Mrs. Janice Hawkins

Troy University's First Lady

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. Credited to her influence on the Troy, Ala. Campus are houses dedicated to sororities, completion of the Olmsted plan for landscaping and parks, creation of the annual Helen Keller Lecture Series and more.

Mrs. Hawkins’ tireless efforts have raised funds to support scholarships and endowments, and she is committed to preparing students for life after college by teaching etiquette and protocol for business and formal functions. Mrs. Hawkins supports the University’s commitment to the military. Through her influence, the TROY for Troops program was established.

A supporter of the arts and humanities, she is instrumental in the University’s dance, theatre and musical events. Currently, Mrs. Hawkins is involved in spearheading the renovation of the Cultural Arts Center for Troy’s campus, which includes a park named in her honor by the Troy University Board of Trustees, an amphitheater, the new home for 200 Terra Cotta Warriors and other sculptures, and the renovation of Stewart Hall, which will serve as the new home for the arts and design program and two galleries. Also a supporter of college athletics, Mrs. Hawkins is a fan of University athletes and teams.

The Chancellor’s home is the front door of the University, and Mrs. Hawkins has assured that hospitality is the hallmark of Troy University by opening the home to the public and University community. With her husband, she personally honors graduating seniors and their families by hosting breakfasts in the Chancellor’s home before each commencement on the Troy, Ala. Campus, and she opens her home by hosting dozens of student groups throughout the year.

A gourmet cook, as well as a gifted hostess, Mrs. Hawkins has directed the publication of three Troy University cookbooks, with proceeds from book sales benefiting student organizations.

Mrs. Hawkins has served Alabama in many capacities, including Chair of the Alabama Historical Commission, the Board of Directors for the Alabama Humanities Foundation, the Alabama Board of Interpreters for the Deaf, and the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind.

Mrs. Hawkins earned a Bachelor of Science degree from David Lipscomb University and a Master of Science from the University of Alabama in Birmingham with a major in special education for the multiple disabled with emphasis on the visually impaired. She also has completed postgraduate courses. She continues to speak nationally on education of the blind and visually impaired.

While Troy University is a priority for Mrs. Hawkins, the focus of her life is her family. She is a committed wife, mother and grandmother. Dr. and Mrs. Hawkins have two daughters, Katie and Kelly, both graduates of Troy University. Katie is married to Lt. Col. Dan Beall, USAF, and they are the parents of Noah and Ellyotte. Kelly is a lecturer with TROY's Leadership Institute and married to Adam Godwin, a former All American baseball player at Troy University and current Assistant Coach for the Trojans' baseball program. Kelly and Adam are the parents of Micah Mae and Griffey Jack.

First Lady Initiatives

Janice Hawkins Cultural Arts Park

From its serene grounds, complete with amphitheater, terracotta warrior exhibit and walking trail, to the dynamic galleries and learning spaces within its International Arts Center, TROY’s Janice Hawkins Cultural Arts Park is where “East Meets West” on the Troy Campus.

International Arts Center

A celebration of art, education and world cultures, the International Arts Center on the Troy Campus is the crowning jewel of the Janice Hawkins Cultural Arts Park. Complete with art galleries, an interactive terracotta warrior exhibit and graphic design classrooms, the Center is a valued addition to the TROY family.

Nall Museum

The Fred “Nall” Hollis Museum, located within the International Arts Center on the Troy Campus, is home to the works of internationally acclaimed artist and Troy, Alabama, native Nall. With works spanning from the 1960s to today, the museum features some of the artist’s most thought-provoking paintings, drawings and other works of art.

Study Abroad - Pietrasanta, Italy

Studying abroad provides both faculty and students quality-learning experiences that increase students' knowledge on an array of issues, advances their critical thinking, tolerance, and understanding of cultural diversity. Studying abroad helps students to gain international awareness, global competency, and to better compete in the worldwide job market.

Etiquette

From proper table settings to the ins and outs of introductions, the etiquette course taught by First Lady of Troy University Janice Hawkins, helps equip men and women with the tools needed to thrive in their personal and career lives.

Helen Keller Lecture Series

Troy University’s Helen Keller Lecture, which began in 1995 as the vision of Chancellor and Mrs. Jack Hawkins, Jr., was initiated to call attention to and raise awareness of the challenges faced by those with physical limitations, particularly the sensory impaired. Through the years, the lecture has also provided the opportunity to highlight those who have devoted their careers to meeting the needs of the sensory impaired and to celebrate the collaborative efforts and partnerships of Troy University and the agencies and individuals who serve these special individuals.

Graduation Breakfast

On the morning of each TROY commencement ceremony, soon-to-be graduates and their families join Chancellor and Mrs. Hawkins at their home on the Troy Campus for a light graduation breakfast and meet and greet.

Troy Campus Residence

Throughout the year, Chancellor and Mrs. Hawkins welcome visiting scholars, dignitaries, students and parents to their home on the Troy Campus. This historic dwelling place has been the home of multiple TROY chancellors and has recently undergone a much-needed renovation.

TROY Cookbook

TROY is family, and family shares recipes. Steeped in tradition and featuring some of the most memorable flavors shared at Troy University, the TROY Cookbook offers readers one part rich University history and two parts delicious recipes with a dash of Trojan Warrior Spirit.

The 87 Reception

Every year, Chancellor and Mrs. Jack Hawkins, Jr. welcome some of the University’s most outstanding students to their home on the Troy Campus. This reception honors student leaders and The 87 honorees.