Troy Trustees ask Chancellor to reconsider retirement
TROY, Ala. (WTVY) -Following a meeting, Troy University trustees board asked Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr. to reconsider his decision to retire Saturday.
Hawkins announced his retirement earlier this month after 35 years at Troy University.
Board President Gibson Vance reaffirmed the board’s commitment to Dr. Hawkins’ continued leadership and vision rejecting the chancellor’s resignation.
“I’ve spoken with each member of the Board and they’ve asked me to deliver a message to you,” Vance said to Dr. Hawkins.
“It is with unanimous consent that we do not accept your resignation. Given the ongoing plans to move to R2 status and other initiatives now in motion, the Board is unanimous in its belief that Dr. Hawkins is the right person to lead our institution,” said Vance.
Dr. Hawkins is the longest-serving chief executive of a public university in the nation.
“I seldom find myself speechless, but I find myself that way today,” Dr. Hawkins said. “One thing (First Lady Janice Hawkins) and I have found at Troy is its unique culture, and I’m humbled and grateful for what has been said today. We’ve always preached ‘mission first’ and, as long as there is a mission that remains to complete, we will be here.
Dr. Hawkins went on to say, “I look forward to working with the Board to define what this new season will be.”
Dr. Hawkins, a native of Mobile, Alabama, took the position of Chancellor on September 1, 1989.
More than $375 million has been invested in capital improvements during his tenure including new academic buildings.
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 worldwide.
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