Troy University students expressed surprise and mixed emotions following the announcement of Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr.’s retirement.
Hawkins, who announced last Tuesday that he will be retiring in October, has been chancellor of Troy University since 1989. Students who spoke with The Tropolitan reflected on his leadership.
Football player Semaj James is a junior criminal justice major from Tallahassee, Florida. As a transfer student, he is impressed with the positive and energetic environment Hawkins created.
“Before I came here, I went to a junior college, and my school didn't really have structure or a foundation,” James said. “As soon as I came to Troy and I got around the chancellor, I saw how he set a standard.
“Hawkins does a great job of helping students succeed in their academics, but also how to carry yourself outside of school. It makes me a little emotional that he’s leaving us.”
Karle Chamberlin, a junior English major from Alabaster, Alabama, said she was shocked.
As a dormitory RA and president of the environmental club, she has a high opinion of Hawkins.
“He took the time to pose with us for our Earth Week event and gave us a stamp of approval,” Chamberlin said. “In terms of helping me out with my extracurriculars and my career as an RA, he's been great to me.”
Student Government Association President Betsy Bennett said while she was shocked at the announcement, she believes Hawkins has laid the foundation for Troy University to be successful even after he leaves.
“Anyone who has ever personally met Dr. Hawkins knows that his leadership is shown through his actions as well as his commitment and kindness to the student body,” said Bennett, who is a senior human services major from Eufaula, Alabama. “Chancellor Hawkins is a big part of why this University feels so much like home.
“Because of the personal relationships heforms with the students, I feel like I am truly wanted at Troy and that my academics and success is our administration’s top priority.”
Other students said they weren’t surprised, but they were still both sad and excited to see what comes next.
“I would say I wasn't shocked by it, considering he's been the chancellor for about 35 years, so it's about time,” said Abigail Bienknowski, a junior broadcast journalism major from Milton, Florida. “I met him at the Christmas tree lighting last year, and he took the time to really talk to everyone that was there and have conversations with them, so I thought that was really nice.”
While many students expressed their gratitude for Hawkins, many students also shared how they were hopeful for the future. “I'm kind of excited to see who else can come in – somebody new – and see what they can do or how they can add to things that the university needs,” Hutchinson said.Hawkins will officially retire Oct. 1, 2025. At a press conference last week, Hawkins said he will continue to support the university however he can.
“I'm not just going to disappear,” Hawkins said. “I'm going to be engaged at Troy.
“I just won't be here on a daily basis, but I'll be here. I'll be a Trojan forever.”
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