Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., who has served as Troy University Chancellor for more than 35 years during a period of unprecedented growth, has announced his retirement effective Oct. 1, 2025.
Dr. Hawkins, who is currently the longest-serving chief executive of a public university, announced his retirement date in an email to faculty and staff today. Reflecting on his tenure, Dr. Hawkins called his time at TROY a privilege.
“The last three and a half decades have been among the most important in my lifetime and in the life my wife Janice and I have shared as a team,” Dr. Hawkins said. “We are proud of the work we have done, from re-classification of the university to doctoral degree status; to the transformation of a regional institution into ‘Alabama’s International University;’ and the elevation of our Athletics Program to the highest level of college athletics. It has been a remarkable experience.”
Gov. Kay Ivey praised Dr. Hawkins as a transformative leader.
“I have been proud to know and work with Chancellor Hawkins for more than 30 years and to simply say he has been an effective leader for TROY would be an understatement. His work has helped transform the Troy State University system into the renowned, global, doctoral institution we all know today as Troy University,” said Governor Ivey. “From the classroom to the field, TROY has accomplished a great deal under the leadership of Chancellor Hawkins, and he leaves a legacy that will last for generations of students to come. Thank you, Jack, for your outstanding service to TROY, our state and country, for your unmatched tenure and your strong partnership over the years. I wish you well in this next chapter.”
Gibson Vance, President pro-tempore of the University’s Board of Trustees, commended Dr. Hawkins for the many historic accomplishments made under his leadership.
“Chancellor Hawkins has built an indelible legacy at Troy University that will stand the test of time,” Vance said. “He is a once in a generation leader that used his skills to improve the trajectory of thousands of students over his unprecedented tenure as Chancellor. With his wife Janice’s support, Troy University’s campus has evolved into one of the most beautiful college campuses in the nation. Over the next year, the Board of Trustees and the entire Trojan nation will honor Jack and Janice Hawkins for all the wonderful accomplishments they have achieved at Troy University.”
Following his retirement date, Dr. Hawkins will serve as Chancellor Emeritus.
“It will be my honor to continue supporting the Board of Trustees and my successor in any way they deem appropriate,” Dr. Hawkins said. “We have much to do from now until October of 2025, and while at that point we will be stepping away from the daily operations, our hearts will remain deeply rooted in Troy University.”
Dr. Hawkins, a native of Mobile, Alabama, was named Chancellor of the Troy State University System on Sept. 1, 1989. He has overseen an era of change and growth at TROY. More than $375 million has been invested in capital improvements by the Hawkins Administration, including new academic buildings on all four of TROY’s Alabama campuses. Chancellor Hawkins served as the catalyst for the University’s evolution to an international institution, as TROY has attracted record numbers of students from other nations and established teaching sites around the world. During his tenure, academic standards for admission have been increased, new degree programs were established in all academic colleges, and intercollegiate athletics joined the highest level of NCAA competition.
Last year, the Alabama Commission on Higher Education approved an instructional role change for Troy University that will allow the University to offer additional doctoral degrees, a move that paves the way for TROY’s continued maturation as a research institution.
“What Dr. Hawkins has done at Troy University is phenomenal,” said TROY Trustee Gerald Dial. “It is almost unbelievable that so much change and progress has been made. It is one of the most beautiful campuses, certainly in Alabama, and one of the most beautiful campuses in America. I could talk for hours about his record and his accomplishments, but the greatest thing about Dr. Hawkins is he has always put students first. The students were the number one reason he was here. It is going to be a terrible loss, but we feel like we will build on the foundation he has laid for this University and continue to move TROY forward.”
Jeff Coleman, Chair of the TROY Foundation Board of Directors, said Dr. Hawkins is a leader who lives up to the spirit of TROY’s motto.
“Dr. Hawkins is a godly man of integrity and an excellent servant leader. He always has demonstrated a passion for the well-being of students and an unwavering commitment to the University’s motto – ‘Educate the Mind to Think, the Heart to Feel and the Body to Act,’” Coleman said. “Dr. Hawkins has always made everyone feel valued and important, and he has the courage and strength to expand boundaries to make Troy University and the world a better place. I am also grateful to Mrs. Hawkins and the family. Her service to this University has been exemplary.”
Dr. Susan Aldridge, President of Thomas Jefferson University, said Dr. Hawkins’ global vision has been transformative for TROY and Alabama.
“He has been the greatest champion of military students, veterans, students from across Alabama and surrounding states, working professionals returning to school, and international students,” Aldridge said. “He internationalized Troy University, providing a safe educational environment for students around the world, as well as ensuring that Troy University students experienced a global environment. He embraced new learning technologies and expanded online programs to ensure that working professionals could continue their academic work. Dr. Hawkins’ name is synonymous with Troy University. When the history is written, Dr. Hawkins will remain the finest leader Troy University has ever known.”
Dr. Lance Tatum, President of Northwest Missouri State, said Hawkins leaves an amazing legacy at TROY. Tatum, a TROY alumnus, was Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs under Dr. Hawkins prior to his appointment at Northwest.
“[Chancellor Hawkins’] contributions over the past three decades have helped shape the landscape of online and international education,” Tatum said. “His impact on my career has been significant; I would not be where I am today without his support of my professional goals, his mentorship, friendship, and willingness to share his wisdom with an aspiring young professional. Jill and I are excited for him as he enters this next chapter and are grateful for the impact he and Mrs. Hawkins have had on our lives.”
Trustee Cam Ward said he first met Chancellor Hawkins during his freshman year at TROY.
“He’s the only chancellor I’ve ever known at TROY, but he made TROY into the great higher education institution that it is today,” Ward said. “He’s like a second father to me. His innovative ideas helped us weather a lot of storms. TROY is where it is in the world today because of him.”
Trustee Karen Carter said Dr. Hawkins’ dynamic leadership will leave a legacy at TROY.
“As a business leader, I have had the privilege of working alongside top executives in the country,” Carter said. “But in my role as Trustee at Troy University, I have truly witnessed leadership at its finest. Jack and Janice Hawkins exude an immeasurable passion and love of our University that ignites emotions within all around them. The legacy of the Hawkins family is not only in buildings and structures, but most importantly in the people who call him their leader and their friend. I will always see Jack and Janice Hawkins whenever I see Troy University. Thank you for your dedication to our students.”
Courtesy of Troy University.
