Troy University Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins announces retirement

Troy University Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. – Photo contributed by Troy University

Troy University Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., has announced that he will retire next year.

Hawkins, who has served as chancellor since 1989 and brought unprecedented growth to the university, will step down effective October 1, 2025.

He is the longest-serving chief executive of a public university and announced his retirement date in an email to faculty and staff today.

“The last three and a half decades have been among the most important in my lifetime and in the life my wife Janice and I have shared as a team,” Dr. Hawkins said in a statement. “We are proud of the work we have done, from re-classification of the university to doctoral degree status; to the transformation of a regional institution into ‘Alabama’s International University;’ and the elevation of our Athletics Program to the highest level of college athletics. It has been a remarkable experience.”

More than $375 million has been invested in capital improvements during Hawkins’ tenure, including new academic buildings on all four of Troy’s Alabama campuses. 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.

Last year, the Alabama Commission on Higher Education approved an instructional role change for Troy University that will allow the University to offer additional doctoral degrees, a move that paves the way for Troy’s continued maturation as a research institution.

Following his retirement, Hawkins will serve as Chancellor Emeritus.