Hawkins announces retirement plan

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 been blessed to achieve at Troy University, and I’d like to emphasize that nothing is ever done without a team,” Hawkins said. “We have been honored to work alongside the Board of Trustees and the many faculty, staff and students who make this University great.

 “This transition plan, developed in collaboration with the Board, will allow us to move toward retirement over the next three years while ensuring that TROY is well positioned for continued success in the decades to come.”

According to the email, Dr. Hawkins will continue in his role as Chancellor through Dec. 31, 2027. In his final year of service, Dr. Hawkins will transition to the role of Advisor through the end of 2028.

Gibson Vance, President Pro-Tem of the Troy Board of Trustees, said the retirement plan will allow for an effective transition to a new era for TROY following Dr. Hawkins’ transformational tenure.

“Over the past several decades, Troy University has reached unprecedented heights in service to the people of Alabama and the world,” Vance said. “Dr. Hawkins’ leadership has been critical to that success. 

“As we look toward the future, the Trustees will remain focused on continuing the success we have enjoyed while we celebrate and honor Dr. Hawkins’ extraordinary legacy of leadership and service.”

Hawkins will be missed by many, as according to Jeff Coleman, Chair of the Troy Foundation Board of Directors, he has been an exemplary steward of the university.

“He has been a visionary servant-leader who has always put students first,” Coleman said. “He makes each student feel valued and has led with an unwavering commitment to the University’s motto — ‘Educate the Mind to Think, the Heart to Feel and the Body to Act.’ 

“He is a tremendous man of faith and patriotism, and I am grateful for all that he and Mrs. Hawkins have accomplished together.”

Dr. Hawkins was named Chancellor of the Troy State University System on Sept. 1, 1989.

More than $400 million has been invested in campus improvements under his administration, including new academic buildings.

According to the email, Hawkins served as the catalyst for the University’s evolution into an international institution, academic standards for admission have been elevated, many new degree programs, including doctoral programs, have been established, and intercollegiate athletics have advanced to the highest level of NCAA competition.