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Chancellor's Office

Jack Hawkins, Jr.

Ph.D., Chancellor of Troy University

 

Dr. Jack Hawkins

Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., a native of Mobile, Alabama, was named Chancellor of Troy University Sept. 1, 1989.  He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Montevallo and his doctorate from the University of Alabama. Dr. Hawkins is the longest-serving chief executive officer of a public university in the United States.

Upon completion of his bachelor’s degree in 1967, Hawkins was commissioned a lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps and served as a platoon leader during the Vietnam War.  For his combat duty, he received the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and a citation from the Korean Marine Corps.

Hawkins has overseen an era of change and growth at TROY, as he led the merger of the worldwide Troy State University System into the unified Troy University, an initiative called “One Great University.” More than $375 million has been invested in capital improvements by the Hawkins Administration, including new academic buildings on all four of TROY’s Alabama campuses. Chancellor Hawkins served as the catalyst for the University’s evolution to an international institution, as TROY has attracted record numbers of students from other nations and established teaching sites around the world. During his tenure, academic standards for admission have been increased, new degree programs were established in all academic colleges, and intercollegiate athletics joined the highest level of NCAA competition. 

Hawkins’ professional background includes his service as an assistant dean at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (1971-1979) and as president of the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind in Talladega (1979-1989).

In 1985, he was honored by the University of Montevallo as Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, and was the recipient of the 2003 All-American Football Foundation’s “Top College President” Award.   In 2005 he was inducted into the Hall of Fame of Murphy High School in Mobile, Alabama.  In 2007 he was recognized as the “Alabama Citizen of the Year” by the Alabama Broadcasters Association. In 2011, Dr. Hawkins was recognized with the Chief Executive Leadership Award presented by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and as the March of Dimes River Region Citizen of the Year. In 2012 he received the Distinguished Public Service Award from the Secretary of the Air Force for his service on the Air University Board of Visitors from 2004-2012. In 2014 he was one of nine university presidents/chancellors worldwide—and the only one in North America—to receive the World Confucius Institute's Individual Performance Excellence Award. In October 2016 Dr. Hawkins was inducted into the Alabama Academy of Honor.

Three buildings are named in his honor: the “Jack and Janice Hawkins Chapel” at the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind, the “Hawkins-Adams-Long Hall of Honor” and “Jack Hawkins, Jr. Hall” which serves the College of Education of Troy University. Hawkins was profiled as part of two books published in 2004: “Above and Beyond: Former Marines Conquer the Civilian World” by Rudy Socha and Carolyn Darrow and “The Entrepreneurial College President” by James L. Fisher and James V. Koch.

Hawkins serves on the board of directors of the Daniel Foundation, the Bennie Adkins Foundation, Business Council of Alabama, the American Village Trust, College Football Playoff Board of Managers, and Troy Bank and Trust Company.  He has served as chairman of the Governor’s Committee on Employment of the Disabled, Board of Visitors of Marine Corps University, Better Business Bureau of Central Alabama, and past President of the Sun Belt Conference. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), as Chairman of the Council of University Presidents in Alabama, as President of the Southland Football League, as chairman of the Air University Board of Visitors, as a trustee of Talladega College, the Helen Keller Eye Research Foundation, and the American Foundation for the Blind.  He is a member of the Troy Rotary Club.  Dr. Hawkins is married to Janice Hawkins and they have two daughters, Katie, a former officer in the USAF who is married to Air Force Col. Dan Beall; and Kelly Godwin, an attorney and member of the Troy University faculty who is married to Adam Godwin, a former professional baseball player and a member of the Troy University baseball staff.  Dr. and Mrs. Hawkins are the proud grandparents of Noah and Ellyotte, who live in Maryland, and Micah Mae and Griffey Jack, who live in Montgomery.

Chancellor's Events

30 Year Anniversary Celebration

The Troy University community and Dr. Hawkins celebrated 30 years of leadership and dedication.

Beyond A War Documentary Premiere

Watch the powerful documentary that explores reconciliation between former enemies from opposite sides of the Vietnam War.

Chancellor's Breakfast

Soon-to-be graduates and their families are invited to join Chancellor and Mrs. Hawkins at their home for a light breakfast and an opportunity to connect and celebrate.

Chancellor's Invitational Golf Tournament

Tee off with Troy University Chancellor Jack Hawkins, Jr. for the 2024 Chancellor's Invitational Golf Tournament.

 

Mrs. Janice Hawkins

Janice Hawkins’ career has been marked by a strong commitment to education and public service. In her roles as Troy University First Lady and as educator of the visually impaired, Mrs. Hawkins has provided leadership in a variety of areas. Her vision and efforts have ensured that TROY’s “culture of caring” is as alive today as it was in the early days of the University.

Troy University's First Lady
Janice hawkins
Hawkins Hall

Letter to Parents

A messenger from Troy University Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. to TROY Parents

Parent Letter

Troy University Report

 

John Robert Lewis Hall Watercolor Painting

Chancellor's Staff

Beth Steed
Executive Administrative Assistant 
Phone: (334) 670-3200

Rachel Joe Arnold
Administrative Assistant
Phone: (334) 670-3658


Office of the Chancellor
 
216 Adams Administration Building
Troy, AL 36082
Phone: (334) 670-3200

The Trojan Way

TROY's campaign, The Trojan Way, seeks to promote personal civility, responsibility, and accountability among members of the Troy University family.

To live and perform The Trojan Way, we are expected to:

  • Be respectful
  • Speak appropriately
  • Dress properly for the occasion
  • Behave as a responsible, kind person
  • Adhere to applicable laws and policies

Like a compass, "The Trojan Way" provides lifelong, positive directions to our students:

  • Courage to do what is right
  • Commitment to excellence
  • Competency in the classroom
  • Caring for self and others
Troy University Board of Trustees
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