Troy to hold annual honors convocation

Troy University will honor outstanding students and faculty during its annual Honors Convocation, celebrating excellence, achievement and service. 

The ceremony will be held by academic affairs, led by Senior Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Dr. Kerry Palmer. The event recognizes students who have earned prestigious academic and service awards from their colleges, as well as those inducted into honor societies. 

Dr. Priya Menon, a member of the 2026 Honors Convocation Committee, said the gathering highlights the university’s top achievers. 

“Being recognized signifies outstanding academic achievement, leadership and service,” Menon said. “It reflects a student’s dedication, perseverance and distinction within their academic discipline and the broader university community.” 

While students will be recognized for their achievements, educators will also take center stage. According to Menon, three awards will be presented to faculty members during the ceremony; recipients have not yet been announced. 

“The Ingalls Award for Excellence in Classroom Teaching honors a faculty member for outstanding teaching,” Menon said. “The Dr. Robert Kruckeberg Faculty Excellence Award recognizes a lecturer or adjunct faculty member for excellence in teaching, research and service. 

“The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Awards also recognizes a distinguished faculty or staff member for excellence of character, service and leadership.” 

 Dr. Shirley J. Farrell, associate professor and program coordinator for gifted education, will deliver the keynote address. Farrell is also the 2025 recipient of the university’s prestigious Wallace D. Malone Jr. Distinguished Faculty Award. 

“Honors convocation brings the university community together to celebrate academic excellence, leadership and service,” Menon said. “It highlights both individual accomplishments and the strength of Troy University’s academic environment. 

“It reinforces the institution’s mission to cultivate achievement, character and meaningful contributions to society.” 

Members of the 2026 Honors Convocation Committee are Dr. Ventsislav Stamenov, Dr. Morgan Sewell, Dr. Hui-Ting Yang, Dr. Scott Sexton, Dr. Lauren Berlingo, Dr. Byungkwan Jung, Dr. Adam Rutkowski and Dr. Priya Menon. 

Honors Convocation is a university-wide celebration open to the campus community and invited guests. The ceremony will begin at 2:30 p.m. in the Claudia Crosby Theater on April 15 and will last for an hour, followed by a reception.