Troy University introduces new commitment gift boxes for new students

Incoming Trojans will now be celebrating their commitment to Troy University with new gift boxes mailed to them.  

Dr. Blake Bedsole, associate vice chancellor of enrollment management, said these boxes will serve as a touch point with committed students who have registered for IMPACT before they attend their session over the summer.  

“We thought a nice package in the mail could help keep that excitement and interest up regarding starting their college career with us here at Troy while they finish out their spring semester, and that the extra engagement could translate into maximizing the IMPACT attendance rate,” Bedsole said. 

According to Bedsole, the items included in the box were selected by a committee of staff members from the enrollment management and marketing divisions.  

Gus McKenzie, senior director of enrollment services, said the main intention of creating these boxes is to celebrate students as they choose to join the Trojan family.  

“The two main items in the box were a backpack/duffle and a speaker,” McKenzie said.  

McKenzie said the bag is intended for them to pack their belongings for their IMPACT session, while the speaker is meant to create fun Troy memories. 

“Inside the box is a QR code that takes students to the fight song, as we are encouraging that it be the first song they play on it,” McKenzie said.  

McKenzie said that often in the commitment process, Troy staff are reaching out to students with action items, including filling out their application or sending in documents, but sending the commitment boxes is an opportunity to celebrate the achievement of students choosing Troy. 

Senior admissions counselor McKenzie Harris has heard positive responses from students receiving boxes.  

“Students are sharing their reactions online and are especially loving the speaker,” Harris said. “Students and parents are really appreciating the new student checklist as well. 

“We hope that these commitment boxes not only celebrate our students’ commitment to attend IMPACT and Troy, but also increase enrollment in first-year/first-time transfer students.” 

These boxes come at a key time during the college decision process, when students are looking for reasons to get excited about their new school.  

“College admissions are more competitive than ever, and we want to make sure to stay present in the minds of our admitted students,” Bedsole said. “Hopefully, this commitment package helps bridge that gap and keep Troy at the forefront of their minds when thinking about their new college home.”