Most Outstanding Women make Troy shine with outstanding character

Eight women have been recognized as this year’s Most Outstanding Women of Troy University.

All eight women are seniors at Troy University who exemplify outstanding leadership roles and involvement on Troy’s campus. These women are Caroline Montini, Jakevia Williams, Camille Trochessett, Hailey Everett, Mattie Havas, Ally Price, MaKaylah Harvey and Clio Phan.

The Tropolitan reached out to a few of these outstanding women to talk about the process and the feelings associated with this new title.

Caroline Montini is a senior biomedical sciences major with a minor in leadership from Buford, Georgia.

“It means a lot to me that people see me that way,” Montini said. “It’s such a big honor, and I think it’s a testament to what I've done on campus.

“The way I act, the ways I carry myself and why I'm involved is not to get an award, so it's really sweet to see that who I am is something people would describe as outstanding.”

Montini has been heavily involved on Troy’s campus as a member of the track and field team, Freshman Forum, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Tri Beta Honors Society, Phi Kappa Phi and The 87.

Montini encouraged students to always persevere no matter how difficult the circumstances become.

“In the valley is where we determine character,” Montini said.

“There were lots of times in my college career I contemplated quitting running or changing majors, but the hard times do end, so don’t give up.

“Everyone can be happy when you're on a mountain top and life is going well, but what really distinguishes people is how you act when things aren't going your way.”

All women were anonymously nominated by faculty, staff, organizations and peers who deemed them worthy of recognition.

They then underwent the interviewing process with a panel of judges. Lastly, the final eight were selected as Most Outstanding Women of 2025.

Jakevia Williams, a senior psychology major with a minor in applied behavior analysis from Phenix City, Alabama, was another of the Most Outstanding Women.

“I was super shocked,” Williams said. “I just saw the subject say most outstanding women, I read congratulations, and I just gasped.

“It's really meaningful to know that I can make a difference wherever I go, and your work never goes unnoticed.”

Williams is president of Troy’s Sparkle Mentoring Club, Treasurer of Troy Circle K Honors Society, a member of Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honors Society, Mu Phi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha and The 87.

“Maintaining my faith in God, keeping a positive attitude and allowing Him to guide me in those right orders of steps has allowed me to create a balance,” Williams said.

“I at times felt defeated, but then I realized that I have a greater purpose in my life.

“I’m grateful for the experience of making a great impact and being a leader.”

Williams shared her gratitude for those who nominated her and recognized her as someone with outstanding qualities.

“Thank you for considering me as a nominee for Troy University Most Outstanding Women,” Williams said.

“The journey to get here was very meaningful and impactful not only for me but the people around me.

“I'm grateful for the people who see me for who I am and see me for the true woman I'm becoming in my journey.”

MaKaylah Harvey, a senior multimedia journalism major with a minor in psychology from Dothan, Alabama, was also recognized as one of the Most Outstanding Women of Troy.

“I was very grateful,” Harvey said. “I think it shows just how much you can step into Troy, and they will see you for who you are.

“I've learned so much here at Troy, and it's good to feel seen and heard when you're doing so much for something.”

Harvey is the SGA presidential cabinet chair for the student engagement committee, won first runner up in the 2025 Miss Troy University Pageant, a member of Zeta Phi Beta and is involved in the Troy Athletics' video department.

“I've tried to do as much as I can do with the time I have left, and I can't wait to see where it ends,” Harvey said. “This was a great start to the end of my time here at Troy.”

Harvey shared what this award means to her and what she gained from this experience.

“If anything, it enhanced my outlook on Troy because of the fact I am a transfer student, so sometimes it can be hard coming into a new environment,” Harvey said.

“It's enhanced the part of me knowing I can jump into something brand new, feel like I know nobody and still feel seen and heard as long as I take that first step to put myself out there.

“Thats what I take away from winning this award, being a part of Troy's community and how it’s shaped me.”

Lastly, Harvey expressed her gratitude to the people of Troy who nominated her.

“Thank you so much for seeing my growth, and I'm so thankful you know who I am, and you know my heart.”

Each outstanding woman attended a banquet last Thursday to celebrate their accomplishments with their friends and family.