Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins rescinds retirement descision
Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr. announced Monday that he will no longer be retiring.
Hawkins, the longest-serving chief executive of a public university in the country, originally announced on Sept. 3 that his intent was to retire on Oct. 1, 2025. However, he rescinded that decision on Monday via a mass email to Troy University faculty and staff.
“After consideration, Janice and I are honored to continue to serve as your Chancellor and First Lady,” Hawkins said in the email. “Our goal since arriving at Troy University has been to make this a world-class institution.“We have already had much success on the path to that goal, but the journey continues. I am convinced that the greatest days are ahead for our extraordinary University, and as Helen Keller said, ‘together we can do so much.’”
The decision comes after Saturday’s Board of Trustees meeting when members asked Hawkins to stay, denying his resignation request.
Board President Gibson Vance asked Hawkins to stand up during the meeting while trustees took turns reiterating their support of him.
“It was with unanimous consent that I was asked to deliver these messages,” Vance said. “We do not accept your resignation.
“We believe that it is in the best interest of Troy University for you and Janice to lead it. My board will tell you that they agree, and we won't take no for an answer.”
Board member Charles Nailen said there was too much to do before Oct. 1, which is when Hawkins is set to officially retire.
“If we had your retirement letter, we would just ceremoniously tear it up and throw it in the trash can,” Nailen said.
“As the newest board member, I’m just delighted to serve on the board, and from a personal standpoint, I'm like, ‘wow, it's too early,’” said board member Freddie Thomas. “I cannot express enough of our desire, my personal desire, for you to lead us a little bit longer.”
“What you have done has inspired me, not only in what I did in my career, but also in life, and I couldn't see you leaving so soon,” said board member Karen Carter. “I would, personally, as well, want to see you for years and years, but at least for more years, to come.”
At the meeting, Hawkins said he will always serve Troy University – whether he’s retired or not.
“I seldom find myself speechless, but I think I'm in that position today, and I thank you for that,” Hawkins said. “I’m really humbled and grateful for what was said today. I am a battalion commander, but the real commander is over there [Mrs. Hawkins].
“We’ve always preached ‘mission first,’ and, as long as there is a mission that remains unfinished or incomplete, we're going to be here.”
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