'Debate team brings home two big wins in recent tournaments' (1/2) After competing against five opponents in five separate rounds, Malek Stafford, a senior computer science major from Tuskegee, Alabama, took home the title of Sunshine State Novice Debate tournament winner on Jan. 9, 2026.  The debate was held virtually by the University of Central Florida.   “It was an amazing experience,” Stafford said. “At first, I was nervous and didn’t know how well I would do.  “However,

Veganuary, or the act of trying veganism for the first month of the year, has been underway for almost three weeks. Veganuary was originally started by an English charity of the same name, and the movement has been growing steadily since 2014.    The Tropolitan spoke to two individuals passionate about nutrition about how to guide those interested in pursuing veganism long-term.   Dr. Teresa Johnson, professor and nutrition program coordinator for Troy’s School of Allied Heal

The 22nd Annual John Robert Lewis (JRL) Leadership Conference, held by Troy University and the City of Troy, will be on Feb. 6 and 7.  The conference was formed in 2002 by Trustee Lamar P. Higgins and was implemented through the Troy University Leadership Institute to kick off Black History Month. The conference, originally just named the Leadership Conference, was renamed after Lewis in 2020 following his death.  The goal of the conference is to promote multicultural collabo

Troy-Pike Habitat for Humanity (H4H) will be taking a frigid dip as the organization holds its 7th annual Polar Plunge Fundraiser on the morning of Jan. 31.  During this event, participants jump into the freezing water in support of Habitat for Humanity’s fundraiser, which helps them achieve their goals of providing safe and affordable housing to the local community.   Dianna Lee, a member of the Troy-Pike Habitat for Humanity board of directors, explained Habitat for Humanit

Music Industry chapter established at Troy University A national organization with the mission of supporting underrepresented groups in the music industry introduced a chapter at Troy University starting this semester.  The organization, We Are Moving the Needle (WAMTN), aims to provide experience, scholarships, grants and advocacy to women, non-binary people and transgender people aspiring to become music producers, audio engineers, or other positions within the music indust

While many New Year’s resolutions fade, the Trojan Fitness and Wellness Center (TFWC), also known as the Rec Center, is working to help students stick to healthy exercise habits throughout the semester.  Georgia Bagdonas, a sophomore global business major and Huntsville, Alabama, native, is a personal trainer and fitness instructor at the TFWC. Bagdonas believes that healthy habits start in the mind before they start in the body.  “It's about discipline and teaching yourself

'Debate team brings home two big wins in recent tournaments' (2/2) In a sweeping victory, Carmen Cruz, a sophomore history major from Madison, Alabama, was crowned Novice IDPA Champion of the H. Neher Bulldog Battle on Jan. 17, 2026.   The tournament was held virtually by Butler University and consisted of preliminary, semifinal and final rounds. Cruz completed the preliminaries with a 3-1 record, moving her to the semifinals where she defeated Valdosta State University 3-0. 

The Troy University Police Department (TUPD) is testing out new ways artificial intelligence (AI) could be used to keep students safe.   Over the break, TUPD Chief George Beaudry and his staff have been running tests with new software, Coram AI. Coram AI provides software that integrates with TUPD’s Avigilon camera system.  The purpose of the tests is to see if the software can detect guns.  “Currently, we’re testing several cameras at various locations throughout campus,” Be

Troy University recently launched a new Accelerated Master of Science in Nursing (AMSN) program at its Dothan campus, allowing students who hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field to enter and earn an AMSN.  “Troy’s Dothan campus has ample space, resources, and faculty to support this expansion,” said School of Nursing Director Dr. Wade Forehand. “The AMSN track will give potential students a pathway to enter the nursing workforce for the first time while advancing th

Governor Kay Ivey approved the $203,404,327 in funding for Alabama’s first year of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) after receiving the state’s official award number from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on Dec. 29, 2025.   The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) will be administering the federal funds for the five-year program, which seeks to improve the quality and accessibility of rural health care across the state.   “W

Troy University’s Start Your Business (SYB) Program was recently named one of the top 17 work-based learning programs in Alabama by the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship.  Start Your Business is a comprehensive program designed for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. The program consists of 20 classes broken into five modules on entrepreneurship, business basics, marketing, finance, and professionalism.   The program, which is part of the Sorrell Colle

Students in the Sorrell College of Business proposed their latest innovations during the 2025 IDEA Bank Business Idea Pitch Competition.  The pitch competition was founded in 2023 and consists of an eight-week-long program over the fall semester. The program contains four training sessions, a workbook to track progress and document ideas, and mentorship pairing.  At the end of the training, students pitch their ideas to a panel of judges for a chance to win seed funding for t

Troy University held an orientation for new or transferring students on Monday, just two days before the beginning of the spring semester.  The event, called Last Chance IMPACT, is a one-day orientation where new students are shown around campus, introduced to their interested departments and allowed time to browse through the options for clubs, organizations and other involvement opportunities. This event is similar to the two-day IMPACT freshman orientation over the summer,

Last semester, a year after being asked to delay his retirement, Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. agreed with the Board of Trustees on a retirement date – the end of 2028.   “Serving as Chancellor has been nothing short of the greatest blessing for me and my family,” Hawkins said. “When we arrived here in 1989, we knew this community was special.  “Since the university’s founding in 1887, Troy consistently redefined itself and adapted to the needs of its people. What began as

An update to Troy’s original shuttle app is now in place, bringing improvements for students who rely on the shuttle service. Trip Shot, Troy’s Transportation Services new shuttle app, will help students track the location of shuttles and request rides throughout the day.  Before, students would have to wait and guess the timing of shuttles arriving. Now, Trip Shot will provide that information automatically.  “It'll definitely benefit them with just everyday routes and stuff

Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. has announced his plan for full retirement in 2028. This announcement comes just a little over a year after his previous announcement, and renouncement, of his retirement, which was delayed by the Board of Trustees.  The announcement of Hawkins’ plan came early this morning through an email sent to all Troy students, faculty and staff.  Hawkins has been a chief executive of Troy for over four decades.  “I am proud of what my wife and I have be

Change. Adversity. Triumph. These are all things Zerian Hudson has experienced over his football career.   The senior offensive lineman was recruited out of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in 2023. Hudson announced his commitment to Troy following a visit that season. Later, former head coach Jon Sumrall announced his departure, and Troy announced Gerad Parker as the new man to lead the team on Dec.18, 2023.   Despite the changes, Hudson officially signed with the Tr

The Student Government Association (SGA) gathered in the senate chamber to recognize their biggest accomplishments of the semester on Wednesday.   For the press conference, members of the executive council, presidential cabinet and the University Honors Global Scholars Program assembled to recognize what SGA President Caleb Smith called an unprecedented semester.   Twelve pieces of legislation were passed by the senate and signed into law.   According to Smith, two of those 1

Thanksgiving is an annual holiday celebrated in the United States on the fourth Thursday of November. However, contrary to popular belief, it is not only celebrated in the U.S.   For example, Canada celebrates its own Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October each year.   Derrick Goll is a sophomore electrical engineering major from Providence, Rhode Island. Goll is a first-generation Liberian American who celebrates Thanksgiving with a twist.  “Liberian dishes are all rev

Troy University’s International Education Week celebrated Troy’s international students and their unique cultures with a series of events from November 17-20.   International Student Services and the International Student Cultural Organization (ISCO) worked in conjunction with different departments to create events that gave students the chance to learn about each other's cultures.   “We hope that the activities that we have will build global awareness and appreciation betwee

Students in the School of Hospitality, Sport and Tourism Management (HSTM) put their skills to the test during this semester’s HSTM Senior Summit.   Dr. Robert Mathner, associate director and professor in the School of Hospitality, Sport and Tourism Management, prepared students in his senior capstone class to present a business pitch.  Since week two of the semester, students prepared a business plan, including the finances, marketing and facilities, to present to a panel of

Troy University held its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Troy to the World, on Monday Nov. 17, where students, staff and visitors enjoyed an evening of holiday treats and special performances.   Campus leaders shared what they think the ceremony means to the university community.  “I think it’s a time for unification, a time for celebration, a time when we get together and enjoy each other and really commence the Christmas season for what it’s meant to be and that is

Troy University students spent their Friday afternoon helping fifth graders at Troy Elementary School learn about nutrition, pollution and the importance of caring for the environment.  The lessons were part of the university’s gardening and nutrition initiative – a program coordinated through Troy’s Office of Civic Engagement. The fifth-grade classes were divided into two groups: one focused on healthy eating and the other on environmental awareness.  The nutrition lesson wa

A Troy pet rescue center held a pet food drive last Tuesday to provide support for struggling animal owners during the financial uncertainty of the government shutdown.  Troy Animal Rescue Project (TARP) is a 501(c) non-profit, no-kill animal shelter that has rehomed thousands of pets in need since their start in 2014. Their website, troyanimalrescueproject.org , says their goal is to help any animals that need it, without discrimination.   “We are dedicated to rescuing pets