the Year for Class 3A by the AFCA in 2018; AHSADCA Boys’ Outdoor

Track Coach of the Year in 2010, 2011, 2014 and 2016 for Class 3A, and the Girls’ Outdoor Track Coach of the Year in 2009 and 2010; South Alabama Track Coach of the Year in 2010; and the NFHS State Track Coach of the Year in 2009.

’89

Gen. David Allvin (’89) is Air Force Chief of Staff. Gen. Allvin commanded the 97th Air Mobility Wing, Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, as well as other major command assignments. He served as Commanding General of NATO Air Training Command in Afghanistan and held other command positions. He became a Deputy Chief of Staff and served at Headquarters United States European Command in Germany. Allvin was Vice Director of Strategy, Plans and Policy for the Joint Staff before his promotion to General and position as Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force. President Biden nominated him as Chief of Staff of the Air Force. He was confirmed by the Senate and sworn in on the same day in November 2023. Allvin is a command pilot with more than 4,600 flying hours.

’89, ’92

Randy Wilkes (’89, ’92) is Superintendent of Orange Beach City Schools. Wilkes is a 35-year veteran of Alabama public education. He was State Superintendent of the Year in 2019 and named Troy University Alumni of the Year in 2021.

’92

Dr. Mark Brown (’92) was recently named President of Tuskegee University. Brown is a retired Air Force Major General, with 32 years of military service. Most recently, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Student Freedom Initiative based in Washington, D.C. He holds a Master of Public Administration degree from TROY.

’99

Jim Crider (’99) is Chief of Staff for the city of Carmel, Indiana. He previously served as Director of Administration for Carmel since 2017. Crider retired

from the U.S. Army after a 29-year career, reaching the rank of Colonel. He earned a master’s degree in human resource management from TROY.

’00

Virginia “Ginny” Gambacurta (’00) recently joined Swift, Currie, McGhee & Hiers, LLP, as partner in the firm’s Birmingham office. She practices in all state and federal courts in Alabama, as well as in the U.S. Supreme Court. Gambacurta is active with the Alabama Defense Lawyers Association, the Defense Research Institute and National Retail and Restaurant Defense Association.

’00

Dr. Jeannie Pridmore (’00) is Chair of the Information Systems and Computer Science Department at J. Whitney Bunting College of Business and Technology. She worked as a controls engineer, analyst, and Six Sigma project lead and executive trainer. She won multiple teaching, research and service awards, was awarded the USG Board of Regents’ Felton Jenkins Jr. Faculty Hall of Fame Award and has been recognized as one of the Top 3 Women in STEAM Education by Women in Technology.

’02

Sheri Neshiem (’02) was recently appointed Vice Chancellor and Chief Human Resources Officer at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She has more than 30 years of human resources experience in higher education and government, most recently serving as Assistant Vice President for Human Resources at the University of South Florida. She is also a proud U.S. Air Force veteran and current Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. Neshiem holds a master’s degree in human resource management from TROY.

’04

Dr. Kevin Ammons (’04) was recently named Dean of Students at Central Alabama Community College. His professional journey includes significant leadership roles at Gadsden

State Community College, Enterprise State Community College and, most recently, Reid State Technical Community College, where he served as Executive Director of Student Services.

’04

Robert P. Cotton, Jr. (’04) was recently named the new varsity basketball coach for Valley High School. Cotton has a combined 32 years of teaching and coaching experience in Georgia.

’04

Michele Gerlach (’04) received the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2023-2024 President’s Award. The Elba native serves as the Communications Director and Grant Writer for the City of Andalusia. She also is secretary for the Covington Veterans Foundation, a member and Past President of the Andalusia Rotary Club and served on the boards of the Andalusia Ballet, Andalusia High School Scholarship Foundation, ReAct Theatre and Arts, the Covington County Program of Leadership and the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce. Gerlach earned a master’s degree in management from TROY.

’04

Marshae Madison-Pelt (’04) has been named Executive Director for the West Alabama region of the Literacy Council of Alabama. In this role, she will not only steer the organization's strategic management and operational directives but also play a pivotal role in fostering relationships and exploring opportunities for community partnerships across Bibb, Fayette, Lamar, Perry, Pickens, Sumter and Tuscaloosa counties. Her professional experience is comprehensive, including roles in teaching, literacy coaching and administration at both the elementary and secondary levels. In addition, she held key positions within central office operations, including Literacy Specialist, Student Service Coordinator, and Testing and Accountability Coordinator. Madison also contributed her expertise as an Adjunct Professor within Stillman College's College of

Education. In addition to her academic achievements, she is accredited as a Certified Instructional Leader and holds a National Board Certification in Literacy and Language Arts.

’04

Wanda Kaye Warren (’04), an Associate Director at TFC Consulting, Inc., was recently appointed to the Georgia State Use Council by Georgia Gov. Brian P. Kemp. Warren is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in management from TROY.

’05

D. Shane Loper (’05) was recently named President of Hancock Whitney Bank. He previously served as the bank’s Chief Operating Officer. Loper maintains dual offices and residences on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and in New Orleans, and he regularly visits other markets throughout the company’s business footprint. He holds a Master of Business Administration from TROY.

’05

Dr. Michele Seay (’05) has been named the 2024 Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year Award winner for South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) for her work as the psychology instructor at SGTC. She has been employed at SGTC since 2000 as a general core/psychology instructor.

’05

Ashlee Stephens (’05) serves as Community Liaison for the Enterprise and Troy areas for DaySpring Hospice. Stephens previously served as the Chair of the Pike Liberal Arts School Board. She and her husband, Kevin, have four children.

’06

Kristen Aplin (’06) is the Executive Director of the state of Tennessee’s Regulatory Board Administration. She previously served as Executive Director of Customer Experience. She is a graduate of LEAD TN Alliance 9, which is a pipeline of current and emerging

leaders moving through 12 months of intense, high-impact development in eight leadership competencies. She received the Governor’s Service in Excellence Award in 2019.

’06

Curtis Graves (’06) was recently named Deputy of Public Safety for the city of Mobile. Graves served for the last eight years as the Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Mobile Police Department. He has more than 32 years of criminal investigation and administrative experience.

’07

Geoff Cannon (’07) was recently named as the new Head Football Coach at Coosa High School in Rome, GA. He joins Coosa High from Brantley County High School where he spent the last six seasons as Head Football Coach. Prior to his time at Brantley County, he served as the Assistant and Running Backs Coach at Allatoona High School (2017), Assistant Head Football Coach and Offensive Coordinator at Frederica Academy (2013-2017), Assistant Coach and Special Teams Coordinator at Glynn Academy High School (2005-2013) and Assistant Coach/9th Grade Head Coach at Kell High School (20022005). Cannon and his wife, Jessica, have four children. He holds a master’s degree in postsecondary education from TROY.

’07

Glenn Roberts (’07), Adjunct Professor in Public Safety Pathway at Broward College, was among those honored as Adjunct Professors of the Year for the 2023-2024 academic year. Roberts, a retired Broward County law enforcement veteran, has taught at Broward College for 11 years.

’08

Sara Davis (’08) is the Chief Communications Officer at Coastal Alabama Community College. She has served in leadership roles for the Alabama Community College System Public Relations Association and the Alabama Community

College Association. She serves on the boards of the North Baldwin Infirmary Foundation and the North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce. She is a graduate of Leadership Baldwin County.

’08

Omar Haugabook (’08) was recently named Head Coach of Glades Central High School football program in Belle Glade, Florida. Haugabook had been selected to the position on an interim basis in November. Also a Police Officer at Glades Central, Haugabook coached last season at Pahokee Middle-Senior High School as Offensive Coordinator. While at TROY, Haugabook, as the Trojans quarterback, earned Sun Belt 2006 Player of the Year, Sun Belt 2006 and 2007 Offensive Player of the Year, and was a member of the 2006 New Orleans Bowl Champions, where he was game MVP and first-team AllConference quarterback. He was also awarded Amateur Athlete of the Year by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission in 2006.

’08

Lonnie Maddox (’08) was recently named as an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Kansas State University football program. He spent the last four seasons at Valdosta State as the head strength and conditioning coach for all 14 athletics programs. He received his start in the strength and conditioning field at TROY in the 2014 and 2015 seasons and is a Certified Strength and Condition Specialist by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and a Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach by the NSCA.

’09 ’16

Brant Smith (’09, ’16) is the new Director of Product and Offer Strategy for Comcast Business in Atlanta, Georgia. Smith, originally from Evergreen, Alabama, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this pivotal role, where he will lead the development and deployment of new products and enhancements for Comcast Business. In his new position,

Smith will be responsible for managing and directing the product and offer strategy, ensuring the successful development and deployment of new products and enhancements. His role involves engaging with marketing leadership on business planning, performance goals and budget needs, and ensuring effective communication of current initiatives, offers and promotions. Additionally, Smith will act as the lead liaison with network expansion teams to guarantee efficient and timely activation of new service areas. Smith holds an MBA and a bachelor’s degree in marketing from TROY, where he was a member of SGA, NPHC leader and 2007 initiate of TROY’s chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi.

’10

Blake Phelps (’10) is Economic Development Director for the city of Gulf Shores. Phelps serves on the Board of Gulf Shores Utilities and has been active with the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber, G.U.M.B.O. and the Dolphin Foundation for Education and Arts.

’11

Flora Bolding (’11) recently published the book “I Am a Human Being, Not a Color,” which is described as a heartfelt message for upcoming generations. She was a licensed substitute teacher in both the Muscogee County School District in Columbus, Georgia, and the Arapahoe County School District in Aurora, Colorado. Published by Christian Faith Publishing, the book is said to be a “call for reflection and action," urging readers to examine the principles that shape the U.S. and reconsider the commitment to equality.

’11

Jerrel Jernigan (’11), Head Coach of the Eufaula High School football team, was named 5A Coach of the Year by the Alabama Football Coaches Association. A standout wide receiver and returner for the Trojans, Jernigan accounted for 5,972 all-purpose yards and 27 touchdowns in his career. He was selected in the third round of the 2011 NFL draft by the New York Giants,

playing for four seasons, including the 2012 Super Bowl-winning season. He was inducted into the Troy University Sports Hall of Fame in 2017.

’11

Tucker Sargent (’11) is Evening News Anchor and Executive Producer at 41NBC/WMGT in Macon, Georgia. He began his career at 41NBC as a News and Sports Reporter before leading the station’s sports coverage for several years.

’11, ’13

Liz Filmore (’11, ’13), the first woman in Alabama’s more than 200-year history to hold the position of Chief of Staff to the Governor, was named as a 2024 Woman of Impact Award recipient. The award was presented during a dinner ceremony.

’13

Matt Hutcheson (’13) was named Assistant Editor of The Summit Daily News in Frisco, CO. He previously served as News Editor for the El Dorado News-Times in Arkansas. He also worked with the Luverne Journal and Greenville Advocate.

’13, ’15

Edward Moss (’13, ’15) was recently selected for the position of Youth Services Court Administrator in Montgomery County, Tennessee. Moss recently led as the Montgomery County Veterans Treatment Court Director, where he has served military veterans since May 2018. He is a 23-year Army veteran who retired as a First Sergeant. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal justice from TROY.

’14

DeMarco McClain (’14), Bank Independent’s Huntsville City President, was recently named one of Business Alabama Magazine’s “20 Rising Stars for Banking.” The list highlights leaders shaping the future of banking in Alabama. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree from TROY.

’15

Bethany Wilson Allen (’15) was hired earlier this year as President of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce. A native of Elba, Allen previously served as Marketing Manager of Glow in Troy and also has years of experience in account management and sales. During her time at TROY, she served as an SGA Senator and as President of the Delta Delta Chapter of Kappa Delta Sorority. She earned a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism with a minor in leadership.

’15

Richard Gibbens (’15) was named as the new Chief Executive Officer for Bluegrass Realtors and Imagine MLS in Lexington. Bluegrass Realtors represents more than 4,000 Realtors across 38 central and eastern Kentucky counties. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree from TROY.

’17

Pinellas Park Chief of Police Adam Geissenberger (’17) was appointed to the Board of Directors of Hope Villages of America, a leading nonprofit organization in the Tampa Bay, Florida area. He brings more than 20 years of public service experience to HVA, whose mission for more than 50 years has been to support area neighbors facing hunger, homelessness, domestic violence and a lack of basic needs. Chief Geissenberger also serves with the following esteemed organizations: the FBI National Academy Associates Florida Chapter, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Florida Police Chiefs Association, the Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Association, and the Pinellas Police Standards Council.

NEW ADDITION JONES HALL ADORNS 2024 CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT

The Troy University Alumni Association is celebrating one of the newest additions to the Troy Campus with its 2024 Christmas ornament.

The ornament features Jones Hall, which will be the home to the University’s College of Health Sciences. The building, which is scheduled to be completed this Fall, is named in honor of TROY alumnus and Crowne Health President Billy Jones and his wife, Frances.

Now in its 25th year of production, the ornaments are designed for the TROY Alumni Association by Beacon Designs and depict special moments throughout the University’s history.

Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor, surprised Billy and Frances Jones with the ornament during the Monroe County Alumni Chapter’s scholarship fundraising dinner in July.

“I believe there are no better people in the world than Billy and Frances Jones,” Dr. Hawkins said. “Billy is a TROY alum and has been very generous in his support of TROY."

Mrs. Janice Hawkins, First Lady of Troy University, said the Joneses have built a legacy that will benefit TROY students for years to come.

“I'm proud of the Joneses and what they have done for TROY. It is a tremendous legacy," Mrs. Hawkins said.

Billy Jones said he was “very surprised” to see the building featured as this year’s ornament, and he hopes the building will help TROY continue to produce quality nurses and health workers.

“There is a shortage of nurses in this country, and I hope that this new building helps in training nurses and health workers to fill those gaps,” he said.

The ornament can be purchased for $20 by visiting the TROY Alumni Association website at troy.edu/alumni or by calling 334-670-3318.

TROY alumnus and Crowne Health President Billy Jones and his wife, Frances Jones

’17

Jahmal Kennedy (’17) joined the CBS Austin news team as a General News Assignment Reporter. He spent the previous two years reporting on sports for Montgomery’s WSFA. Prior to his time at WSFA, Kennedy spent two years in Fargo, North Dakota, at WDAYTV.

’20

Charles “Chad” Morris (’20) recently began his duties as City Manager for Milton-Freewater, Washington. He had previously served several different positions with the city of Niceville, Florida since 2001. He holds a Master of Public Administration degree from TROY.

’20

Quintarries Upshaw (’20) has written the book, “The Journey of Broken Folk.” Upshaw also serves as a social studies teacher in the Escambia County (Florida) schools.

’20

Dr. Jeffrey Curto (’21), an Assistant Professor at Hiram College in Hiram, Ohio, will lead the college’s first varsity men’s ice hockey team. Prior to coaching at Hiram, Curto was the Associate Head Coach of the Eastern Kentucky University Division III ACHA hockey team in Richmond, Kentucky, in 2016 and previously coached at the high school and U16 levels. He holds a Ph.D. in sport management from TROY.

’21, ’23

Elise Rhodes (’21, ’23) was recently hired for the position of Business Operations Analyst for AARP Alabama. Rhodes previously served as Data Governance Analyst for Verizon Communications. A veteran of the U.S. Army, Rhodes was a Financial Management Technician and Team Leader at Fort Cavazos, Texas, and also performed these duties while deployed overseas. During her time in Texas, she was also a CASA volunteer, serving as a court-appointed special advocate for children who were wards

of the court, and managing public resources to ensure their well-being.

’21

Brady Talbert (’21) recently joined WBRC Fox6 News in Birmingham. He previously served as the Weekend Evening News Anchor and Weekday Reporter at WSFA 12 News in Montgomery. During his time at TROY, he served as student news director, anchor and reporter for TROY TrojanVision News.

’22, ’23

Katie Lively (’22, ’23) was recently appointed as the Communications and Research Director for Extra Inning Softball. In her new role, she will oversee communication, both internally and externally, to support the EIS mission and will serve as the liaison between the company, its affiliates, vendors and various consultants, as well as playing a key role in enhancing branding and imaging. Lively played five seasons for the Trojan softball team, appearing in 162 games and making 119 starts. She batted a career-high .364 in 2020 and finished the season with eight doubles, three home runs and 15 RBIs. Lively was named First Team All-Sun Belt Conference in 2021 as she batted .303 with 11 doubles, seven home runs and a career-best 37 RBIs. She posted a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage in four of her five seasons wearing the Trojan uniform.

’23

Dylan Seymore (’23) is a Reporter for WTVM TV in Columbus, Georgia. A broadcast journalism graduate from the Hall School of Journalism and Communication, Seymore worked with TROY Athletics during his time at TROY, helping with game broadcasts for ESPN+.

Meredith Dunn Aplin (’10)

James Aubrey “Booty” Bruce (’77)

Virginia Bush (’50)

Christopher Lee Cantine (’64)

Betty Joyce Parish Chancellor (’65)

Maj. Gen. J. Gary Cooper, USMC ret. (’90)

Audrey Mae Cordes (’96)

Walter Cullipher (’85)

Tom Dodge (’80)

Col. Jan Dean Edeburn, USAF ret. (’84)

Maj. William T. Edwards, USAF ret. (’74)

Timothy Glenn Getchell (’84)

Gerald F. Gillis (’54)

Dr. Kenneth David Gilmore (’78)

Dr. John Wilton Key (’59)

William Albert Lovett (’95)

Thomas Alan Malec (’81)

James Mitchell (’69)

Dr. William Edward Nitch (’71)

Jennifer Nicole Plass (’01)

Janet Greene Ratzlaff (’70)

Carla Gayle Shelley (’01)

Catherine Smith Stallworth (’59)

Ann Leo Toothman (’80)

Kerry David Wilensky (’99) IN REMEMBRANCE Troy University Friends

Dr. B.J. Bateman

Katherine Louise Bertrand

Dr. Mickey DiChiara

Dr. David Dye

Richard (Dick) Franklin Palmer

Nancy Elizabeth Pruitt

Dr. G.T. Stewart

Mary Henderson Strickland

NEW SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORTS MILITARY DEPENDENTS

VETERAN HONORS LATE WIFE WITH GIFT TO AID

MILITARY FAMILIES IN COMMITMENT TO EDUCATION

To honor his late wife, Air Force veteran and Troy University alumni Henry Thompson established the Nadyne Tisdale Thompson Endowed Scholarship for Military Dependents at Troy University to continue their goal of helping students receive an education.

Thompson and Nadyne first met at church in 1956 — they had their first date after he graduated from basic training. “I still have our pictures that we took out at the park on that day in 1956,” Thompson said. “I had a week from that point until I was going to be leaving for Okinawa. Every evening during that week I was with Nadyne. I told her we’re gonna have to get married and she says, ‘I can’t, I’m just 16.’ I said I’d be back.”

After their wedding in 1959, they went back to Thompson’s duty station in Louisiana until 1960, when he left the Air Force. He rejoined in 1961, and they went on to be stationed in Mississippi, Illinois and Alabama with year-long deployments in Vietnam and Greenland.

While stationed in Montgomery, Thompson began taking accounting classes at night through TROY. He graduated from TROY with honors in 1972.

He officially retired from the Air Force in 1978 and had long careers in cost accounting and with the State of Alabama State Treasurer’s Office. After his civilian retirement, they moved onto their tree farm in Autauga County for nearly 20 years before relocating to Georgia.

While in Autauga County, Nadyne worked with the Autauga County Historic Society and was a rural census taker in 1970. She volunteered in the community teaching about forestry and conservation efforts and serving as den mother for the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts; was active in her churches singing in the choir and making Wednesday night suppers and loved gardening and cooking for her family -- two sons, several grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Thompson and Nadyne had long been making monthly donations to TROY for Troops when she passed. After her death, he received information about the perpetual scholarship program and decided this was the perfect way to honor his wife and their shared commitment to education.

“I thought, ‘Well, that’s what we wanna do,’” he said. “This was her retirement fund. That was the reason that I went to TROY to begin with … to get an education to have a career and be able to retire after the military.”

The scholarship is available to dependents of active-duty service members or military veterans.

“The goal is to assist ones that need some financial help. The ones that need it, that $1,000 can be a game changer,” he said. “It’s just something that we saw as our goal, to be able to provide (our kids) a college education because I know what it took for me to get a college education. I’d have never got there if it hadn’t been for my wife.”

The Thompson family

HOMECOMING QUEEN GIVES BACK

JANE VICKERS AND FAMILY CREATE SCHOLARSHIP TO SUPPORT PIKE COUNTY STUDENTS

In honor of her time at Troy University, recently graduated alumna Jane Vickers and her family have started the Pike Community Scholarship that will provide tuition for four years to a student from Pike County.

A broadcast journalism major from Tallahassee, Florida, Vickers spent her time at TROY giving back as much as she could because at one point, she didn’t think she’d get to have a college experience. Due to side effects caused by Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder that can cause hyperthyroidism, she was forced to leave high school and instead obtained her GED.

Despite being a good student before becoming sick, many colleges couldn’t see past the lack of a diploma. “I was always a good student, so that was really hard for me,” she said. “Then TROY opened up and said ‘No, college is still accessible to you.’ Chancellor Hawkins always talks about the glass ceiling, so it’s really special to me to be able to take away that glass ceiling for a student, and more students in the future.”

Vickers arrived at TROY for her freshman year in 2020 when extracurricular activities were suspended. Once restrictions were lifted, she dove head first into any and everything to make the most of her remaining years. “Especially being sick, I’ve just had such a different mindset of, ‘Why not just do everything?’” she said.

She’s served as Chi-Omega New Member Educator Assistant, Panhellenic President and Vice President of External Recruitment, Order of Omega President, Student Government Association Senator at Large, Vice President of Internal Affairs, Public Relations Chairwoman and Director of Elections, College Republicans Secretary and a Bright Futures Civic Scholar. She was also a Trojan Ambassador, a Conversation Partner and volunteered with numerous organizations.

In October 2022, she founded Community Connections, a mentorship program with the Boys and Girls Club, and in 2023, she was crowned Homecoming Queen.

Her volunteer work with the Boys and Girls Club gave Vickers and her family the idea for a full-tuition scholarship. To qualify, undergraduate students need to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and qualify for FAFSA. Preference will be given to incoming freshmen from Pike County.

“I’ve done a lot of mentorship with kids around the Troy area, and I realized there is so much poverty in our area and a lot of kids grow up and don’t think they are able to go to college. That’s not even a dream in their head because they don’t think it’s possible,” she said. “We hope to just get one student and it will be given to them through their senior year -- as long as they make the grades and stay at TROY.”

Jane Vickers is crowned Homecoming Queen by Gov. Kay Ivey.

GIVING

YOUNG ALUMNUS PAYING IT FORWARD

Sorrell College alumnus Douglas Dick was once on the receiving end of others’ generosity, and now he’s paying that forward with the establishment of a scholarship in risk management and insurance.

The Endless Opportunities RMI Scholarship will assist students on the Troy Campus pursuing a degree in RMI and who are heavily engaged in RMI and campus activities. The scholarship will be awarded to a senior or junior who maintains a minimum 3.4 grade point average. In addition, the recipient must have completed the Principals in Risk Management and Insurance course.

The $1,000 scholarship will be awarded annually at the RMI Banquet.

“I very much believe in the importance of stewardship of our time, talent, and treasure, and this is just one small way in which I’m able to give back to our young insurance community,” Douglas said. “I feel great joy in being able to give back to help deserving students.”

A 2018 RMI graduate, he currently holds the position of AVP, Client Success/Technical Lead for Crawford Global Technical Services (GTS) in Atlanta, Georgia. GTS is the large and complex loss adjusting unit of Crawford & Company, the largest publicly listed independent provider of claims management and loss adjusting solutions globally with 9,000 employees in more than 70 countries. He also serves as the firm’s Excess and Surplus Lines Practice Leader for the group of 300+ employees.

“The network of professionals and friends I’ve built from Troy University has significantly contributed to my early career success,” he said. “In Atlanta, many of my clients and business partners are also TROY alumni or work with TROY alumni, and that is both rewarding and fun.”

Inside the Sorrell classroom, Douglas can easily point to three teachers who helped mold him into the practitioner he is today.

“My time spent with TROY faculty and staff was not just impactful but rewarding. Dr. (Ed) Duett constantly mentored me on how to ‘see the big picture,’ how to consider the importance of emotional intelligence, and how to really differentiate myself as a student and, now, professionally. Not only that, but Dr. Duett kept our group constantly laughing. He taught me not to take myself too seriously,” he said.

Douglas also recognizes that Sorrell faculty take a personal interest in seeing their students succeed.

“Tara Morelock is one of the most giving and dedicated mentors and friends I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing,” he said, crediting her with launching his early career through an internship with Chick-fil-A, Inc.’s Atlanta-based Support Center. “The experience contributed greatly to my success,” he added.

He was a senior when Dr. Courtney Baggett, now the Department of Economics, Finance and Risk Management and Insurance Chair, joined the RMI faculty, and she quickly provided challenges that Douglas counts as a significant contribution to his professional development.

“She certainly raised the bar for my academic and technical skill set,” he said. “I very much appreciate Dr. Baggett for continuing to call our students into excellence.” Douglas said his learning extended beyond the classroom as well –he was involved in many facets of campus life.

“My time at TROY -- specifically serving in the Student Government Association as the Vice President for Campus Affairs -- taught me the importance of servant-leadership, as now I sit on our executive leadership team for the Crawford GTS division,” Douglas said. “This, paired with my time holding various leadership positions within Gamma Iota Sigma and Alpha Tau Omega, prepared me to lead effectively and through the lens of collaboration and service.“

Douglas Dick ('18)

REMEMBERING SAM BOYD FAMILY HONORS

SON'S MEMORY WITH NEW SCHOLARSHIP

Samuel Boyd is remembered for his love of music, hosting cookouts, and his fraternity — Delta Kappa Epsilon—and his desire to help others. In his memory, parents Morgan and Ginger Boyd have established the Samuel A. “Sam” Boyd Endowed Scholarship for Delta Kappa Epsilon at Troy University.

Sam graduated from TROY in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation and was then accepted to the prestigious Orientation and Mobility Master’s Program at Salus University in Pennsylvania.

He passed away in the Spring of 2021 from complications with epilepsy. He loved his pets, a dog and two cats, his little sister, Anna, his fraternity brothers and sending his mom jokes. He had dreams of helping blind and visually impaired children.

“His service was standing room only, so that really showed the impact he had on everyone he met,” Ginger, his mom, said. “They all said that he just accepted everybody, no matter who they were. He was very kind-hearted. He was very patient.”

The Boyds are a TROY family — Ginger has both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from TROY, and her husband, Morgan, has his bachelor’s and two masters’ degrees from the University.

Sam found a home at DKE and developed strong bonds with his fraternity brothers. After his passing, DKE made the Epilepsy Foundation of Alabama their yearly philanthropy project and named their chapter room after him. They also placed his portrait on the DKE letters along with facts about epilepsy.

One of Sam’s close friends and fraternity brother, Evan, even reached out to the Epilepsy Foundation for medical training and trained the other members of DKE. “We felt like they really kept Sam’s name out there,” Ginger said. “He loved TROY, and he loved his fraternity and we don’t want him to be forgotten. That’s why it was meaningful for us to make sure that the scholarship went to a DKE member … because they have continued to honor our son’s memory and do it with such grace and dignity.”

To be eligible for the scholarship, a student must be a member of DKE, be a junior or senior and have and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. First preference will also be awarded to students who have shown academic improvement since their freshman year, like Sam.

For the first home game of the 2023 football season, Ginger and Morgan made the trip from Enterprise to Troy to see the game and the fraternity house their son called home. It was the beginning of philanthropy week, and DKE members who never met Sam were raising funds for epilepsy advocacy.

“At his service, we had their motto, ‘The gentleman, the scholar, and the jolly good fellow,’ on our son’s memorial cards because that was him to a T,” Ginger said. “After getting to know some of his frat brothers, I understand why that is their motto. It is definitely fitting.”

Samuel A. Boyd ('19)

NEW ERA FOR RIDDLE-PACE FIELD

$12 MILLION RENOVATION MAKES DEBUT

Troy Athletics debuted its $12 million renovation of RiddlePace Field during the 2024 season, culminating with a special ribbon-cutting and grand-opening event in front of a stadium record crowd of nearly 4,000 fans when the Trojans hosted Alabama.

“When you look across this campus, you see the support that we have from Chancellor Hawkins, who has been here 35 years,” Director of Athletics Brent Jones told D1 Baseball on its visit during the ribbon-cutting event in May. “All of our facilities are really nice and baseball really needed to get on par with that. It starts with CEO support, with Chancellor Hawkins, the alignment that we have with the Board, with our fans. We have a great tradition.”

Construction began immediately following the completion of the 2022 season, which completely overhauled the seating area to the stadium, added two new premium areas, including the RBI Club, in addition to new coaches' offices, recruiting spaces and a grand rotunda entrance to the facility highlighting TROY's rich baseball history, including two National Championships.

“Baseball is important here at TROY,” Head Baseball Coach Skyler Meade said in the same D1 Baseball article. “There’s certainly a great history and we are trying to put a mark on the national level. That’s been a goal since we started on July 15 of 2021. We really wanted to elevate our profile and have people know what TROY is doing. If you do that, then you can recruit better. If you recruit better then you have better production opportunities on the field and you can parlay that into continued success. That’s the recipe. It isn’t anything revolutionary.”

Riddle-Pace Field

Exterior view of Riddle-Pace Field

TROJANS POISED FOR SUCCESS

FALL SPORTS PROMISE EXCITEMENT

Fall brings excitement on TROY's campus as students return to the Wiregrass and another season of Trojan Athletics begins, with the TROY football, volleyball, soccer and cross country teams playing their championship seasons while the tennis and golf programs start competition as well.

Football

On the gridiron, TROY's success is well documented, with back-to-back Sun Belt Conference titles, joining

Michigan as the only schools to win league titles in 2022 and 2023. The Trojans went into the 2024 season with a revamped roster.

Head Coach Gerad Parker has welcomed nearly 60 new players to campus for the 2024 season, while only three returning offensive and defensive starters return, in addition to place kicker Scott Taylor Renfroe and punter Robert Cole.

Daniel King and Eli Russ, both preseason All-Sun Belt selections, anchor the offensive line, while junior linebacker Jordan Stringer returns

after starting the final six games of the 2023 campaign.

TROY's schedule was filled with intriguing matchups, including the season opener against Nevada, the first meeting between the two schools, and trips to Memphis and Iowa. The Tigers were the preseason pick to win the American Athletic Conference, while Iowa came off an appearance in the 2023 Big Ten Championship Game.

The Trojans hosted SBC West preseason favorite Texas State Thursday, Oct. 3, on ESPN2 and then traveled to South Alabama for an ESPN2 on a Tuesday evening two weeks later.

Volleyball

After a historic 2023 season in which the TROY volleyball team won a program-record 12 Sun Belt Conference matches, the Trojans opened their 2024 season with their sights set on a conference title.

TROY's 2024 squad is nearly identical to last year's team, with the only departure being Julia Brooks, who graduated in May. The Trojans added Auburn transfer Jordan Sinness and four freshmen in the offseason.

Tori Hester and Janelle Stuempfig, who each received postseason honors in 2023, look to be forces on the court once again this season. Hester was named All-Sun Belt First Team, while Stuempfig was named All-Sun Belt Second Team. Junior hitter Amiah Butler, who was second on the team in kills, will also take on an increased role with the departure of Brooks.

The Trojans' non-conference schedule was one of the more difficult slates in the country. It was highlighted by a Friday night showdown against 2023 Final Four participant Wisconsin and matchups against Texas A&M and Auburn, two teams that also made the NCAA Tournament. In total, the Trojans will play seven matches against teams that qualified for the 2023 Division I Women's Volleyball Championship.

Tori Hester, 2023

TROY Volleyball vs. Arkansas State

This summer, the volleyball team also embarked on its inaugural international trip to Costa Rica, where it toured the famous rainforests, spent time on the beach, hosted youth clinics and played in its first international matches.

TROY opened its regular season on Aug. 30 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where they faced Maryland and New Hampshire in a doubleheader. The team also notched a win over tournament host LSU. The team's home opener came Sept. 7, in Trojan Arena as they hosted Cal Poly. In total, TROY will host 12 matches at home while hitting the road for 15. Last season, TROY went 11-4 in its conference matches.

Soccer

Head Coach Stuart Gore’s second season with the program has been an exciting one. Gore’s first season with the program saw the Trojans make massive strides on the field, doubling the team’s 2022 win total with six victories. This season, TROY brings back a majority of its playmakers while filling in the gaps with talented transfers and a big freshman class.

TROY returns some of its most productive players from the 2023 season. Midfielder Gabrielle Chartier (7 G, 1 A), forward Dolce Villaflor (3 G, 2 A), midfielder Delaney Wells (3 G, 1 A), midfielder Riley Rojahn (1 G, 3 A) and midfielder/defender Danielle Trovato (3 A) were five of the Trojans’ top seven point-scorers in 2023, and the team in total returns 42-of-61 points and 14-of-21 goals.

Seniors Chartier and Wells will captain the Trojans this fall, along with redshirt junior forward Jiselle Daniels. Daniels did not compete during the 2023 season after transferring from St. Joseph’s but was one of the Hawks’ most dynamic players in 2022. She led the team with four assists and 17 shots on goal and was second with four goals and 12 points.

TROY welcomes six new transfers at three different positions. Goalkeeper

Isabella Tomeo joins the Trojans from St. John’s while defenders Grace DeShetler (Kansas State) and Georgia Mulholland (Baylor) come to TROY from the Big 12 Conference. At midfielder, the Trojans added Katerina Vassilounis (Michigan State), Leah Crotty (Illinois State) and Sarah Cramer (UMass).

Eight players make up TROY’s freshman class, with forward Sofia Sasan and defender Imani Hamilton both coming from Sparkman High School in Madison, Alabama. Megan Hamm and Mia Jackson make up the rest of the forward group, Brooke Slater rounds out the defense and Carlin Costell, Riley Wright and Hailey Phillips come in as the newest midfielders.

In net, senior Une Hebnes Georgsen brings the most experience with seven starts last fall, including a shutout against Lipscomb in the season opener.

TROY began its 2024 season with an exhibition against West Georgia Aug. 10 before opening the regular season against Eastern Washington Aug. 15. The Trojans will host seven games in all at the Troy Soccer Complex and made notable in-state trips to Samford (Aug. 25) and UAB (Aug. 29) in the nonconference.

Gabrielle Chartier, 2023 TROY Soccer vs. Southern Miss

ACADEMIC CHAMPIONS

In addition to tremendous success on the field of competition, TROY student-athletes dominated in the classroom, with 195 earning Sun Belt Academic Honors, including 115 landing on the Commissioner’s List (3.50-4.00 GPA) for the 2023-24 academic year.

Summer numbers were still being tabulated at press time, but TROY’s spring academic numbers were among the best in department history.

“Our student-athletes should be commended for their amazing accomplishments in the classroom, all while performing at an elite level on the field of competition,” TROY Director of Athletics Brent Jones said. “We want our student-athletes to leave TROY with a diploma in one hand and a ring on the other. Their tremendous success this past year in the classroom certainly has them on the right track toward graduation.”

TROY’s nearly 250 student-athletes combined to post a 3.04 GPA, with 12 of TROY’s 15 athletic programs finishing the spring with a 3.0 GPA or higher as a group, and five programs posted a 3.50 GPA or higher.

TROY’s net sports rose to the top in spring with men’s tennis leading the male sports with a 3.61 team GPA, while women’s tennis topped all programs with a 3.82 GPA as a team while posting their best on-court season in Sun Belt Conference history.

TROY’s three commencement ceremonies during the 202324 academic year featured 73 student-athletes, including 40 during the spring ceremony in May. Due to softball, baseball and track & field student-athletes competing on the road on the day of commencement, TROY Athletics and Troy University held a pair of special ceremonies for all three programs to honor their graduating student-athletes.

TROY soccer team member Evie Anderson with her diploma

TROJANS HIT THE ROAD

TROJAN TOUR BRINGS COACHES TO THE FANS

Trojan Tour officially kicked off the 2024 season in Huntsville prior to TROY's baseball game against Auburn at Toyota Field, home of the Rocket City Trash Pandas. Phase two opened in May, with a double dip in Ozark and Dothan. Trojan Tour also featured stops in Troy, Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, Montgomery, Birmingham, Phenix City and Enterprise.

Various TROY coaches and administrators, including Director of Athletics Brent Jones, Football Head Coach Gerad Parker, Men's Basketball Head Coach Scott Cross, Women's Basketball Head Coach Chanda Rigby, Baseball Head Coach Skylar Meade and Volleyball Head Coach Josh Lauer were featured across the Trojan Tour.

The 12th annual Trojan Tour hit the road this spring and summer with 10 stops across Alabama and the Florida Panhandle.

(Left to right) Volleyball Head Coach Josh Lauer, Football Head Coach Gerad Parker, Women's Basketball Head Coach Chanda Rigby, Deputy Director of Athletics Kyle George