Troy alumna named Sorrell College of Business Director of Development

Troy University alumna Dana Hendrix was named the Sorrell College of Business (SCOB) Director of Development last month. 

Hendrix shared how she feels about the opportunity to work at the university she graduated from. 

“I’m really excited,” Hendrix said. “We’ve got a really great team here in the development office and working with the Sorrell College of Business and Dean Edwards is a huge honor. 

“I’ve always said that in all my travels and meeting people that all roads somehow lead back to Troy, and now I’m connecting with people just at a different level through the university.” 

Hendrix graduated from Troy with both her bachelors and masters degrees in elementary education. During her time at Troy, she participated in various campus activities including Greek life and Troy cheer. 

Hendrix began her career teaching in the Troy City Schools system for six years and later transitioned into the world of development. 

She explained how the transition from elementary education to development came about. 

“You hear a lot about relationships and networking and how important it is, and that’s really true because I was a stay-at-home mom, and my neighbor was the executive director at the development office, and she was like,‘Hey you’ve got an education background; this would be a good fit for you,’” Hendrix said. 

Starting her career in development, Hendrix joined the Pike County Economic Development Corporation as Student Internship Program Director. She then served as an Executive Director of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce from 2019-2023. 

Most recently, Hendrix served on the Alabama Workforce Council with Southeast AlabamaWorks as the Workforce Development Coordinator. Upon the dissolution of these councils, Hendrix found her way back to Troy. 

She shared a little bit about what working in development entails. 

“A lot of people when they hear the word development think that it means that we’re building something, but really we engage alumni and try to do a better job of identifying donors and people that want to help the university grow,” Hendrix said. 

Hendrix offered some advice for current students as someone who is working a career different from her major. 

“Spread your wings if it’s not a good fit for you,” Hendrix said. “That saying is true - if you love it, you’ll never work a day in your life.” 

Hendrix also offered advice in terms of making connections. 

“Get involved, get out there, try different things because you never know where one connection is going to lead you,” Hendrix said.