Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr. announced on Tuesday that he will be retiring, effective October 1, 2025, after serving in the role for more than 35 years.
The announcement came via an email sent to all University faculty and included a video of Hawkins, who called this a “bittersweet moment.”
“We have much to do from now until October of 2025, and while at that point we will be stepping away from the daily operations, our hearts will remain deeply rooted in Troy University,” Hawkins said. “The last three and one-half decades have been among the most important in my lifetime and in the life Janice and I have shared as a Team.”
At a press conference on Wednesday, Hawkins thanked both the faculty and students he has worked with over the decades and explained his reasoning behind the decision.
“When you've served as long as I have, you begin to think about where you are in life, and then you begin to think about things that you need to do and things that you don't have the time to do,” Hawkins said. “For example, we've had only a couple of vacations over the years of two weeks . . . I think that when my wife and I went to see some friends in Ireland . . .it's probably the first time that I was as relieved and relaxed.
“Not that I'm not relieved every day – I mean, I love coming to this place, and I love making a difference, but I think it sort of came to a point that maybe before too many years pass, we need to experience other things.”
After retiring, Hawkins will serve as Chancellor Emeritus and will continue to support the Board of Trustees in that role. He also plans to serve on other boards and possibly take a sabbatical. He said he will also still have a university office, possibly on the Montgomery campus.
“I'm not going to disappear,” Hawkins said. “I'm going to be engaged at Troy.
“I just won't be here on a daily basis, but I'll be here. I'll be a Trojan forever.”
Troy University’s next chancellor will be selected through a traditional committee and interview process.
Hawkins is currently the longest-serving chief executive of a public university, beginning his role at Troy State University in September of 1989. During his administration, the mobile native has seen more than $375 in capital improvements, pushed for Troy to become an international university and began Troy’s transition into a research institution.
Hawkins was also commissioned as a lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1967, serving as a platoon leader during the Vietnam War. He is a recipient of the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey praised Hawkins in a press release.
“From the classroom to the field, TROY has accomplished a great deal under the leadership of Chancellor Hawkins, and he leaves a legacy that will last for generations of students to come,” Ivey said. “Thank you, Jack, for your outstanding service to TROY, our state and country, for your unmatched tenure and your strong partnership over the years."
Dr. Lance Tatum, president of Northwest Missouri State, was senior vice chancellor for academic affairs under Hawkins before taking his role at Northwest.
“[Chancellor Hawkins’] contributions over the past three decades have helped shape the landscape of online and international education,” Tatum said in a press release. “His impact on my career has been significant; I would not be where I am today without his support of my professional goals, his mentorship, friendship, and willingness to share his wisdom with an aspiring young professional.”
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