The five social media ambassadors pose for a group photo on campus. University Relations photo Troy University officially launched its social media ambassador program and announced this year's five ambassadors. Those social media ambassadors selected by the university are Giavanni Fuller, a senior communications major; Ty Davidson, a junior broadcast journalism major; Anna-Scott Gingras, a junior marketing major; Jamarion Willie, a junior electronics engineering major and

A crowd of students ran or walked with AKA sorority on Sunday to raise awareness for suicide. AKA worked to plan the event for over a month, and the outpouring of support was overwhelming. "Honestly I was really overwhelmed,” said AKA Community Service Chair Destyni Winbush, a junior nursing major from Mobile, Alabama. “I was like wow, this is so much of a bigger event than I thought it would be. “I'm so grateful that so many people were able to come out and show support

A Troy Public Radio microphone sits inside a recording booth. Nate Henderson photo Normally, Troy Public Radio (TPR) broadcasts through stereos and speakers to bring information all across Alabama, but last week, it took to the airwaves for a different reason – funding. “We go on air for eight days and remind people that we are listener supported, so that means the majority of the money that we get comes from our listeners to pay for programming,” said TPR Director Kyle Gas

Troy University students with existing businesses can now compete for marketing resources through the Idea Bank’s 2026 Student Entrepreneur Marketing Competition. The competition is designed for students who already have a business and are looking for ways to reach more customers and improve their marketing. Students will create a table at the Idea Bank featuring materials such as business cards, flyers, stickers, products and other items that represent their business. “T

Mayor Jason Reeves visits the Claudia Crosby theater. University Relations photo Mayor Jason Reeves, apart from being born and spending the first six months of his life in Oklahoma, lived in Troy for his whole life. He’s the seventh generation in his family to live in Pike County and the third generation to attend Troy University, after his grandmother and both his parents. During his time as a student in Troy, he involved himself in many student organizations across campus

Academy Street Career Innovation Center (ASCIC) held a ribbon cutting Thursday to celebrate the repurposing of the facility and a successful first month of operations. After 56 years, what was once the segregated Academy Street High School (ASHS) has been repurposed as Academy Street Career Innovation Center. The ceremony featured speakers ranging from Alabama congressmen to alumni of the old high school who are relieved their alma mater is getting new life. “When you have

Troy’s Board of Trustees ratified the continuation of the Faculty Senate in early September after the Alabama state government pushed it to do so. The Alabama legislature passed Alabama Act 2026-432 in early July of this year, which went on to make public universities’ governing bodies across the state review and ratify their faculty senates. Troy’s Faculty Senate serves as an advisory body to the administration, offering the faculty's perspective on issues present on coll

Students hold different nation's flags at the end of the Peace Walk. University Relations photo The International Student Cultural Organization (ISCO) raised its flags high during the annual ISCO Peace Walk Wednesday night. The Peace Walk was made to symbolize international peace and celebrate the International Day of Peace, which was the previous Monday. For ISCO Faculty Adviser Dr. Jay Valentine, the Peace Walk is a great way to directly address peace on campus. “To have

Members of NSA work their Nepali Fest tables. Dawson Parks photo The Nepalese Student Association (NSA) took to the quad for its Nepali Fest Tuesday morning. With Nepali food, drinks, games and henna, the festival itself was lighthearted. The reasoning behind it, though, was more serious. "Recently, the flood happened in Nepal," said Khusi Ramdam, the president of NSA and a junior biomedical sciences major from Kathmandu, Nepal. "This year it was really unexpected. No heav

Students and T-Roy cheer on during the party on the quad. Kathryn Clark photo Troy University kicked off its 140th academic-year celebration Tuesday, marking a milestone that gives students, faculty and alumni an opportunity to look back at how the university has grown, and the legacy current students will leave behind. The kickoff brought members of the campus community together to begin a months-long celebration leading up to the university’s anniversary in February. “It

Students get sworn in as global scholars during an April ceremony. University Relations photo Honors Global Scholars, a signature initiative within University Honors at Troy University, has expanded its enrollment while creating new opportunities for students through research, leadership, scholarships, international experiences and community engagement. “We started with about 50 students in our inaugural Global Scholars class, and in just two years we’re at about 120 studen

Students and faculty listen to a speaker. Jimmy Nichols photo The McNair Scholars Program launched its first lunch-and-learn series of the semester on Wednesday. The Troy’s TRIO Program is aimed at first-generation college students interested in graduate programs. The program aims to help these students achieve their higher education goals. “The McNair Scholars Program helps undergraduate students learn about research and produce research outcomes such as poster present

A student checks her registration online. Caroline Marshall photo Last week, the Troy University chapters of Turning Point USA and College Democrats came together on the quad with one goal in mind: to help students register to vote for the upcoming midterm elections. Members of both groups made it clear to students who passed that checking their registration wouldn’t take long. They said it’s as simple as coming by, filling out an online form and walking back to class. "

A Troy professor will continue his research in Africa for three more months despite a grant that was supposed to expire at the end of June. Thanks to a Fulbright scholarship, Dr. Richard Nokes has spent most of 2026 in Uganda with hopes of turning the country’s spoken history into a written one. “The printing press didn’t come to Uganda until the late 19th century, and widespread literacy is even more recent,” Nokes said. “Most of these stories have been passed down through

The Troy University cheerleading team held its second stunt clinic of the semester on Sept. 13, and plans to have a final clinic in early October. High school cheerleaders from across the area filled the Elm Street gym that weekend as they had the opportunity to work with collegiate athletes and coaches to learn new skills. “A lot of these girls are either learning basing or flying for the first time, or trying new skills,” said Nicolas Laracuente, head coach of the Troy c

Four of 2026's IMPACT Leaders get soon-to-be students excited. University Relations photo Any student interested in becoming an IMPACT leader must be a full-time student taking 12 or more credit hours, have a 2.5 or higher cumulative GPA and be set to graduate after December 2027. They must also attend one of three interest meetings on either September 28, September 30, or October 1. “Before I applied to be an IMPACT leader, I could have never guessed how much that summer w

As Troy University’s Sound of the South (SOTS) prepares to take off for London at the end of the year, they’re looking to various fundraising ventures to fund their way. SOTS will be in London from Dec. 28 to Jan. 4 for the London New Year’s Day Parade. Dr. Jerianne Larson, assistant director of bands and assistant professor of music, shared the importance of the London trip. “I think it’s wonderful for the students and the school because the Sound of the South is the larg

Workers bolted solid brass letters onto the Center for Materials and Manufacturing Sciences (CMMS) building Friday, naming the building after Drinkard. Nate Henderson photos

A scooter sits on the quad where many students ride between classes. Nate Henderson photo On a campus where most destinations are just minutes apart, scooters can seem like the fastest way to get from point A to point B – but how do students feel about other students’ use of those scooters? “I think they’re good overall, especially for athletes or people who may be international students and don’t have a car,” said Elijah Goddard, a junior business administration and manage

A crosswalk on campus became the scene of an electronic scooter-related accident on Tuesday, Sept. 15. According to the Troy University Police Department (TUPD), a student crossing the street on an electric scooter behind Hawkins Hall collided with a vehicle driving down John M. Long Drive. A student swerves while operating a scooter on campus. Nate Henderson video TUPD said the crash happened Tuesday afternoon when a scooter operator, who was driving a Onewheel, or electric

Current Miss Troy University Anna Grace Tucker speaks to candidates. Reba Mull photo The Miss Troy University organization held an interest meeting for students looking for their opportunity for the crown last Thursday. Young students filed in for the meeting looking forward to learn more about their chance to be Miss Troy University. Being Miss Troy University offers more than just a $7,500 scholarship – it also gives the opportunity to represent Troy University and the ch

Inside Smith's office, his badges and credentials from over the years hang on display. Nate Henderson photo The City of Troy is saying farewell to its beloved parks and recreations director after more than 30 years of service. For three and a half decades, Dan Smith served the Troy community by building and leading the city’s Parks and Rec division. Now in his 36th year behind the director’s placard, he’s hanging up his hat. “In my mind, I know I could do this for a lot lo

A new truck has been spotted driving around campus, leaving some to wonder, what is an emergency manager? Trey Ingram serves as Troy University's Emergency Manager, a position introduced in 2025 when TUPD decided the university would benefit from the addition of the role. Ingram has become a common sight around campus, though his impact goes far beyond tire tracks. "You'll see me riding around in my truck, responding to calls as they happen,” Ingram said. “I’m not much of a

Troy University students are invited to practice their business-building skills in a stress-free environment with the Small Business and Development Center’s (SBDC) new three-day intensive named Weekend Ventures. “We are seeing a growing number of entrepreneurial-minded students and community members who are interested in entrepreneurship, but entrepreneurship takes much more than simply having a good idea,” said Juliana Bolivar, SBDC director and lead business advisor. Ac

Troy University Sorrell College of Business (SCOB) is gearing up to officially launch the Sorrell Corporate Partnership Program. The program aims to connect organizations to SCOB students, faculty and programs through a tiered membership process tailored to emphasize visibility and support. Stan Blankenship, program coordinator and SCOB professor of practice, shared his goal with the program. “We want the business leaders in our geographic area to expand their presence on

Audience members listen on as a speaker takes the podium to talk about Kirk's impact. Quang Le photo One year after the murder of their leader, Charlie Kirk, the Troy chapter of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) held a memorial in the Trojan Center ballrooms to celebrate the legacy he left for them. The event was less of a somber memorial and more of a positive look at the impact Kirk had on the organization. As a group that built themselves off their Christian faith, Troy’s TPUSA

Sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha (left) and Delta Sigma Theta (right) perform during the Step Tease. Emma Wasden photos Troy University’s Janice Hawkins Park amphitheater was filled with energy last Wednesday as students and members of the Troy community gathered for this year’s annual Step Tease. Held in collaboration between the University Activities Council (UAC) and the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), the event featured performances from the Divine Nine organizations,

Firefighters and students lap the stairs in the Vet to honor 9/11 lives lost. Sydnee Pennington photo Forty flights of stairs and thousands of steps brought students together with one purpose: to remember those who watched the skyline fall and honor those who lost their lives beneath it. Every year, Troy University holds a stair climb inside Veterans Memorial Stadium in honor and remembrance of those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks. For many participating student

Racks of clothes now stand within Eldridge Hall following the Career Closet's move. Sydnee Pennington photos Following more than seven years held within Lewis Hall, the Career Closet, a resource for students to get free professional attire, recently moved into Eldridge Hall. “The Career Closet was designed to help students prepare for presentations [and] for interviews by providing them with gently used professional attire so that they can look very professional,” said Dire

Troy students helped raise school supplies for children of incarcerated mothers thanks to a month-long supply drive at the end of the summer. The College of Education and Behavioral Sciences held the Pack the Bus Initiative this July, in collaboration with the anthropology club and in support of Aid to Inmate Moms (AIM). “I have school-aged children, and I know how important back-to-school time is for them,” said Professor of Anthropology Dr. Stephen Carmody. “It is an exci

One coach talks to an athlete during a previous baseball season. University Relations photo Inside the Troy Sportsplex, the City of Troy Parks and Recreation is getting ready to take on the diamond for this year’s Miracle League kickball season. Miracle League is an adaptive sports organization which looks to help people aged five years and older with mental or physical disabilities get together with their community and play sports. Every year, the Miracle League of Troy ho

Students, faculty talk about mental health, Suicide Prevention Month Troy University officials want to remind students of mental health resources, since September is suicide awareness month. Whether a student is on campus or online, Troy University offers different support services. “Troy University has an in-person counseling center that is open Monday through Friday, 8 to 5,” said Title IX Coordinator Grace Wagstaff. “These are 100% free; no insurance is ever needed. “Th

Students, faculty talk about mental health, Suicide Prevention Month Suicide prevention is a special cause for the Troy University Farmhouse fraternity. In December of 2023, Farmhouse member Matthew Awbrey died by suicide, and his big was, at the time, the philanthropy chair for the fraternity. He changed the fraternity’s fundraising mission organization to the Alabama Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). AFSP provides support to those who ar

Members of SOTS perform during the pep rally. Austin Horne photo Students gathered in Veterans Memorial Stadium on Sept. 3 for a pep rally ahead of Troy’s first home game of the season. The Student Government Association (SGA) held the rally, which featured the Sound of the South (SOTS) Marching Band, members of the Troy football team and activities encouraging students to show their Trojan Spirit. SGA Vice President Jamarion Willie, a junior electrical and electronics e

Signs and flags decorate the quad to honor veterans. Dawson Parks photo Army and Air Force ROTC cadets gathered to place 150 flags on the quad last Tuesday morning. This was part of a collaboration with Alabama Veterans Affairs for Operation We Remember, which aims to bring awareness to veteran suicide in the state of Alabama. “It’s our hope that people will see this display of flags and know that they are remembered – that people have put forth the care to make sure peopl

Students get in touch with Taco Bell representatives. Alex Ford photo Troy University students got a chance to advance their career paths last Thursday with the student part-time job fair. The job fair, led by Arminda McKee, the director of career services, was originally a response to the numbers of students who came to the Office of Career Services looking for part-time employment. “Last year was our very first time hosting this event, and several students got jobs fro

Students play different games on the rec center's courts. University Relations photos For Troy University students searching for a place to exercise, compete or spend time with friends, the Trojan Fitness and Wellness Center offers several ways to remain active on campus. The 78,000-square-foot facility includes a basketball court, a multi-activity court, free-weight and circuit-training areas, aerobic rooms, a multi-level walking track and an outdoor swimming pool. In addi

A new Christian Mission Bargain Center in Troy is providing Pike County residents with access to food, financial assistance and affordable household goods. The store opened on 300 North Three Notch St. on July 6 and quickly received more than 50 requests for food assistance, according to Executive Director of Christian Mission Centers Amanda Simmons. “We have seen a huge need,” Simmons said. “That’s probably the number one request so far since we’ve opened our doors.” Befo

Construction continues inside the Beeline addition, waiting for painters. Nate Henderson photo A Troy convenience store is preparing to up its appearance thanks to the help of Troy’s Department of Art and Design. The Beeline convenience store and gas station is about to begin the construction of a new wall on the property. Thanks to some student volunteers from the Troy University Department of Art and Design, the wall will be painted into a mural after its construction. “

Drinkard celebrates his birthday with the board. University Relations photo Troy University lost one of its most beloved trustees last Sunday, Aug. 23. Roy Drinkard, a World War II veteran and the nation’s oldest living marine, died at the age of 106. Drinkard was buried in his hometown of Cullman, Alabama, on Friday, Aug. 28. Moss Service Funeral Home directed his proceedings. “To attempt to summarize Roy’s life simply by listing the businesses he built, the honors he

A stop sign sits at a dangerous corner. Nate Henderson photo George Wallace Drive at U.S. Highway 231 is one of Troy’s busiest corridors. With businesses, restaurants and high volumes of traffic along the roadway, drivers frequently enter and exit the area throughout the day, and for those trying to leave businesses along the corridor, making a left turn can be a dangerous decision. Troy University student Sandra Hall experienced that danger firsthand while trying to leave

Campus ministry group Chi Alpha announced its return to Troy University after closing its doors at the end of the last semester. The group planned to come to an end as the previous directors stepped down with no one to replace them. Additionally, Justin Felch, the Troy Chi Alpha minister, was removed from his position in 2023 due to allegations from former members with no one to replace him, leaving the responsibilities to three staff members. The new directors of Chi Alph

Trojans pack into Tailgate Terrace to celebrate a home football game. University Relations photo In June, Troy University released an updated tailgating policy, citing safety concerns. Now, two months later, that policy has been revised. Following backlash from students, fans and alumni, Troy University revised tailgating policies in collaboration with Trojan Athletics and the Troy University Police Department (TUPD). “Tailgating means a ton,” said Kyle George, the athle

This semester, the Office of Career Services is continuing its Workshop Wednesday series, which provides support for students preparing for future career goals and aspirations. The workshops, which began last semester, will cover different career development topics including resumes, LinkedIn, networking and finding jobs. Not only can students learn essential skills during the workshops, but they also have the opportunity to learn about the on-campus resources available t

Anna Grace Tucker hops in with Hawkins. Contributed photo “Cart Jacked: Hop in with Hawkins” features Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr. riding around campus in a golf cart speaking with students on their way to class. This year, though, it’s undergoing a major change. Last year, the show was posted weekly for nine weeks, making a nine-episode series. This year, the episodes will be longer and posted monthly. With this format, more students will have the opportunity to get “ca

At the end of the first month of classes, students are continuing to find resources on campus that can help them flourish in their time at Troy. For some students, these resources are instrumental in their success. When senior Emily Smith arrived at Troy, she quickly found a resource that would support her throughout her college career, and it cost her nothing. Smith, a senior biomedical sciences major from Selma, Alabama, learned about TRIO Student Support Services thro

In the midst of a record-breaking heat wave, students around campus are struggling to stay cool. This heat can be dangerous, especially to those who don’t know how to avoid heat-related injury and illness. Trey Ingram, Troy University Police Department’s (TUPD) emergency manager, said Troy’s biggest threat is the humidity. “This area is very notorious for its hot temperatures and humidity, and this summer is particularly very hot,” Ingram said. “Our bodies cool themselves

Olley Nelson illistration Troy University is deepening its ties to the Miss America tradition through a new scholarship designed to support and encourage young women pursuing a higher education. The collaboration with the Miss America Scholarship Foundation will provide significant financial assistance to both local and state competition winners, expanding opportunities for crown-holders across Alabama. “Troy’s partnership with the Miss America Organization reflects our

Hair, makeup and an evening gown are no strangers to Sarah Jane Houston, 2024 Miss Troy University. After claiming two additional titles since Miss Troy, Houston is now making room in her trophy case for a new crown. This week marks one month into a new reign for Houston. This time, she represents her home state as Miss Georgia Volunteer. Houston says the path to a new crown was not clear at first, but through prayer and mentorship, she was led to leave the Miss America s

A Troy alumna is looking to help more people than ever before with the help of her new Miss Alabama Volunteer crown A Troy alumna was recently crowned Miss Alabama Volunteer 2027 and hopes to utilize her new title to spread the reach of her nonprofit, changing and helping more lives than ever before. Zoie McGuyer was crowned on July 25 but is no stranger to the pageant world. McGuyer has been competing in pageants for about six years, all while founding and running her ow