Hawkins preparing for retirement in 2028

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 a teacher’s preparatory school almost 139 years ago has now become a comprehensive, research-focused university that boasts some of the most highly regarded programs worldwide.  

“To say I’m proud to be part of this team effort is an understatement.” 

Until his retirement at the end of 2028, Chancellor Hawkins will continue to serve as Troy University’s chancellor through 2027, followed by a transition to an advisor role in his final year of service.  

“As an advisor, my role will be to assist the Board of Trustees and the new Chancellor however he or she needs,” Hawkins said. “The culture at Troy is unique among universities, and our desire remains committed to preserving that culture.” 

As for the feelings surrounding retiring soon, Hawkins is reminded of Rev. Harry Fosdick’s ideas of not simply retiring from something but instead retiring into something.  

“While my day-to-day duties will change, my responsibility – and, really, it’s a shared responsibility for all of us – will be the same: Doing everything we can to make Troy University the best it can be,” Hawkins said. “To that end, I look forward to this new chapter and new way to serve this university.”   

Dr. Hawkins has served as Troy University’s Chancellor for 37 years, making him the United States’ longest-serving CEO at a public university. His tenure stands in contrast to many others, with the tenure of public university chancellors averaging around just six 6 years – a sixth of the time Hawkins has served.  

Since his induction, he’s aided Troy’s growth academically, athletically and globally.  

According to Hawkins, the third chapter of Ecclesiastes puts the decision to announce his retirement the best: “To everything there is a season.” 

“Janice and I have been extremely blessed to experience the season we have had at Troy, but as Ecclesiastes reminds us, no season lasts forever,” Hawkins said. “What will last forever, though, is the love and passion we share for this university.”