2023 EDITION
TROY UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE ALUMNI AFFAIRS OFFICE TROY, AL 36082
20 23 ED ITION A YEAR IN REVIEW
MAKING
TROY UNIVERSITY RESEARCH IS
WAV E S
M A K I N G A W O R L D W I D E I M PA C T.
TROY UNIVERSITY
IT’S YOUR TIME TO TAKE THE LEAD
troy-today-2023-edition-cover-file-Final.indd 1
troy.edu | 1-800-586-9771
www.troy.today
TROY’s top-ranked programs will prepare you to be a leader in your field. At Troy University, we offer up to 50% tuition scholarships for military and their families. Our Military and Family Scholarships cap the cost of tuition at $250 per credit hour for active-duty military, Reservists and National Guard for both undergraduate and graduate programs. Be part of a family of leaders with more than 175,000 alumni worldwide. It’s your time to lead.
3/19/24 3:26 PM
TROY UNIVERSITY
PODCAST NETWORK • • • • • •
The Talk of TROY In Focus with Carolyn Hutcheson Clarinet Corner Econversations from Troy University Speaking Globally The Double Dome
• • • • •
It Came from The Archives Mad Melodies Culture and Belonging Alabama Aloud with Don Noble On Leadership with Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr.
AVAILABLE WHEREVER YOU GET YOUR PODCASTS. TODAY.TROY.EDU/PODCAST
troy-today-2023-edition-cover-file-Final.indd 2
3/19/24 3:26 PM
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 1
3/19/24 1:58 PM
Troy University Marketing and Communication 2023 Edition Executive Editor
From the desk of the Chancellor The cover story for this issue of TROY Today includes lots of information on our increased activity in the research field. Original research is the last great frontier, as well as a natural evolution, for TROY. Our first 135 years focused on teaching and service with a limited amount of research activity. This fits with our original normal school mission, but it’s time to take bold steps toward the ultimate goal of achieving designation as a research university. We are setting the stage for this transition, as research grants awarded have more than doubled in the last two years. Further, our Center for Materials and Manufacturing Sciences, currently scheduled to go online in spring of 2024, is our first facility devoted entirely to research. This edition’s theme of “Making Waves” extends beyond the research aspect of our University to include excellence across our academic colleges, including a look at how the College of Education is working to address the critical shortage of mental health counseling in schools, and a new apprenticeship program that is giving TROY student nurses hands-on experience. Student excellence is also covered in this issue as we report on Trojans who have won major awards in journalism and a look back at the more than 300 students who participated in study-abroad trips this summer. We also update you on a group of students who annually give up their spring break to “march to the sea.” In 2023, they raised more than $125,000 in support of wounded military veterans. Finally, this edition recaps one of the most successful periods in Trojan athletics. In 2022-2023, 10 of TROY’s 11 sports that compete in head-to-head competitions posted winning records. Our Trojan football team won 23 games during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, claimed a pair of Sun Belt Conference titles, and played in the Cure Bowl and the Birmingham Bowl. And, we witnessed one of our most famous football alumni achieve the ultimate honor as DeMarcus Ware was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This edition also looks ahead to the 2024 baseball season as the Trojans look to build on last year’s success. In closing, I invite you to stay in touch with your alma mater by submitting your information for the Alum Notes section of the magazine by emailing troymagazine@troy.edu. We look forward to hearing from you!
Samantha Johnson Editor Rob Drinkard (’09) Art Directors Madelyn Flanagan (’19) Mark Moseley (’97, ’99) Copy Editors Andy Ellis Abby Heard Contributors Faith West Byrd (’81, ’87) Matt Clower (’04) Tom Davis (’81) Andy Ellis Kyle George Anna Gooden (’06) Abby Heard Katie Hoppenjan (’18) Carrie Jaxon Brent Jones Laken Lee Payton Linder Clif Lusk Jane Martin (’97, ’99) Adam Prendergast Jonathan Sellers (’07, ’11) Savanah Weed (’17) Meredith Welch (’19) Photographers Joey Meredith (’16) Mark Moseley (’97, ’99)
Chancellor Jack Hawkins, Jr., Ph.D.
Sincerely,
Senior Vice Chancellor, Student Services and Administration Sohail Agboatwala (’91, ’93) Chief Marketing Officer
Jack Hawkins, Jr., Ph.D. Chancellor
Samantha Johnson Associate Vice Chancellor of Development Greg Knedler Senior Director, Communications Matt Clower (’04)
TROY Today Magazine welcomes comments, ideas and suggestions from readers. Editors reserve the right to determine if letters to the editor will be published and to edit submissions for content and length. Copyright 2024 by Troy University, all rights reserved. Troy University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist and doctoral degrees. Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Troy University.
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 2
TROY Today Magazine is published for alumni members, donors, students, parents and friends of Troy University. For more information, contact the Office of Marketing and Communication at: 256 Adams Administration Building Troy, AL 36082 Phone: 334-670-5830 Email: marketing@troy.edu
Director, Advertising Rob Drinkard (’09) Director, Alumni Affairs Faith West Byrd (’81, ’87) President, Troy University Alumni Association Rosemary Elebash (’76)
Find us on: troy.edu/social and at www.troy.today Advertising: Contact Marketing at 334-670-5830.
3/19/24 1:58 PM
2023 EDITION A YEAR IN REVIEW
ON THE COVER
24 MAKING WAVES Could some forms of cancer be cured by nanotechnology and advanced genetic engineering? Can music therapy help patients undergoing cancer treatment manage pain? How is gambling affecting high school athletics? Can a kid-friendly mascot help improve literacy levels in Alabama school children? These are just some of the many tough questions Troy University faculty are trying to answer in research projects underway now in fields as diverse as economics, world affairs, material science and medicine.
IN THE KNOW
STUDENTS
ALUMNI
2 From the desk of the Chancellor
30 Grad student describes & names new species
46 Alumni Director letter
4 Remembering Composer & Educator Robert W. Smith
31 TROY student opens dog kennel business
6 SBDC assists local grocery store
32 Study-abroad summer recap
47 Dr. Brenda Coley recognized for her leadership
7 John Lewis Legacy Institute honors Dr. Hawkins & Reeves
34 HSJC students win at journalism conference 35 ATO Walk Hard 2023
8 TROY dedicates NPHC Plaza
GIVING
10 TROYventure
36 Sarah Betterton Memorial Scholarship
12 TROY, Duy Tan University focus of documentary
ACADEMICS
37 Betty Floyd Vance Endowed Nursing Scholarship
46 Alum Notes
48 Alumni of the Year 50 Travis Perry innovates guitar teaching tool 51 Wesley Swanzy appointed to USDA post 52 TROY Alumni Board welcomes new officers 53 Jamie Graham honors family legacy 54 Amy Gilbert’s book recounts experience reuniting with Korean birth family
13 Community Health Care Worker Certificate program
38 Scholarship in honor of Jeff Taylor supports technical theatre students
14 Kids dig archaeology at TROY Arboretum
39 Fred B. Davis Scholarship Brunch
15 Inaugural student nurse apprenticeship program
56 Matthew Fulton combines love of music & practicing law
ATHLETICS
16 Grant addresses counseling shortage in schools
41 TROY Athletics Hall of Fame
57 Julie Whatley represents TROY in Ecuador
42 Athletics Year in Review
17 Professor creates historical board game
44 DeMarcus Ware selected to Pro Football Hall of Fame
18 University recognitions & awards 20 Dr. Lance Tatum retires and starts dream job 22 Dr. Kerry Palmer named SVC for Academic Affairs
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 3
58 Alumna Star Hy evacuates thousands amid Kabul crisis 61 Alumna Leslie Black gives back to TROY 63 Broadcast journalism alumna Amanda Dukes wins regional Emmy 64 In remembrance
3/19/24 1:58 PM
4
TRO Y TOD AY
I N T HE K NO W
REMEMBERING DISTINGUISHED COMPOSER AND BELOVED MUSIC EDUCATOR ROBERT W. SMITH
Troy University mourns the death of renowned composer, music educator and friend Robert W. Smith.
Troy University and the world of music has lost one of its
by Dr. John M. Long, who would later become ABA
greatest stars.
President Emeritus.
Robert W. Smith, Professor of Music and coordinator of the
As an educator, Smith returned to his alma mater in 2006
John M. Long School of Music’s Music Industry Program,
to teach in the Music Industry Program, which launched a
passed away Thursday, September 21. Services were held in
Master of Business Administration degree last year and its
his honor at Claudia Crosby Theater on the Troy University
undergraduate degree, Bachelor of Business Administration
Troy Campus.
in Music Industry, this fall. This followed his full-time stint
Known as one of the most popular and prolific composers
with Warner Brothers that took him all over the world as a
of concert band and orchestral literature in America today,
guest conductor and clinician.
Smith had more than 600 compositions in print, with
Dr. Larry Blocher, past Dean of the College of
the majority composed and arranged through his long
Communication and Fine Arts (CCFA) and Director of the
association with Warner Bros. Publications.
John M. Long School of Music, was able to lure him back to
This fall, he was elected Vice-President of the American
TROY more than 16 years ago.
Bandmaster’s Association, the organization comprised of
“Robert was a friend for more than 30 years. It was
the nation’s most distinguished musicians. He would have
Robert who told me that the Director of the School of
become the third TROY faculty member to serve as ABA
Music position would be open at Troy University and he
president. He was nominated for membership in 1996
encouraged me to apply,” Blocher continued.
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 4
3/19/24 1:58 PM
T RO Y T O DAY
5
“It was an honor for me, as Director of the John M. Long School of Music, to recommend that Troy University hire Robert as the first Coordinator of the Music Industry program. We worked together as colleagues for 16 years. He was genuinely excited to be working at ‘the school he loved’.” Smith, who owned RWS Music and was a vice-president for the C.L. Barnhouse Company and Walking Frog Records, was a product of Daleville and then-Troy State University, where he played lead trumpet for Dr. Johnny Long’s
Robert W. Smith cuts the ribbon on the John M. Long School of Music’s newest recording studio in 2022.
Sound of the South Marching Band. While at TROY he studied composition under Paul Yoder. After graduating, he completed a master’s at the University of Miami, returning to TROY in 1997 to become the Director of Bands following Dr. Long’s retirement. Director of Bands Dr. Mark Walker said while many will speak of his music and influence in the industry, he would always have a special place for Smith’s memory. “Robert W. Smith was a close family friend and wonderful colleague,” he said. “He was loyal, and put others, especially his students, first at all times. He loved his family more than anything and was so proud of his wife Susan, and his daughters Madison and Savannah. I will miss him terribly and
Robert W. Smith announces the opening of a cutting-edge studio in the John M. Long School of Music.
cherish his memory.” Smith’s reach within the music and entertainment industries was wide, and he often collaborated with major musicians and tied TROY students to the business through student groups such as the performance group POPulus and student-run Illium Records. He routinely put his associations
leader and influencer in the profession, and yet he was
with professional music to work for the growth of
always warm, personable and welcoming. He always had
his students, sometimes turning those associates into
time for a stimulating and thoughtful conversation,” said
students themselves.
CCFA Dean Dr. Michael Thrasher.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member and Grammy Award-
It was those friendships amongst his peers that helped make
winning artist Chris Vrenna is one of those associations.
the Long School a dynamic educational force where musical
Vrenna was one of the very first Music Industry MBA
creativity could be fostered by all.
students. He teaches music technology at Calhoun
“Robert was a dear colleague and friend to me,” said
Community College.
Hui-Ting Yang, the Long School’s interim Director and the
“I am heartbroken to hear of Robert’s passing. He became
University’s Steinway Artist.
a mentor to me when I moved here to Alabama and
“The energy, caring and passion that he has devoted to
introduced me to other music industry educators,” he said. “I
our students and the world of the music industry are
feel so fortunate to have known Robert over the years and
unforgettable,” she said. “While it is difficult for our students,
to be able to participate in a couple of TROY’s music events
faculty and staff in the School of Music, we will continue to
like ‘Mic Check,’ watching him work and absorbing
carry his legacy and to bring our Music Industry program to
his boundless energy and passion for all things music and
the next level.”
music education.” That “boundless energy” for music education was appreciated among his colleagues in the Long School as well. “Robert was a brilliantly creative musician. He was a major
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 5
3/19/24 1:58 PM
6
TRO Y TOD AY
I N T HE K NO W
SUPPORTING LOCAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP
TROY SBDC ASSISTS MEXICAN GROCERY STORE EXPANSION
Laura Flores at the Troy location of Mexicana San Juditas
A weekend visit to a Mexican grocery store in Ariton,
Mexicana San Juditas, Laura Flores’ grocery store, had
Alabama, garnered a new client for the Troy University Small
locations in Ariton and Eufaula, Alabama, already in
Business Development Center (SBDC) and resulted in the
operation but wanted to move into a larger municipality.
expansion of the operation into Troy, Alabama.
The Troy University SBDC staff was able to help the family
TROY SBDC Director Juliana Bolivar said she wanted to
navigate compliance issues and required health permits
check out what the store offered and started a conversation
— with Bolivar serving as an interpreter during health
about the great products — especially the made-in-store
inspections and paperwork completion.
fruit popsicles. “I was able to drop a Spanish-language
“Their digital marketing strategy still needed some work,
brochure and have a great conversation with the staff there,”
and Laura wanted to keep growing to attract not only
she said.
Hispanic customers but be a convenient grocery store for all
Last summer, TROY SBDC and the Alabama SBDC
community members,” Bolivar said.
Network began developing Spanish-language educational
Bolivar brought on Yadira “Yari” Colon-Lopez, the center’s
opportunities and materials to support the creation of
Marketing Advisor, who provided support, created separate
legal business entities across Alabama. In the Wiregrass,
“Google My Business” listings, and trained managers on
Bolivar has been able to deliver presentations and marketing
creating separate but uniform tones and identities among
materials that support the growth of the Spanish-speaking
different social media platforms.
community in business and commerce.
The Troy location is now open and is located on U.S.
The support doesn’t stop with Hispanic outreach, however.
Highway 231 near Publix.
In 2022, 66% of the clients served through one-on-one services were women, and 62% of the training attendees were female.
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 6
3/19/24 1:58 PM
T RO Y T O DAY
I N THE K N OW
7
JOHN LEWIS LEGACY INSTITUTE HONORS DR. HAWKINS & REEVES
Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr.
Mayor Jason Reeves
Troy University Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. and city
Mayor Reeves, a 2001 TROY graduate, and former President
of Troy Mayor Jason Reeves (’01), a TROY alumnus, were
of the Student Government Association, has served as Troy’s
among the six honorees recognized during the inaugural
Mayor since 2012. Prior to becoming Mayor, he served for
John R. Lewis (JRL) Legacy Institute gala held in February of
16 years on the Troy City Council.
2023 at Atlanta’s Porsche Experience Center.
“I am incredibly humbled and honored to have enjoyed a
During the gala, themed “The Legacy Continues,” the
long friendship with the Lewis family, and I am appreciative
honorees were recognized for embodying the highest
of the impact and influence they and Congressman Lewis
values of the late Congressman Lewis and for continuing to
have had on my life and the lives of so many,” Reeves said.
represent his legacy of leadership.
“I consider this a tremendous honor and was very grateful to
“I am truly honored to accept this award, and I am grateful
be included in the company of some outstanding people. I
to the Lewis family and the Board of the John R. Lewis
look forward to all of the things that the JRL Legacy Institute
Legacy Institute for this recognition,” Dr. Hawkins said.
will be doing in the future, and I appreciate Jerrick Lewis’
“I met Congressman Lewis more than 30 years ago and
leadership and his commitment to carrying on the legacy of
frequently thereafter, and it was truly an honor to meet the
his uncle, Congressman John Robert Lewis.”
man that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. called ‘The Boy from
Founded in 2021, the JRL Legacy Institute works to
Troy.’ John Robert Lewis believed that true leadership lies
strengthen communities through initiatives centered around
in bringing people together, and I receive this award in that
voting rights and reform, social justice, equity in education,
same sense of unity and purpose.”
and health awareness, access and wellness.
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 7
3/19/24 1:58 PM
8
TROY TOD AY
I N THE K N OW
LANDMARK FOR LEADERSHIP TROY DEDICATES NPHC PLAZA
(from left) DeJah White, Jayla Sutton, Chelsea Blunt (’20), Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Donna Brewton, Kennedi Crosby, Danielle Skinner and Janyriah Lampley
Troy University officially dedicated the National Pan-Hellenic
“This is the transformation of the vision that was had by the
Council Plaza on April 15, which recognizes and honors the
late Lamar Higgins,” said Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor.
historically African American Greek-letter organizations.
“He always saw coming together as a natural product of real
The plaza is comprised of nine markers, one for each
leadership. I think that is what this plaza represents. It was
organization: Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, Iota Phi Theta,
the late Dr. Martin Luther King, who was a Greek himself,
Kappa Alpha Psi, Alpha Phi Alpha, Sigma Gamma Rho,
who said, ‘The essence of a real education is intelligence and
Delta Sigma Theta, Alpha Kappa Alpha and Zeta Phi Beta.
character.’ That is the essence of this place. It is the right
Located at the entrance to the walkway that leads to Trojan
place at the right time, and we are very grateful to be able to
Arena, the plaza grew out of the vision of the late Lamar P.
dedicate it today.”
Higgins, the first African American to serve as TROY SGA
Brig. Gen. Edward Crowell (USAF, Ret.) (’01), current Vice
President and later as a member of the University’s Board of
President Pro Tempore of the Troy University Board of
Trustees. Higgins passed away April 15, 2021, exactly two
Trustees, said the plaza celebrates the legacy of those who
years prior to the plaza’s dedication ceremony.
have come before, as well as future generations.
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 8
3/19/24 1:58 PM
T RO Y T O DAY
9
Brig. Gen. Edward Crowell, Vice President Pro Tempore of the Troy University Board of Trustees
Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha unveil a plaza marker.
“The mottos of NPHC fraternities and sororities are filled
TROY alumna Col. Felicia Burks (’99, ’02), an Alpha Kappa
with words such as merit, wisdom, friendship, achievement
Alpha sorority member, said the day marked history, legacy,
and service. I know from experience these are not merely
culture, honor and reflection.
words on a page but words to live by,” Brig. Gen. Crowell
“We thank Troy University for providing this opportunity,”
said. “My lifelong affiliation with Omega Psi Phi fraternity,
Col. Burks said. “For some, this plaza will be a place where
coupled with my service in the United States Air Force,
new memories are made. For others, it will be a place where
have shaped my life in ways I never thought possible
they come to reflect. There’s an African proverb that says,
when I was growing up in rural Russell County, Alabama.
‘If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far,
My fraternity introduced me to the power of brotherhood
go together.’ Today, in this place, I see togetherness. I see
and the satisfaction of serving others. In similar fashion,
one voice, one heart, one TROY. I envision this as a place
thousands of Troy University students have benefited from
of the present and the future. It will be a place that marks
their affiliation with an NPHC organization over the last five
leadership, value, meaning and purpose.”
decades. It will serve as a symbol to future students that NPHC fraternities and sororities hold a place of honor and respect at Troy University.”
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 9
3/19/24 1:58 PM
I N T HE KNO W
AN IMMERSIVE, EXPERIENTIAL EVENT FOR INCOMING STUDENTS
Troy University took a step forward in expanding the
spent the next couple of days experiencing campus life and
University’s Social Media Ambassador program during the
meeting University alumni and faculty members.
first-ever TROYventure event held earlier last summer.
After a hair and makeup session with Iconic Upgrades owner
Ten incoming freshmen women were invited to participate
and TROY alumna Conleigh Gilmore (’16), alumna Stephanie
in a two-day glamping-style event where they got to spend
Carter Campbell (’04), owner of Judith March, helped the
the night on the Quad and experience what it’s like to be on
students pick out an outfit for their evening of fun at a band
campus before classes start in the fall. The students were
party downtown.
selected to participate based on their College Decision
After the evening of fun on the Square, the group returned
Day choice to attend TROY, their resumes and academic
to campus to enjoy s’mores and a campfire on the Quad
achievements, and their public presence on social media.
before turning in for the evening in a “glamping” setup
The goal of the program was to immerse the students in all
provided by To Go Box Camper Company, owned by TROY
things TROY so they could tell the University’s story through
alumna Becky Stewart (’95, ’97).
their own eyes. In addition, they got a taste of what it will
On Saturday, the students got to experience a yoga class on
be like to live in the city of Troy by dining and shopping
the Quad and meet faculty members who counseled them
downtown. Coinciding with the weekend event was a TROY
on their chosen majors. They also enjoyed shopping and
video shoot where the students were featured in content
lunch in downtown Troy.
for future TROY commercials, online videos and social media
The students described the overall event as an amazing
content to enhance University marketing efforts.
opportunity to meet new friends and get to know more
The students arrived the morning of June 9 to a red carpet
about the campus and the city of Troy. “My experience with
treatment and welcome from TROY’s mascot, T-Roy. They
TROYventure was nothing short of amazing,” said Emma
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 10
3/19/24 1:58 PM
T RO Y T O DAY
11
Darling, who plans to major in education. “I got to meet so
on campus and in town. I’m looking forward to getting
many smiling faces while on campus and create so many
involved on campus. Serving my community is something
new friendships. Seeing all the wonderful setups and photo-
that has always been extremely important to me.”
ops was truly something I wasn’t expecting. My favorite part
TROYventure not only allowed the students to get
of TROYventure was going to the band party on the Square
acquainted with the campus and the town, but it also served
and dancing with new friends.”
to stir excitement for beginning their TROY journeys this fall.
Hannah Claire Ketchum, who plans to major in elementary
McKay Yountz, who plans to major in rehabilitation services,
education, said the TROYventure experience provided a
said “I’m ready to move in and make new friends, and I
great opportunity to meet new friends before the school
am excited for Rush. I haven’t even moved to Troy yet, but
year started. “It was so much fun getting to know new
everyone is so kind — the community feels like home.”
people and seeing what all Troy has to offer,” she said.
TROYventure also showed those who participated that they,
For Sarah Morgan, one of the biggest takeaways from the
indeed, had made the right college choice. “I would describe
TROYventure experience was that the University and city
TROY as a smaller school with the big-school experience,”
both provide wonderful environments, and she is excited
said Haley O’Brien, who plans to pursue a nursing degree.
to begin her journey. “From the pool party to the academic
“You have smaller classes, which help you get to know your
spotlights and everything in between, I am so grateful for
professors better, but TROY has all the organizations that
the best University allowing me to experience this event,”
a bigger school would have. To me, TROY was a no-brainer
said Morgan, who plans to major in cyber security. “Each
because my whole family has gone to TROY and absolutely
event was a reminder of the wonderful community at TROY,
loved it. I always knew I would come here from a young age.”
(top left photo, from left) Sarah Morgan, Haley O’Brien, Kathryn Baxter, Kamden Eady, Alexandria Brantley, Anna Glynn Lott, Hannah Claire Ketchum, Emma Darling, McKay Yountz and Naomi Leon
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 11
3/19/24 1:58 PM
TRO Y TOD AY
IN T H E KNOW
12
Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., TROY Chancellor, is shown with Bao Le and Dr. Hang Lé, son and daughter of the founder of Duy Tan University.
VIETNAM: FROM WAR TO PARTNERSHIP
TROY, DUY TAN UNIVERSITY FOCUS OF DOCUMENTARY More than 50 years ago, Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., and Lê Công
“While we came from different backgrounds and certainly
Cơ were on opposite sides of the Vietnam War. Dr. Hawkins
different sides of the war, our goal now is unity and a
fought as a U.S. Marine; Lê Công Cơ fought as a member of
common focus on students. He is committed to building a
the Viet Cong. Today, they lead Troy University and Duy Tan
great university, and that is exactly what we are committed
University, respectively, and are working together to ensure
to doing at TROY.”
a brighter future for students in both the U.S. and Vietnam.
TROY officials first visited Vietnam in 2002 and began
TROY’s formal partnership with Duy Tan began in 2017,
offering courses at partner institutions in Hanoi and Ho
based on a connection Dr. Hawkins and Lê forged years
Chi Minh City in 2004. The first students graduated in
earlier. “More than six years ago, we met for dinner and had
2008, making TROY the first U.S. university to award the
our first dialogue. That was a fascinating conversation! That
baccalaureate degree in Vietnam. Today, there are about
meeting led to the partnership with Duy Tan University.
1,100 currently enrolled students and almost 2,000 TROY
Now we are actively engaged in offering academic programs
alumni in Vietnam.
and working together to help build the future of Vietnam,”
Dr. Hang Lê, Vice Provost of Duy Tan and daughter of the
Dr. Hawkins said.
university’s founder, said the idea for the documentary grew
The partnership between TROY and Duy Tan — and the
out of her admiration for Troy University and the relationship
leaders who are using education to bring two worlds
she saw between Dr. Hawkins and her father.
together — are the focus of a documentary, currently
“When I learned more about Dr. Hawkins’ life, I could relate
airing in Vietnam. Representatives from Duy Tan, located
that to my father’s life. I think this documentary is about
in Danang, Vietnam, visited the Troy Campus last spring to
two great men who are prominent educational leaders in
meet with Dr. Hawkins and other campus leaders.
Vietnam and America. I wanted the younger generations in
“What excites me about the documentary is it shows the
Vietnam to learn about these great men because they stand
transformation of the relationships between two countries
for and provide examples of strong discipline, great ethics
that a half-century ago were at war,” Dr. Hawkins said.
and perseverance.”
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 12
3/19/24 1:58 PM
T RO Y T O DAY
13
A CADEM ICS
MEETING COMMUNITY NEEDS TROY RECEIVES $3 MILLION TO PREPARE COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS
A Troy University certificate program launched earlier this
Tawanna Robinson, Project Manager for Regions 5 and 6
year has become the state’s first apprenticeship program for
for the Alabama Office of Apprenticeships, said the CHW
Community Health Workers (CHW).
apprenticeship program is truly a win for all involved.
The University’s College of Health and Human Services
“Apprenticeships help to meet the needs of business and
received a $3-million grant from the Health Resources and
industry, as well as our communities,” Robinson said. “By
Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health
providing opportunities for apprentices to earn while they
and Human Services in fall 2022 to develop and administer
learn, we are meeting needs so that individuals will be
the certificate program to train and place Community Health
able to get their health care needs met. Apprentices get to
Workers. The three-year grant is being administered through
participate in a career pathway that allows them to receive
the University’s School of Nursing and School of Social Work
an educational opportunity at no cost to them and receive
and Human Services.
mentorship from employers who are participating in our
Community Health Workers are trusted members of their
programs, all while they are actually employees of the
communities who empower their peers through education,
companies they are participating with in this program.”
helping to connect residents with available healthcare
Robinson said partnerships with community agencies and
resources. Becoming an approved apprenticeship program
universities are a vital part of the apprenticeship process.
provides a key element to the effort.
“It is important to have these different dynamics come
The free online training program, which consists of 10
together to know what kind of training opportunities are
modules that must be completed along with a 60-hour
available and what is needed in our communities,” she
field experience component, spans about 12 weeks and
said. “Instead of building cookie-cutter programs, these
is delivered online through the University’s Continuing
relationships enable us to build programs that are truly
Education and Outreach Department.
facilitating a need within our communities.”
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 13
3/19/24 1:58 PM
14
TRO Y TOD AY
A CADEM ICS
UNCOVERING INTERESTS JUNIOR ARCHAEOLOGY DAY EVENT HELD AT TROY ARBORETUM
Nearly 50 budding young archaeologists excavated
incisions on
plant and pottery materials, learned how to read dirt and
pottery. “I love
found out how our ancestors hunted during the Junior
working with
Archaeology Day event held by the Troy University
kids, and it’s so
Anthropology Club and the Alabama Archaeological Society
fun to get to show
at the TROY Arboretum in February.
them what we do and
The event was designed to give children in kindergarten
get them interested in it,”
through sixth grade interested in archaeology and
she said. “I hope they learned how
anthropology a glimpse into the work these scientists do.
patterns have evolved over time and the different ways
TROY professors, students from across the program and
people have used things and made things, the way people
other industry professionals taught the children excavation,
before us operated.”
stratigraphy, flotation, lithics, ceramics, paleoethnobotany,
At the end of the day, students who completed all eight
zooarchaeology and atlatl throwing.
stations earned their Junior Archaeologist Certificate. Niki,
Dr. Stephen Carmody, Associate Chair of the Anthropology,
8, of Troy, and Thomas, 8, of Auburn, both said they enjoyed
Sociology and Criminology Department and Assistant
learning new things. “I learned that you can dig things up
Professor of Anthropology, said the event was a great
from under the ground and find new things. My favorite
success. “Our goal was to introduce elementary school
part was where we went to see the rocks and used the light
children to archaeology and to teach them
where you can see through the rocks,” Niki said.
how and why we do what we do,” he
Thomas said his favorite part of the day
said. “We started with an excavation
was learning how to make weapons
station where children got to get their hands dirty and practice
and digging for artifacts. Junior Archaeology Day was
the art of systematic
part of the 2023 Alabama
excavation. We hope that
Archaeological Society
all who attended left with
Winter Conference held
a better understanding of
on the Troy Campus by
what we hope to achieve
the TROY Chapter of the
as archaeologists and
Alabama Archaeological
how we tell meaningful
Society and the Troy
stories of the past.”
University Anthropology
Cayla Schofield, a
Club, where archaeology
freshman anthropology
professionals and students
major from Montgomery,
from major universities and
Alabama, taught students at the ceramics station about the different designs, tempers and
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 14
businesses across the state presented current research and findings in Alabama.
3/19/24 1:58 PM
T RO Y T O DAY
ACADEMICS
15
BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS NEW APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM PROVIDES FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR NURSING STUDENTS
The newly minted nurse apprentices are second-semester students.
A new State of Alabama program is opening doors for select
“We chose to do this event because these students went
Troy University School of Nursing students to earn money
through a grueling day of interviews to be selected as
while in school.
student nurse apprentices,” Law said. “We hope it makes our
The inaugural Nursing Student Apprenticeship Program, a
students feel very honored ... and it sets a high bar for them
collaboration between the School of Nursing, the Alabama
to achieve great things during their apprenticeship time.”
Office of Apprenticeship and the Alabama Board of Nursing,
Law said the state recognized the need to help address
placed 28 Bachelor of Science in Nursing students on a two-
nursing workforce barriers to nursing students, including
year apprenticeship program at Flowers Hospital in Dothan
the financial barrier created through the traditional practice
and the Baptist Health system earlier this year.
of clinical rotations that are at the student’s expense. On
“This was a very select group of students that was evaluated
the employer side, the program addresses a critical need for
by the clinical agencies that applied through our program,”
recruiting more nurses to work in Alabama hospitals. For
said Teresa Law, an Assistant Professor and the BSN Program
the University, the creation of new clinical partnerships will
Coordinator for the School of Nursing.
further enhance student learning.
The School of Nursing welcomed the student nurses, hospitals, families and representatives from the state agencies at a signing event in January on the Troy Campus.
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 15
3/19/24 1:58 PM
16
TROY TOD AY
ACADEMICS
MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVE $1.13 MILLION GRANT ADDRESSES COUNSELING SHORTAGE IN AREA SCHOOLS
A $1.132-million grant from the U.S. Department of
three years of employment to that specific LEA, so not only
Education will help TROY’s Department of Counseling,
do they earn a master’s degree in school counseling, become
Rehabilitation and Interpreter Training address the critical
a certified school counselor and apply for licensure as a
shortage of mental health counseling services in area school
professional counselor, they will also have employment for
systems. The five-year award from the U.S. Department
the next three years.”
of Education’s Office of Safe and Supportive Schools will
Dr. Samantha Booker, Assistant Chair of the Counseling
provide scholarship funds for graduate students from
Department and Coordinator for both the School Counseling
five partner local education agencies (LEAs) interested
and Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Certificate
in pursuing careers in school counseling. Those partners
programs at TROY, stated. “We wanted to be very particular
include school systems in Montgomery, Crenshaw, Coffee,
to partner with systems that identified as Title I schools,
Geneva and Macon counties in Alabama.
had larger numbers of minority students, had large numbers
“The Trojan School-Based Mental Health Counselors
of students with identified disabilities, students with
Initiative will allow graduate students to earn master’s
limited English proficiency, homelessness and a current
degrees in school counseling at no cost,” said Dr. Kerry
school-counselor-to-student ratio that did not meet the
Palmer, then-Dean of TROY’s College of Education. “Access
recommended criteria,”
and costs are two of the primary barriers to advanced
Dr. Booker said. “The American School Counselor
degree obtainment.”
Association believes that we should have a 1-to-250
Dr. Sherrionda Crawford, Chair of TROY’s Counseling
ratio of school counselors to students. In the LEAs that
Department, said the grant team will work collaboratively
were selected, the lowest ratio was 1-to-365, with the
with the school systems to identify scholarship recipients,
highest system having a ratio of one counselor to more
who will commit to working within the system for three
than 670 students.”
years. “We are thrilled to be able to offer this scholarship
Scholarship recipients will be enrolled in TROY’s master’s
opportunity to at least 30 school counseling students,” Dr.
degree program in school counseling while also receiving
Crawford said. “These students will come from the five local
additional training with regard to mental health counseling.
education agencies. Those individuals will, in turn, provide
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 16
3/19/24 1:58 PM
T RO Y T O DAY
A CA D EM ICS
17
RISING WATERS
TROY PROFESSOR CREATES BOARD GAME TO PROMOTE UNDERSTANDING OF HISTORY
Troy University History Professor Dr. Scout Blum has
“As I started studying, I thought it would make an interesting
merged game playing and academics with her newest
board game since I had just started using those in the
creation, a board game called Rising Waters, which aims to
classroom, and there really were very few board games that
give students a better understanding of one of the most
dealt with these issues,” she said.
destructive disasters in U.S. history amid the themes of
The board of Rising Waters is a map of the area around
racism and perseverance.
Vicksburg, Mississippi, with the river splitting the board in half. Players also set up towns and characters around the map with the goal of avoiding the rising waters. The game has a vast card system with cards representing more flooding and the ability to build levees to protect their towns, along with level-up cards that allow players to move around the board
Rising Waters is
faster and become
centered around the
more skilled.
Great Mississippi Flood of 1927, which killed hundreds and displaced around 700,000 people. The disaster disproportionately affected African Americans who lived in communities among the Delta lowlands, who were mostly excluded from government relief programs and who continued to experience vigilante violence from white landowners who also lived in the area.
Players are also playing from the
Dr. Blum first began using gameplay in the classroom after
perspective of an African American.
connecting with Reacting to the Past, a group of professors
“Through these cards, the players have power and
who produce historical roleplaying games for classrooms.
control and agency in what’s happening to them because
“The games worked really well with the students by
there’s also a very bad side,” she said. “What we also have
engaging them and getting them to think in different ways
happening, which is realistic to the historical side, is a
rather than just me lecturing them,” she said. “It’s a very
tremendous amount of racism. So, we have cards that
engaging way to get people into history. Playing games gets
come up like ‘threats,’ ‘force’ and ‘race hatred’ that basically
you to think about things very, very differently.”
indicate racist actions have happened.”
An environmental historian, Dr. Blum said she wanted to
The game was published by Central Michigan University
create a game that dealt more with her field of expertise but
Press, and Dr. Blum credits much of her success to their
still covered the historical aspects of racism, justice and how
guidance and assistance.
people dealt with environmental disasters.
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 17
3/19/24 1:58 PM
18
TROY TOD AY
A CADEM ICS
TROY UNIVERSITY RECOGNITIONS & AWARDS
(from left) Dr. Lance Tatum, James L. Boyd, III and Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr.
INGALLS AWARD - JAMES L. BOYD, III
James L. Boyd, III, Lecturer in the Department of Theatre and Dance, received TROY’s 2023 Ingalls Award for Excellence in Classroom Teaching during the annual Honors Convocation in April. The Ingalls Award, which consists of a statue of Socrates, a plaque and a check for $1,000, is given annually to the teacher on the Troy Campus who has “most diligently, effectively and cheerfully conducted his or her classes during the current academic year.” Boyd has toured and entertained the world with the knowledge of 10 professional styles of dance under his belt and has performed with artists such as Elton John, Lady Gaga, Mary J. Blige and Bruce Springsteen. A graduate of the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, Boyd received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from SUNY Purchase College in 2010 in Dance and Choreography.
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 18
(from left) Dr. Robert Gibson and Dr. Scott Nokes
KRUCKEBERG FACULTY EXCELLENCE AWARD - DR. ROBERT GIBSON Dr. Robert Gibson, Lecturer in the John M. Long School of Music, was awarded the Dr. Robert Kruckeberg Faculty Excellence Award, presented by the University’s Faculty Senate during the annual Honors Convocation in April. The award honors the memory of Dr. Robert Kruckeberg, an Associate Professor of History who passed away in December 2020 at the age of 43 after a courageous battle with cancer and recognizes an outstanding lecturer or adjunct faculty member who demonstrates excellence in the areas of teaching, research and service. Dr. Gibson, who has been a faculty member of the John M. Long School of Music since 2008, has been a featured artist with several orchestras and has toured as both a soloist and chamber musician around the United States, Mexico, Spain and Italy.
3/19/24 1:59 PM
T RO Y T O DAY
19
(from left) TROY First Lady Mrs. Janice Hawkins, Cathy Lott, Alexandra Scarber, Josh Dawsey and Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr.
(from left) Vice Chancellor of the TROY Montgomery Campus Ray White and Dr. Amanda Dunagan
(from left) Cathy Lott and Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr.
TEACHER OF THE YEAR, MONTGOMERY CAMPUS - DR. AMANDA DUNAGAN
Dr. Amanda Dunagan (’97), Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the Associate Degree Program SULLIVAN AWARD - CATHY LOTT
in Nursing, was awarded the Troy University
Cathy Lott (’96, ’99), Lecturer and Assistant Chair in
Montgomery Gamma Beta Phi’s 2023 Teacher
the Department of Teacher Education, was honored
of the Year Award during the campus’ spring
with the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award.
commencement ceremony.
The award recognizes recipients for their excellence
The annual award is presented to an outstanding
of character, humanitarian service and spiritual
faculty member on the University’s Montgomery
qualities. Along with Lott, Alexandra Scarber and
Campus by the chapter of the National Honors and
Josh Dawsey were the student recipients.
Service Society.
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 19
3/19/24 1:59 PM
20
TRO Y TOD AY
A CA DE M ICS
STORIED CAREER AT TROY DR. LANCE TATUM RETIRES AFTER 25 YEARS, STARTS DREAM JOB AS A UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT
After serving his alma mater for 25 years, Dr. Lance Tatum,
said. “He has done some remarkable things over time, and
a two-time TROY graduate, is realizing another dream in his
we are extremely grateful for him and all that he has done
professional life. On June 1, Dr. Tatum took over the position
for Troy University.”
of President of Northwest Missouri State University.
As a student, Dr. Tatum came to TROY following two years
“It’s been a career goal of mine for the past 15 years to
attending Wallace Community College, where he played
reach a university president’s position,” said Dr. Tatum (’88,
baseball. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in
’89). “I am excited about this new role. Northwest Missouri
physical education/recreation and then a master’s degree in
is an incredible university, and serving as its President is an
foundations of education from TROY.
opportunity to continue my growth professionally.”
While completing his master’s degree, Dr. Tatum was
Troy University Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. said
encouraged to pursue a Ph.D. Because of the strong
Dr. Tatum has played key roles in many remarkable
connection Dr. Don Jeffrey had with the sport management
achievements in the life of the University, including the
faculty at Florida State, Dr. Tatum was directed to
establishment of the Ph.D. in Global Leadership, leading
Tallahassee, Florida.
TROY to become the first university in the state to focus
During his time at FSU, Dr. Tatum received a Graduate
on the Alabama Reading Initiative and the forging of
Teaching position and found a love for teaching that drew
partnerships such as the one the University enjoys with
him away from a career in athletics and into the classroom.
Montgomery’s Valiant Cross Academy.
“I ended up really enjoying the idea of teaching,” he said. “I
“Dr. Tatum has done so well in everything we’ve asked him
just felt comfortable in front of a classroom. Somewhere
to do since he came home to TROY in 1998,” Dr. Hawkins
along the way, God decided that maybe athletics wasn’t
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 20
3/19/24 1:59 PM
T R O Y T O DAY
21
(from left) Dr. Judson Edwards, Dr. Lance Tatum and Sohail Agboatwala
Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. and Dr. Lance Tatum at the reception in honor of his retirement
Dr. Lance Tatum with his wife, Jill (’90, ’94) (center), and daughter, Zoe (left)
going to be my destination, but that education was where I
Cathy Flynn (’75), Tony Adcock — these were all people I had
would have my greatest opportunity to impact others.”
taken classes with as an undergraduate student. They were
It was a message on an answering machine from Dr. Jeffrey
very encouraging and supportive.”
that would lead Dr. Tatum back to his alma mater, where he
Dr. Tatum would go on to serve the University as Dean of
would enjoy a 25-year career both in the classroom and in
the College of Education, Vice Chancellor of Global Campus
administration. At the time, Dr. Tatum was working at a small
and Vice Chancellor of the Montgomery Campus before
two-year school in Georgia.
becoming Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the
“I hit the button to listen to the message and it was Don
position he held upon his retirement from TROY.
Jeffrey,” Dr. Tatum recalled. “TROY had started a sport
And while he said he feels blessed to have served his alma
management program, and he wanted me to come talk to
mater in so many different roles, it is the University’s people
him about a job. That was on a Sunday. I was on campus
he will miss the most. “My success has come because of
Wednesday, interviewed and was lucky enough to get a call
relationships that I have built at TROY. Jill and I will miss the
back telling me I was hired and needed to be in Troy Sept. 1.”
people. We will miss the deep friendships,” he said. “There
In his first role at TROY, Dr. Tatum got the opportunity to
have been so many colleagues who have poured into me
embrace his love of teaching. Later, when Dr. Jeffrey became
over the years. They helped me to grow professionally and
Dean of the College of Health and Human Services,
personally. I leave here full. I’m happy about the work I’ve
Dr. Tatum saw the next door in his TROY career swing open
done, I’m pleased with the people I have worked with, and I
— the role of department chair.
know there is a great future ahead for Troy University.”
“I worked in a department where most of the faculty were the faculty I had for classes as a student,” he said. “So, it was easy in one respect and terrifying in another. Joyce Sorrell,
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 21
3/19/24 1:59 PM
22
TRO Y TOD AY
A CA DE M ICS
COMMITTED TO TROY’S SUCCESS DR. KERRY PALMER NAMED SVC FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
Dr. Kerry Palmer (’95) was named as Troy University’s Senior
alongside such outstanding professionals. I am thankful
Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs in May. He fills the
to Chancellor Hawkins and the search committee for this
position left vacant by the retirement of Dr. Lance Tatum.
opportunity, and I look forward to getting to work.”
Dr. Palmer has served as Dean of the University’s College of
Prior to joining the TROY faculty, Dr. Palmer served in
Education since 2020 and previously served as the college’s
administrative leadership roles at Montgomery’s Trinity
Associate Dean since January 2019.
Presbyterian School for more than 10 years, including nearly
“As a TROY alumnus and a TROY parent, Dr. Palmer brings
six years as Head of School. He also previously taught band
a tremendous sense of passion and dedication to his new
and served as a K-12 school administrator for 13 years.
role,” Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. said. “Dr. Palmer’s
Dr. Palmer earned his bachelor’s degree in music education
proven track record of leadership and vision will serve Troy
from TROY in 1995. As a student at TROY, he was active
University well now and into the future.”
in the University’s band program, serving four years as a
Dr. Palmer said he is grateful for the opportunity and
section leader in the Symphony Band and three years as
considers it an honor to work with such a dedicated faculty.
drum major in the Sound of the South Marching Band. He
“Troy University holds a special place in my heart. As an
earned his master’s degree in educational leadership from
alumnus, I am deeply committed to the success of this great
Auburn University at Montgomery and a Ph.D. in Education
institution,” Dr. Palmer said. “A large part of that success is
from Auburn University.
due to the professionalism and commitment of our faculty,
Dr. Palmer and his wife, Robyn, have two children, LeeAnn
who are second to none. They understand our students,
and Benton.
and they work hard each day to provide them with the best educational experience possible. It is an honor to work
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 22
3/19/24 1:59 PM
Learn about the woman who led a movement.
On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks’ simple act of bravery helped inspire and lead the Civil Rights Movement. Today, visitors can step back in time and experience the sights and sounds that forever changed our country. Troy University’s Rosa Parks Museum honors one of America’s most beloved women who helped lead by her actions. Plan your visit and learn all about the life and legacy of Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
For ticket information and hours, visit troy.edu/rosaparks or call 334-241-8615.
© 2023 Troy University
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 23
3/19/24 1:59 PM
24
TRO Y TOD AY
TROY RESEARCHERS ARE
OONNTHE THE CO VER CO VE R
MAKING WAVES Research grants awarded have more than doubled in the last two years, and submissions have more than QUadrupled
Could some forms of cancer be cured by nanotechnology and advanced genetic engineering? Can music therapy help patients undergoing cancer treatment manage pain? How is gambling affecting high school athletics? Can a kid-friendly mascot improve literacy levels in Alabama school children? How can we reduce global plastic waste? These are just some of the many tough questions Troy University faculty are trying to answer in research projects underway now in fields as diverse as economics, world affairs, material science and medicine. It’s part of an explosion in research projects over the last two years, as Troy University emerges as an institution well known not only for its outstanding learning opportunities for students but also for world-class research. According to the Office of Sponsored Programs, TROY faculty submitted 30 research grants as of May this year. That’s up from a total of 24 for all of 2022 and more than quadrupled the total submissions from 2021. Of grants submitted, 11 were awarded as of May, more than double the awards from 2021. The upward trend in research grant submissions and awards
“Troy University has served the Wiregrass and the world with quality teaching and public service since our doors opened in 1887,” Dr. Palmer said. “The logical next step in our evolution is expanded research activity. Our state-of-the-art facilities, coupled with the vision of our Chancellor, will pave the way for our faculty to break new ground in a variety of disciplines. Great days are ahead for TROY!” Leigh Ann Paramore (’95), Director of Sponsored Programs, describes research as a spark that inspires the entire University community. “I have been fortunate enough to be able to talk with a lot of our faculty and learn what drives them,” Paramore said. “The spark they have when they talk about their research is contagious. It has been fun to help them search for grant opportunities to help grow their spark. Each and every time I speak with faculty, they relay how they would like to be able to expand the research services they are providing to our students. They want to make sure their spark stays lit for the next generation, and that’s incredible.” Here is a look at just some of the research underway in each academic college.
shows that research is becoming an even more vital part of the faculty experience at TROY, said Dr. Kerry Palmer (’95), TROY’s Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 24
3/19/24 1:59 PM
T R O Y T O DAY
College of Arts and Sciences At the Troy Campus, work continues on the new building to house the Center for Materials and Manufacturing Science (CMMS), the first building in TROY’s history dedicated to research. “This is the first time we’ll be dedicating a building at Troy University exclusively for research,” said Dr. Steven Taylor, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “This is a huge opportunity to have a state-of-the-art facility and faculty who are focused specifically on scientific discovery, to pursue funding from outside sources to help achieve these goals and to work with industry partners to help solve serious problems we have around the world, as it pertains to plastic in particular.” The CMMS was established in 2018 with help from a $3.2 million grant from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and has since received two additional grants from NIST, totaling more than $5 million. Dr. Alexander Kofman, Assistant Professor of Biology, is researching computational genomics of microRNA molecules with the assistance of faculty from the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, the Department of Computer Sciences and the Department of Mathematics, as well as the RNA Biology Laboratory, the U.S. National Cancer Institute and the U.S. National Institute of Diabetes. The project is a key component of a broader research program focused on human variation biology, initiated by Dr. Sig Harden, Chair of the Biology Department. To explore the potential effects of genetic polymorphisms on microRNAs, the TROY scientists, including a group of both graduate and undergraduate students, are working on the design of unique software tools. Graduate students Miruna
25
Dr. Jones is also in the beginning stages of working on a collaboration with Dr. Baher Daihom, a Fulbright Scholar from Cairo, Egypt, who studies pharmaceutics, drug delivery and nanotechnology, to study the effects of the gene knockout technique on cancer cells. She was also recently awarded an Elsa Pardee Grant for her project, “Foxi3 Regulation of Prostate Cancer Metastasis within the Tumor Microenvironment.” A longitudinal study on incarcerated women and food security, the TROY-Tutwiler Garden Program aims to bring better fresh-food access and educational opportunities to incarcerated women to improve their overall well-being. Dr. Sharon Everhardt, Associate Professor of Sociology, said the program provides a supportive structure for these women to nurture their interests and passions while teaching them how to grow food, work in a group and express themselves through art. “The initial signs are trending in a positive direction,” she said. “We’ve had eight women released out of the 68 women who’ve graduated from the program in the last four years, and not one has gone back. Our hope is we see our programming not only impact food insecurity in our partner institution but that we also see a reduction in women who return to prison after they have graduated from our program. From a research standpoint, once we get past the five-year mark, we’ll really have a sense of what the program can do regarding recidivism.” In addition to the gardening component, Dr. Kelly Berwager, a Lecturer in the Art and Design Department in the College of Communication and Fine Arts, teaches a semesterlong art course that has become a form of therapy for the women. “It’s become an incredibly important part of what we do,” Dr. Everhardt said, “It’s an outlet for them.”
Giurgiu (’00) and Franziska Ahrend continued their research at the National Research Center for Energy, Environment and Technology in Madrid, Spain, and the U.S. National Institute of Health, respectively. Dr. Jacqueline Jones (’13, ’17), Associate Professor of
iL C MM S BU
D I N G C ONS
T R U CT I O N P R
O GRES S
Biology, is working to help find a cure for prostate and breast cancer. Using cloning and gene knockouts, which is a widely used genetic engineering technique that involves the targeted removal or inactivation of a specific gene within an organism’s genome, Dr. Jones uses human cells to identify ways researchers can understand the molecular cues that help drive cancer. “TROY is participating in groundbreaking, worldwide research,” Dr Jones said.
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 25
3/19/24 1:59 PM
26
TRO Y TOD AY
College of Education Improving online teaching using a behavioral teaching method, interteaching, and measuring the impacts of different methods for improving literacy among Alabama elementary students are among the research projects currently being undertaken by faculty
C Dr.
at h eri n e g
within the University’s College of Education.
ay m an
Dr. Catherine Gayman, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology,
is seeking to evaluate the impact of interteaching on students’ long-term retention of knowledge. Interteaching is a method of instruction derived from the empirical history of behavioral sciences. It creates a learning environment that includes guided instruction, study guides, peer-topeer interactions and instructor feedback. “My general research area is on methods to improve online education,” Dr. Gayman said. “The grant I submitted this year aims to expand the knowledge we have about a behavioral teaching method called interteaching that has been shown to be effective in online asynchronous teaching formats, like what we have at TROY. I’m going to replicate a study I published on the topic in 2018, which found that interteaching increased student exam scores on weekly and cumulative final exams. I’d like to follow up with students and have them take the final exam again 6 and 12 months later to evaluate whether the method also increases long-term retention of the knowledge they learned in the class.” Dr. Gayman also has two papers on the topic currently
Rachael Davis (’21), the first thesis-track student in the Master of Science program in Applied Behavior Analysis, is also examining interteaching, a project that has netted her Troy University’s Best Graduate Research Award in February and the College of Education’s Graduate Student Research Award in April. Davis’ study evaluates the discussion component of interteaching synchronous format using video conferencing versus the asynchronous format of written discussion boards. While several studies have shown that interteaching can be effective in both synchronous and asynchronous online formats, no study has been published comparing the effectiveness of each format. Davis’ study will compare the impact each has on student learning outcomes. Other faculty within the College of Education are conducting research aimed at improving literacy levels of Alabama students with the help of Alabama’s reading mascot SHORT the Squirrel. The mascot was developed in 2020 by Dr. Dee Bennett (’93, ’97), an Assistant Professor of Instructional Leadership and Administration, and her fellow TROY alumna Monica Anderson Young (’88). Dr. Bennett, Dr. Paige Paquette, Associate Professor in the Department of Teacher Education, and TROY alumnus Dr. Jason C. Bryant (’97, ’99 and ’09), an Auburn University professor, conducted a study to see if using a mascot has an impact on second graders’ motivation and excitement to read. The duo partnered with two elementary schools in east Alabama for the study, which included surveys and comparing the impacts on students who didn’t have access to the mascot versus those who did. “Post-pandemic, over half of Alabama’s students are not hitting their grade level in terms of reading,” Dr. Bennett said. “Literacy is the foundation for success. Focusing on how best to motivate, encourage and build excitement about reading is vitally important.”
under review — one on a study conducted at TROY and the other a technical tutorial that she co-authored explaining how instructors can implement the method of interteaching in their own classrooms. In addition, she is in the process of running or writing up three other studies on the topic.
Mon ic a
e an d
rs o n y oun
g&
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 26
dr. de
en eb
n et t
3/19/24 1:59 PM
T R O Y T O DAY
27
at tm
h n er
D r . R o b er
Sorrell College of Business Curbing high school athletics gambling, editorship of a new academic journal and high-quality faculty publishing are among the research initiatives in the Sorrell College of Business. Dr. Robert Mathner and Dr. Christina Martin, Professors of Hospitality, Sport and Tourism Management, expanded
largest and most
their regional research nationwide with a grant from the
respected academic
International Center for Gaming Regulation to go beyond
publishers in the
NCAA student-athlete gambling habits into sports wagering
world, it will be
and point shaving among high school athletes.
available to a vast
“It raises awareness that high school athletes are
network of virtual
participating in sports wagering, how that involvement
databases, maximizing its
potentially threatens the integrity of high school athletic
reach and impact.”
contests, and what the long-term repercussions of the
Other Sorrell College
behavior and its potential impact is on the mental health of
faculty members have
high school athletes,” Dr. Mathner said.
continued to have their
The School of Hospitality, Sport and Tourism Management
research published in national and
is also awaiting a funding decision from the NCAA on
international academic journals. Over the past five years,
a student-led research project by Karina Jolly entitled
more than 200 articles by Sorrell faculty have appeared
“Cultivating Leaders Beyond Sport: Athletes’ Perceptions of
in A- or B-level journals. In the past academic year, eight
Student-Athlete Advisory Committees.”
members of the faculty have had their work accepted in the
The college’s research endeavors have extended into
top academic journals (A-level) in the world.
the housing of a new academic journal. Sorrell Dean and
Dr. Joohan Lee: “Turnover intentions: the roles of job
Economics Professor, Dr. Judson Edwards, is the Editor-
satisfaction and family support” — Personnel Review
in-Chief of the Journal of Blood Service Economics (JBSE),
Dr. Ying Schwarte: “Passion as process: Three perspectives
published by the Emerald Group, UK. The JBSE is an open-
on entrepreneurial passion and an integrated path forward”
source journal and publishes double-blind, peer-reviewed
— Journal of Business Research
research in blood system-relevant business disciplines
Dr. John Dove: “One Size Fits All? The Differential Impact
such as economics, finance, management, marketing,
of Federal Regulation on Entrepreneurial Activity Across US
Dr
. C h r i st
m i na
a rt i n
entrepreneurship, logistics and supply chain, and data
States” — Journal of Regulatory Economics
analytics. JBSE also accepts health and public policy-related
Dr. Shen Zhang: “TAXI! Do Mutual Funds Pursue and Exploit
research relevant to the blood and biotherapy industry.
Information on Local Companies?” — Journal of Financial
“It is my hope that the JBSE will become an important
and Quantitative Analysis
conduit between blood industry professionals and academic
Dr. Courtney Baggett (’12): “Insurance Groups, Product
research from across the globe,” Dr. Edwards said. “My
Diversification, and the Role of Surplus Lines” — Risk
research and consultancy within this industry is a passion for
Management and Insurance Review
me, and being trusted with JBSE is an honor. None of this
Dr. Can Trinh: “More Than Shapes: The Silhouette Effect in
would be possible without the generous financial support
Advertising” — Journal of Advertising
of the Commonwealth Transfusion Foundation, which
Dr. Ayesha Tariq and Dr. Frank Thompson: “Too real?
supports the advancement of research and education in the blood industry. Also, with the JBSE being housed with the Emerald Group, one of the
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 27
The conflicting roles of adaptation and authenticity in intercultural service encounters” — Journal of Services Marketing
3/19/24 1:59 PM
28
TROY TOD AY
College of Communication and Fine Arts This year, the College of Communication and Fine Arts secured a Fulbright Outreach Lecturing Fund (OLF) grant courtesy of Dr. Priya Menon (’05), a TROY English Professor, a 2018 Fulbright Fellow and a current Fulbright Scholar Alumni Ambassador. OLF grants are designed to advance knowledge, enhance teaching and bring international perspectives to the selected university and its surrounding community. As part of receiving the OLF grant, the University hosted Dr. Baher A. Daihom from May 1-4. Originally from Cairo, Egypt, Dr. Daihom is currently a Fulbright Postdoctoral Scholar at the University of Texas at Austin and an Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy in the faculty of pharmacy at Cairo University. He is a scholar with demonstrated skills in pharmaceutics, drug delivery and nanotechnology. During his time at TROY, Dr. Daihom gave several lectures detailing his research, his life in Cairo and his experiences in the United States.
He also visited TROY classrooms as well as the Charles Henderson Child Health Center to engage with the wider Troy community. “The Fulbright award is one of the most prestigious merit scholarships in the world,” Dr. Menon said. “Troy University is a Fulbright-priority institution. Besides the discipline-based engagements that Dr. Daihom offered us, participating in Fulbright OLF enhances our University’s commitment to international education and cultural exchange through its inclusive, impactful and innovative global engagements. As a cultural ambassador, Dr. Daihom gave our Troy community an opportunity to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and his country of origin, Egypt, through dialogue and discussions.” Established by Congress in 1946, the Fulbright Program is the United States’ flagship international educational and cultural exchange program, fostering a relationship between more than 160 partner countries.
DR.
BA
H ER
A. DA
I HOM
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 28
&
D R . P RIY A
ME
NON
3/19/24 1:59 PM
TR RO O Y T O DAY
29
College of Health and Human Services A proposed collaborative research project to study the impact of music intervention on adult cancer patients is in the works in the College of Health and Human Services. Dr. Shellye Vardaman (’03), Professor in TROY’s Master of Science in Nursing program, is seeking grant opportunities for a project called “Exploring the Use of Nurse-led Music Modalities to Improve Coping and Pain Control Strategies among Cancer Patients in the Rural South.” Dr. Vardaman said that while music interventions have been studied in the past, the impact on rural patients with varying types of cancer diagnoses and length of infusion therapy has not been widely addressed. The lack of data on rural patients, coupled with other challenges dealt with by rural residents, adds to the importance of such research. According to Dr. Vardaman, rural residents diagnosed with cancer are more likely to be diagnosed at later stages, receive inappropriate or underused treatment and, as a result, have poorer survival rates than their urban counterparts. The goals of the research are to identify music modalities that demonstrate an improvement in patients’ coping strategies, as well as to identify if music assists with pain control, physical comfort and relaxation. The study will also examine the impacts of patient demographics in those areas. The treatment center at Troy Regional Medical Center will
The proposed study would also involve student participation, first by undergraduate and graduate students from TROY’s School of Nursing and later by students from TROY’s John M. Long School of Music. “A second phase of this research will involve our music students who will perform live music for patients to determine impacts,” Dr. Vardaman said. For Dr. Vardaman, the research also takes on a personal tone. “I began my career as an oncology nurse, so this research brings it full circle for me,” she said. Collaborating with Dr. Vardaman on the research are Felicia Renales (’14, ’18), Jennifer Wilson (’12), Gypsy Glover and Latonda Paymon (’92, ’00, ’03, ’17), all members of TROY’s MSN faculty.
be utilized for the study, which will examine the impacts on 129 racially diverse cancer patients over the age of 18 who receive cancer infusion treatments at the center. The proposal calls for the first group of patients to be given EarPods, enabling them to listen to streamed music, to examine if the music helps to decrease stress and anxiety of those receiving chemotherapy.
D r . S h e ll ye
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 29
v ar
d am an
3/19/24 1:59 PM
30
TRO Y TOD AY
S TU DENTS
Madison Kennedy holding a photo of the species of mud dragon, Echinoderes zacharyi
A BROTHER’S LEGACY GRAD STUDENT NAMES NEW SPECIES IN MEMORY OF HER BROTHER
While conducting research for her master’s thesis, TROY
Zachary passed away from Ewing sarcoma, a rare form
graduate student Madison Kennedy (’21) found a new kind
of bone cancer, when Kennedy started her first semester
of mud dragon and named it in memory of her late brother.
of graduate school. “He had the most infectious and
A mud dragon is a microscopic creature in the phylum
charismatic personality. He was basically my twin even
Kinorhyncha that lives on the bottom of the ocean. She saw
though he was two years younger than me,” Kennedy said. “I
that a few of the mud dragons she studied looked different
want to carry on his legacy. I want to continue talking about
from others she had observed.
him, so what better way to keep his memory alive than
They resembled a photo that her Marine Biology Professor,
naming something that will go far beyond our lives,” she said.
Dr. Stephen Landers, had on the lab wall. It was a new
Dr. Landers, the third author of Kennedy’s taxonomy paper
species that had been spotted earlier, but there were not
explained that he found four of these creatures before
enough animals collected to formally describe it. Her new
Kennedy began her thesis. However, he lacked the evidence
specimens made that description and publication possible.
to prove that it was a new species.
Mud dragons move by extending and retracting the
“You have to have good specimens,” Dr. Landers said. “This
segments that make up their bodies. These animals are
one is so unique in its anatomy that we only needed eight to
recognizable due to the spines that cover their bodies.
get this published.”
Echinoderes zacharyi, Kennedy’s new species, is different
The study of mud dragons is relatively new. “Because of the
from other mud dragons because its body has a smooth
studies out of this lab since 2013, we are getting a better
appearance. The word Echinoderes is the genus that
understanding of their role in the ocean,” Kennedy said.
this mud dragon belongs to and zacharyi is derived from Kennedy’s late brother, Zachary.
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 30
3/19/24 1:59 PM
T R O Y T O DAY
31
S TU DENTS
Sarah Snyder, owner of Countryside Kennels in Roeton
IT’S A DOGGONE GOOD LIFE AT STUDENT-OWNED COUNTRYSIDE KENNELS
What started out for Sarah Snyder as part-time high school
presentation. Final scores were calculated by taking an
job has gone to the dogs, literally.
average of each judge’s score.
The sophomore business major from Roeton, Alabama, has
“I was excited to learn that I had won the competition.
created Countryside Kennels and was the winner of the
Winning makes an important impact on getting the word out
IDEA Bank’s Student Entrepreneur Marketing Competition.
about Countryside Kennels,” Snyder said.
Up for grabs was a marketing package worth $2,000.
Snyder developed a deep love of dogs early in life — largely
Students were required to set up a creative display to
thanks to her loved Jethro — and said it just seemed natural
promote the business and provide visitors with a call to
to get into dog care to earn extra money. “I started out dog-
action, provide a one-page information sheet that detailed
sitting, and the business just started growing to the point
the business’ mission statement, marketing strategy and
where we needed to think about kennel space,” she said.
target audience, and create an original business card and
Enlisting the aid of her father, Snyder constructed a 20-plus
promotional flier.
dog kennel and exercise yard on the family’s property on
“The student-owned businesses were incredible,” said IDEA
County Road 3327, south of Brundidge, Alabama.
Bank Director Lynne George. “We wanted to motivate
Each kennel consists of an indoor and outdoor portion that
students to work on their marketing strategies and give
opens into a fenced exercise and play yard. In addition to
them a chance to win extra advertising for their business.”
boarding, she also offers baths and nail clipping services.
Snyder’s Countryside Kennels was one of 14 student
And, new this year, Doggy Daycare.
businesses to enter the competition, which was judged
“Our mission is to provide a safe, convenient and loving
by 10 judges scoring each submission on communication,
environment for pups when they aren’t able to be with their
functionality, originality, emotional connectivity and
owners,” Snyder said.
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 31
3/19/24 1:59 PM
32
TROY TOD AY
S T U DENTS
SUMMER TRAVELS TROY STUDENTS STUDY ABROAD
The choral group performing in a Toronto church
More than 300 Troy University students seized one of
Pietrasanta and the Digging Vada Volaterrana archaeological
many opportunities to study abroad during the 2022-2023
site in Tuscany.
academic year, thanks in large part to the Chancellor’s
In June, Dr. Hui-Ting Yang, Interim Director and Professor
Award for Global Competitiveness.
for the School of Music, and Dr. Scott Sexton took 19
The Chancellor’s Award aims to foster international
choral students to Toronto, Canada, to participate in a
awareness and better assimilation of Troy University
choral festival.
students in the worldwide workplace while providing the
Over six days, the group worked directly with a guest
financial assistance to make that goal a reality. It is open to
composer and two high school choral programs from
all TROY students who meet the listed criteria.
Colorado. The TROY group also performed two solo
Over the 2022-2023 academic year, 301 students took
concerts, one at an outdoor festival in a Toronto suburb that
advantage of the 15 faculty-led trips to 16 different
attracted nearly 100,000 people and another in a church.
locations, with 15 students participating in an exchange
When not collaborating with other music-minded students,
program in six locations.
the group had the opportunity to visit the CN Tower and
Travel spots included Cuba, Costa Rica, Spain, South Africa,
Niagara Falls.
Benelux, London, Paris, the Dominican Republic, Italy,
Mia Sanchez, a junior music education major from
Greece, Canada, England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany,
Panama City, Florida, said “Performing in spaces that were
Belgium, South Korea, Austria, the United Kingdom,
completely different, performing with different people
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 32
3/19/24 1:59 PM
T RO Y T O DAY
33
Students were able to visit several hospitals and clinics in Ocoa.
Nursing students in San Jose de Ocoa
and getting to work with a composer was an incredible
The group was housed in the upper living quarters of a
experience.”
schoolhouse that was also home to an English immersion
Dr. Yang said she was proud of how the students conducted
program. Dr. Wilburn said this was an incredible exposure
themselves and that she hopes they’ll continue to have open
for her and her students, despite living without the
minds and pursue a deeper understanding of music from
amenities many Americans have become accustomed to like
other cultures.
air conditioning, hot water and stoves.
From May 22-29, Dr. Shunda Wilburn, Assistant Professor of
“Our resources are different from their resources, but
Nursing, led a group of seven students to San Jose de Ocoa,
they’re still able to maintain,” she said. “They still have
Dominican Republic.
healthy children, they’re able to get assistance and supplies.
The trip had a heavy focus on community-based health care
We saw a totally different way of living, and these people
and coincided with a course on nursing in the international
are content.”
community. The students visited a school for special needs
Kaylee Ludlum, a junior nursing major from Headland,
children, several local hospitals and community clinics.
Alabama, said she was grateful for the chance to bond with
Students were able to perform blood pressure checks, height
her classmates. “It’s made me more appreciative of what we
and weight checks and blood sugar checks, and they also
have here. I don’t think I really would have ever noticed that
assisted nurses at a nearby nursing home with mealtimes
if I didn’t get that experience,” she said.
and changing bed linens.
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 33
3/19/24 1:59 PM
TRO Y TOD AY
S TU D ENT S
34
TROY students (from left) Cailey Wright, Emmaleigh Clegg, Emma Ellis and Kris Harrell
REWARDING EXCELLENCE TROY STUDENTS RECOGNIZED AT JOURNALISM CONFERENCE Hall School of Journalism and Communication (HSJC) students earned more than a dozen awards at the 2023 Southeast Journalism Conference (SEJC), including four first-place honors. TROY students participated in two competitions, the “Best of the South” featuring submissions from work done for the Tropolitan, TrojanVision and TROY Public Radio, and an on-site competition where students compete live on deadline. More than 20 schools were represented at this year’s event, and TROY took home 13 awards with Talk of TROY winning second place for Best Audio News Program and TROY TrojanVision winning second place for Best Television Station and third place for Best Video Newscast. “Our J-School students continue to perform well year after year, and this validation through these awards shows that our students are part of one of the best journalism programs
BEST OF THE SOUTH Kris Harrell | 1st Place
TROY TrojanVision | 2nd Place
Best Arts & Entertainment Writer
Best Television Station
Caleb Thomas | 3rd Place
Kameron Banks | 2nd Place
Best Sports Writer
Best Radio News Reporter
Georgia Clark | 1 Place
Jaelanne Thomas | 2nd Place
Best Television Journalist
Best Radio Feature Reporter
Cailey Wright | 2 Place
Marissa Lacey | 1st Place
Best Feature Television Reporter
Best Radio Journalist
Claudia Peppenhorst | 3 Place
Talk of TROY | 2nd Place
Best News Reporter
Best Audio News Program
st
nd
rd
TROY TrojanVision | 3 Place rd
Best Video Newscast
ON-SITE COMPETITION Emma Ellis | 1st Place
Cailey Wright | 2nd Place
TV Anchoring
TV Reporting
in the country,” said Dr. Robbyn Taylor, Director of the HSJC. Dr. Taylor was elected to serve as the 2023-2024 SEJC President, meaning TROY will host the 2024 conference event. The conference will bring around 500 students, professors and journalists to the campus to see how TROY’s nationally ranked program operates. SEJC is an organization composed of more than 35 member colleges and universities created to encourage greater interest in student journalism and form closer ties among journalism schools in the Southeast.
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 34
3/19/24 1:59 PM
T RO Y T O DAY
35
S TU DENTS
Members of Alpha Tau Omega in Panama City Beach at the end of their Walk Hard journey
BROTHERHOOD & PHILANTHROPY ATO RAISES MORE THAN $125,000 TO SUPPORT WOUNDED VETERANS
Less-than-ideal hiking conditions were dished out to the
physical endurance, but even that is a very small price in
36 brothers of Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) as they began Walk
comparison to what our veterans have done for us. To be
Hard 2023 from the Quad on the Troy Campus in March.
able to help those who have sacrificed so much is truly an
They would not let cold, wet weather deter them on their
honor,” he said.
“march to the sea,” nor keep the brothers from raising
The Kappa Beta Chapter explains their motivation for Walk
$125,500 for an area Christian mission.
Hard on its website: “In the United States, statistics cite that
Walk Hard, begun by four ATO brothers in 2009, has
22 veterans die each day by suicide alone. Jeep Sullivan,
become the annual philanthropy fundraiser for TROY’s
our initiated brother, gives veterans an avenue of release
chapter and raises funds for wounded veterans through Jeep
and expression through hunting excursions, fishing trips
Sullivan’s Wounded Warrior Outdoor Adventures based in
and more. Many who Jeep has connected with are healed
Bonifay, Florida. The brothers hike 128.3 miles from the
exponentially through his love, friendship and his grace to
Quad to Panama City Beach’s Pier Park over six days of their
share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As a brotherhood based on
spring break. Along the way, they traverse the cities of Troy,
Christian teachings, we see the Gospel as healing that can
Enterprise and Hartford in Alabama, and Bonifay, Vernon,
happen in any soul — veteran, or not. We walk 128.3 miles
Ebro and Panama City Beach in Florida.
every spring break so that the Gospel can continue to live
“This is not ‘walk easy,’” said ATO alumnus Gus McKenzie
through Jeep’s ministry in order that our veterans may know
(’19), who himself served as Walk Hard Director in 2019.
and feel the love of Jesus Christ.”
Now an Admissions Counselor for TROY, McKenzie said the
Including the 2023 grand total, the fraternity has raised
fraternity members would endure a lot of pain and suffering
more than $650,000. In addition to individuals supporting
along the way, but that it was all worth it for a good cause.
the effort, several corporate sponsors have helped to bolster
“It’s called ‘Walk Hard’ for a reason. It is a real test of their
the gift to Jeep Sullivan.
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 35
3/19/24 1:59 PM
36
TROY TOD AY
GIVING
A ‘SPIRIT OF CHARITY’ SARAH BETTERTON HONORED WITH MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Sarah Betterton (’13) had a “big heart” and a “spirit of
Bookout recalled how Betterton would visit an arcade, win a
charity” — and could light up any room she walked into. Her
handful of tickets, and then just hand them to a child.
compassion for others was real; her life was centered on
“She just wanted to watch the joy that ensued,” he said. “She
helping others, a mission her family continues in her name.
was always doing little things for other people to make their
The Sarah Rebecca Betterton Memorial Scholarship will
day happier.”
assist students pursuing a hospitality, sport and tourism
To be able to help a student at TROY would have made
management degree on the Troy Campus.
her smile, as well. “This scholarship was created because
“Sarah was a hard worker, dependable, cheerful and
it is important to her family that she continues to make
encouraging to everyone she met — especially her
a positive impact at Troy University by helping deserving
co-workers,” said Ibrahim Yildirim, General Manager of
students achieve their goals,” Bookout said. “Helping a
Sodexo Dining Services at TROY. “I miss her so much.”
student at TROY is exactly what she would have wanted.
Sarah graduated in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in
Sarah deserves to have her name live on at Troy University,
hospitality and was employed by Sodexo in catering before
where she shared so much kindness and love for almost
moving to Florida to be closer to family and to take a
a decade.”
position with the Sheraton Panama City Beach Golf and Spa
For Sarah’s father, Steve Betterton, the establishment of the
Resort. She passed away July 20, 2021, from a brief illness.
endowed scholarship is about keeping Sarah’s memory alive
“Sarah was a kind, genuine person who made friends with
on the Troy Campus. “The way I feel about it is that you’re
everyone she met. With her role in the catering department
not really gone if you have something still calling your name
at TROY, she knew almost everyone on campus and built
out,” he said. “If they’re talking about you, you are pretty
many great working and personal relationships,” said Brent
much still there. She was a great girl.”
Bookout, Sarah’s boyfriend. “Sarah had a big heart and a spirit of charity. She was always talking about ways she could help others because she genuinely cared.”
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 36
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON WAYS TO GIVE CONTACT THE OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT AT ANNUALFUND@TROY.EDU OR 334-670-5924.
3/19/24 1:59 PM
T RO Y T O DAY
37
GIVING
BELOVED PIKE COUNTY NURSE BETTY VANCE HONORED WITH ENDOWED NURSING SCHOLARSHIP
A new endowed scholarship will provide opportunities for
Betty Floyd Vance pictured following her nursing pinning ceremony at TROY.
future Troy University students from Pike County who want to earn a nursing degree. The Betty Floyd Vance Endowed Nursing Scholarship was established by Stewart and Piper Vance in memory of Stewart’s mother, who passed away in October. After her husband’s death in 1974, Betty Vance, the mother of two sons, enrolled at then Troy State University, earned her nursing degree and launched a long, successful nursing career. It was that commitment to her family and her passion for nursing that led Stewart and Piper to continue her legacy through this scholarship.
Standards and Quality Assurance Committee, and the Alabama Organization of Nurse Executives, among others. “I grew up in Troy and my mom did as well,” Stewart said. “Troy is special to me and my family. My brother went to school here. My dad had been in education and taught at Pike County High School. We just have a strong lineage in Pike County and thought this scholarship was a great opportunity to remember my mom and help others in a place
“At my mom’s funeral, so many nurses that I didn’t even
that has always been so special to my family.”
know came up to me and said that my mom was such a
The scholarship will assist students majoring in nursing on
positive influence on their lives and careers,” Stewart said. “We found that nursing touched so many lives that maybe more people needed to have that opportunity.”
the Troy Campus. The recipients must be students from Pike County in need of financial assistance who will or are pursuing a nursing degree and have and maintain a minimum
After graduation, Betty worked as a surgical and emergency
grade-point average of 3.0.
room nurse for several years before being named the
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ESTABLISHING A SCHOLARSHIP AT TROY UNIVERSITY, PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT AT (334) 670-3297.
Director of Nursing for what was then Edge Regional Medical Center in Troy. She completed her career as a school nurse in the Pike County School System. Her passion for the field was evident throughout her career, as she served as a member of Southeast Alabama Council of Nurses, the Pike County Nurses Association, the Alabama State Nurses Association, the Alabama Hospital Association’s Professional
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 37
3/19/24 1:59 PM
TROY TOD AY
GIV ING
38
(from left) Tom Smiley, Doc Kirby and Dr. Phil Kelley continuing their tradition of lunch at Half Shell in Troy every Tuesday.
SCHOLARSHIP IN HONOR OF JEFF TAYLOR SUPPORTS TECHNICAL THEATRE STUDENTS Friends for nearly 50 years, a group of former and current
Over his 27 years at TROY, Taylor was Dr. Kelley’s lighting
Troy University faculty members have created the Jeff
and sound guy on every production. He also completely
Taylor Endowed Scholarship for students interested in the
rewired the sound and lighting booth at the Smith Hall
technical side of theater in memory of the longtime lighting
Auditorium.
and sound technician.
Taylor retired from TROY in 1998 and immediately started
Since the summer of 2021, Taylor; Doc Kirby (’75, ’81),
his next venture — opening the Continental Cinema 5 movie
a Lecturer in the Hall School of Journalism and
theater with his son and business partner, Chase. He was
Communication and a familiar WTBF Radio personality;
also the mastermind behind the much-beloved Dollar Movie
retired faculty member Tom Smiley, Theatre Lecturer and
Night on Wednesdays for TROY students.
Scenic Designer; and Dr. Phil Kelley, Director of Musical
The idea for the scholarship was born last year when Smiley
Theatre and Opera Workshop, could be found at their usual
saw the newly named TrojanVision studio and had the
table at Half Shell at 11 a.m. every Tuesday.
thought to donate a scholarship in his own name. While at
After Taylor passed in June 2022, his usual order of Diet
dinner with Kirby and Dr. Kelley, he had the idea to make it
Coke remained in front of his seat at the table.
in memory of their friend instead.
Taylor was hired at then-named Troy State University in the
“Phil was talking about the Marge and Wright Kelley
early 1970s while he was still a student. His first job was
Scholarship and all of a sudden it came to me, what about
with the Physical Plant, setting every clock on campus each
the Jeff Taylor Scholarship?” he said. “It wasn’t about me
morning, but he soon worked his way into becoming the
anymore. It was about my friend.”
Technical Director of the auditorium at Smith Hall before it
The scholarship is available to students enrolled in theatre
became Claudia Crosby Theater.
who have a special interest in technical theatre, particularly
“With no formal training in electrical wiring, theater design
lighting and sound.
or sound design, Jeff patiently taught himself to become an expert in theatrical sound and lighting design,” Kirby said.
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 38
TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE JEFF TAYLOR ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FOR THEATRE LIGHTING & SOUND, PLEASE CALL 334-670-5924.
3/19/24 1:59 PM
T RO Y T O DAY
G I V I NG
39
IMPACTING STUDENTS DONORS RECOGNIZED DURING 2023 FRED B. DAVIS SCHOLARSHIP BRUNCH
The Fred B. Davis Scholarship Brunch is named in honor of Dr. Davis, who climbed the ranks from Assistant Professor of English to the Office of Provost during his 33-plus-year tenure at TROY, touching many lives along the way and inspiring all those who crossed his path.
TROY scholarship donors were recognized and thanked at
This year, the alumni chapters banded together and raised
the annual Fred B. Davis Scholarship Brunch April 1.
$50,000 in support of scholarships and academic initiatives.
There are currently more than 350 active named scholarship
“Witnessing countless alumni and friends coming together
funds for the TROY Foundation, with some scholarships
to strengthen the TROY legacy is truly inspiring,” said
being awarded to multiple students each year. In 2022,
Faith West Byrd, Director of Alumni Affairs. “Your gifts are
TROY was able to award more than $1 million in Foundation
enabling students to pursue their passions and to create
Scholarships for the first time annually, like the Lance Robert
opportunities they may not otherwise have. Thank you.”
McLendon Scholarship for students in the Sorrell College
Students who received specific Foundation Scholarships
of Business or the Judy and Robert Cary Nursing Endowed
through the University write thank-you cards to the donors
Scholarship for nursing and education majors. Nearly 1,200
when they receive the scholarship initially, but the brunch
individual scholarships were awarded in 2022.
allows donors to put a face with a name and see the impact
Dr. Judson Edwards (’96), Dean of the Sorrell College of
their scholarships make firsthand.
Business, expressed his thanks to the McLendon family and
Davis Humphrey, a senior sport management major from
to all the donors for what they do for TROY’s students.
Helena, Alabama, and two-time recipient of the Lance
“Everything that you’re doing here makes a difference in the
Robert McLendon Scholarship, said receiving this scholarship
lives of students,” he said. “Speaking for all the Deans and
has allowed him to be on track to graduate early.
Academic Divisions, we truly appreciate everything that
“Being a two-time recipient, I’m very blessed,” he said. “It’s
you do for us. Thirty-two years ago, I was fortunate enough
helped me and my family a great deal because college is
to get a George Wallace Leadership Scholarship. TROY has
expensive, so this scholarship and the generosity from the
made a difference in my life, so thank you all.”
McLendon family has helped us tremendously. It’s paved
Another large supporter of the TROY Foundation is the
the way for me to take more classes and to even graduate in
Alumni Association, made up of 65 chapters. Nine chapters
three and a half years.”
have established endowed scholarships, with six additional
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON WAYS TO ASSIST STUDENTS THROUGH SCHOLARSHIPS OR OTHER ACADEMIC SUPPORT, CONTACT THE OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT AT ANNUALFUND@TROY.EDU.
chapters in progress of establishing scholarships.
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 39
3/19/24 1:59 PM
40
TRO Y TOD AY
CREATE SCHOLARSHIPS WITH A TROY TAG TROY Trojans don’t just drive in style — they drive with purpose. For more than 20 years, TROY fans like you have supported students by purchasing TROY license plates at their local DMVs. By adding approximately $50 worth of cardinal and TROY spirit to the cost of your regular car or motorcycle tag, you’re giving $48.75 of that amount to fund scholarships to help students reach their educational dreams. Fans can also support their Trojans by showing team spirit on the water with a TROY distinctive vessel identification sticker for their boats! To learn more, visit troy.edu/tag or call the TROY Foundation at 334-670-3608.
GET YOUR TROY TAG! troy.edu/tag
© 2023 Troy University
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 40
3/19/24 1:59 PM
T RO Y T O DAY
41
AT HLE TICS
TROY ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME TROY Athletics welcomed the 11th class of the Troy University Hall of Fame in Trojan Arena in April. The seven-member class includes: Mike Amos (’70) (Supporter), Sherill Busby (’39) (Football), Rhodney Donaldson (Men’s Basketball), Chris Force (Women’s Golf), Carl Hollis (’77, ’83) (Men’s Basketball), Barbara Sherwood (’99, ’00) (Softball) and Mark Smartt (’88, ’89) (Baseball). Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr., Troy University Board of Trustees Member Gerald O. Dial and TROY Director of Athletics Brent Jones presented inductees with their rings, medals and Hall of Fame plaques. (above photo, from left) Trustee Gerald Dial, Mike Amos, Trustee Brig. Gen. Edward Crowell, Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Rhodney Donaldson, Carl Hollis, Barbara Sherwood, Mark Smartt and Brent Jones.
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 41
3/19/24 1:59 PM
42
TROY TOD AY
ATHLE TICS
SUCCESS IN THE SUN BELT Conference titles, postseason appearances, Sun Belt Players of the Year, record-breaking performances and national rankings. TROY Athletics has experienced unprecedented success over the past 18 months with a tremendous 202223 athletic year, followed by another strong start to the year with the Fall 2023 season. In 2022-23, 10 of the 11 TROY’s sports that compete in head-to-head competitions posted winning records over the course of the season, with both football (12) and men’s golf (110) establishing new program records for wins at the DI level. On the gridiron, TROY won 23 games during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, claimed a pair of Sun Belt Conference titles and played in the Cure Bowl and the Birmingham Bowl. It marked the first time in almost 30 years that TROY Football won 11 games in consecutive seasons and TROY became just the second program in league history to win consecutive Sun Belt Championship Games. In 2023, TROY set the Sun Belt record for sacks in a season with 45 total sacks. Javon Solomon was responsible for 16 of those individual sacks - the most in the country. Kimani Vidal broke almost every TROY rushing record on the books and finished the season ranked second nationally with 1,610 rushing yards. The Trojans made a historic trip to ArmyWest Point and handed the Black Knights their first shutout at home in 20 years. TROY also became the first Sun Belt Conference school to play a Power Five opponent in a bowl game with its matchup against Duke in Birmingham. The 2022 Trojans put together the best all-around season since then-Troy State hoisted the NCAA Division II National Championship Trophy following the 1987 season. The 2022
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 42
installment of TROY Football went 12-2, won the program’s seventh Sun Belt Conference title, defeated UTSA in the Cure Bowl — the only bowl matchup featuring conference champions — and finished the season ranked No. 19 in the Associated Press Top 25, TROY’s first-ever postseason ranking. After suffering heartbreak at App State on a Hail Mary, TROY won its final 11 games of the season, the secondlongest winning streak in the country behind only National Champion Georgia. Carlton Martial became the NCAA’s all-time leader in tackles and was named the Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year, while Sumrall took home SBC Coach of the Year. Success followed the Trojans off the field as well, with left tackle Austin Stidham being recognized for his academic prowess. Stidham was a finalist for the prestigious Campbell Trophy, dubbed the Academic Heisman, which earned him a trip to Las Vegas, Nevada, in December for the annual National Football Foundation Awards Ceremony. The fall season also brought along record-breaking performances on the volleyball court the past two seasons with Josh Lauer’s club winning a program-record of 12 Sun Belt matches in 2023 after starting league play with 10 straight wins. The Trojans challenged themselves with one of the nation’s most difficult schedules, playing six of its first nine matches against teams that made the NCAA Tournament in 2022 in addition to hosting Alabama at Trojan Arena. Lauer and company put together its fourth straight winning season for the first time in program history and earned their third straight berth in the National Invitational Volleyball
3/19/24 1:59 PM
T RO Y T O DAY
43
Kimani Vidal
Leanna Johnson
Shane Lewis
Amara Anderson
Championship in 2022. Amara Anderson became the program’s all-time leader in assists, while Julia Brooks set the TROY career record for blocks and solo blocks. On the links, TROY made its return to the postseason for the first time since 2017 as the Trojans qualified for the inaugural National Golf Invitational after just missing an atlarge bid to the NCAA Regionals. Individually, Brantley Scott turned in the best season by a TROY golfer in the program’s DI history by shooting under par on the year and earned an individual berth in the NCAA Auburn Regional. TROY Women’s golfer ShaeLee Scarberry finished her career with the third-lowest stroke average in program history, while on the track, four TROY student-athletes qualified for the NCAA East Preliminaries. Additionally, Biniosa Ezukuse (shot put) and Javon Osbourne (shot put/discus) set new program records in their respective events. The diamond sports also had plenty to be proud of as well, with TROY Baseball making its return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2018, earning an at-large bid after finishing head coach Skylar Meade’s second season at Troy, ranking third in the Sun Belt, during the regular season and making a run in the Sun Belt Tournament; the SBC ranked as the nation’s No. 5 conference. Shane Lewis broke Jorge Soto’s 24-year-old program record, hitting 27 home runs en route to earning Sun Belt Player and Newcomer of the Year honors. The baseball home run
record wasn’t the only program mark to fall during the spring as Leanna Johnson set the TROY Softball career record for wins, finishing her career with more than 100 career wins and 1,000 career strikeouts. As a team, TROY finished fourth in the Sun Belt in head coach Eric Newell’s first season leading the program and was one of just two teams to defeat Louisiana during the Sun Belt season. TROY Men’s Basketball reached the 20-win plateau in back-to-back seasons for the first time in two decades and entered the 2023-24 season as the only Sun Belt program to win 20-plus games in consecutive seasons and 10-plus league wins in each of the last two years. What’s even more remarkable when tracking the success of the men’s program was the Trojans had to replace five of their top six scorers from the 2021-22 season. Scott Cross’ crew finished fifth in the Sun Belt standings after being picked to finish 10th in the preseason. The TROY’s Women’s Basketball team continued to be successful under head coach Chanda Rigby, finishing among the nation’s leaders in scoring, as the Trojans are one of just two teams to rank among the Top 10 nationally in scoring in each of the last eight seasons. Additionally, TROY led the country in both rebounding and offensive rebounding for the sixth time in the last seven seasons.
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 43
3/19/24 1:59 PM
44
TROY TOD AY
AT HLE TICS
TROY FOOTBALL GREAT DEMARCUS WARE SELECTED TO PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME
Photo from the Associated Press
All-time TROY great DeMarcus Ware (’05) will forever be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, as he was selected to the 2023 class in his second year on the ballot. Ware becomes the first TROY player in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, just the 16th from an Alabama high school or college and the first who played in the Sun Belt Conference. A Super Bowl champion, nine-time Pro Bowler, four-time first-team All-Pro and member of the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team, Ware ranks ninth in NFL history in career sacks with 138.5 (the stat became official in 1982). Additionally, he tied the NFL record by leading the league in sacks twice and was a two-time Butkus Award winner. The Dallas Cowboys selected Ware with the 11th overall pick of the 2005 NFL Draft, becoming the first-ever first-round pick from TROY or the Sun Belt Conference. Ware was instrumental in TROY’s transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision in 2001 and finished his Trojan career as the program’s all-time leader in tackles for loss with 55.5, in
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 44
addition to totaling 27 sacks for a loss of 198 yards to rank among the all-time greats in TROY history. Ware became a starter in 2002 and quickly made an impact in the trenches by finishing fifth on the team with 72 tackles. Along with former TROY and NFL star Osi Umenyiora, the duo combined to record 25 sacks and 40 tackles for a loss. In his sophomore campaign, Ware tied for 15th in the country with nine sacks, while his 19.5 tackles for a loss tied for ninth in the nation. In 2002, TROY’s defense finished fourth in the country in total defense as the Trojans allowed 276.8 yards per game. In 2003, Ware secured a selection to the NCAA Division I-A All-Independent Team by making 62 tackles, 16 tackles for a loss and six sacks. As a junior, Ware led the Trojans with 32 quarterback hurries, five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. A Sun Belt Conference All-Decade Team member, Ware was a finalist for the 2004 Hendricks Award, presented annually to the nation’s top defensive end.
3/19/24 1:59 PM
T RO Y T O DAY
45
(from left) Richard Shaughnessy (’98, ’00), Director of Strength and Conditioning for TROY Football; Dr. Jeffrey Dugas, TROY Football Team Orthopedic Surgeon; Judy Morgan, TROY Football Secretary; Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., TROY Chancellor; Mrs. Janice Hawkins, TROY First Lady; Marilyn Ash (’79, ’82); Chuck Ash (’79, ’80), retired TROY Head Athletic Trainer; and Brent Jones, TROY Director of Athletics
Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. and Mrs. Janice Hawkins
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 45
3/19/24 1:59 PM
46
TROY TOD AY
Dear Alumni and Friends, The Troy University Alumni Association is TROY’S front porch, welcoming you home no matter where you live. Trojan Pride, the undeniable force that reminds us of our connection back to a special place with great traditions, lives at the Alumni Association. One such tradition is honoring our alumni at Homecoming each year. You can learn more about this year’s honorees on page 48 in this issue of the magazine. Please join me in celebrating these true Trojans! Your membership in the Alumni Association directly supports traditions such as these and many others. When you join the association, you not only acknowledge that you are a part of a larger, global community of caring Trojans, but your membership affords you access to numerous benefits, including, but not limited to, free tailgates at home and away games and a 20% discount at Barnes and Noble bookstore. Annual dues are only $50. Lifetime memberships are also available at $750 for individuals and $1,250 for couples, and a payment plan is available. Membership is an investment in the future of Troy University, and it represents a choice to pay your pride and connection to your alma mater forward to benefit generations of future Trojans. Scholarships continue to remain the Alumni Association’s biggest focus as we know they can indeed be lifechanging for our students. It is my hope that you will join me and the entire Alumni Board in giving to the Alumni Legacy Scholarship or to a cause or program of your choice here at TROY. Your generosity makes a difference as we strive to continue the proud Trojan traditions of the school we love! We are Trojans one and all! GO TROY!
Faith West Byrd (’81, ’87) Troy University Alumni Director
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 46
ALUM NOTES
’80 Marty Durden (’80, ’08) is President of A Higher Standard of Leadership Inc., a nonprofit organization with the purpose of training educators, faith-based schools, athletic programs, businesses and churches on how to create more servant-leaders. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Houston Baptist University, Concordia University and Belhaven University. Durden has researched and written extensively about servantleadership, including his most recent book, “More than Winning: The Servant-Leader Coach in Contemporary Society,” which is available on Amazon. Sam Royse (’83), Head Baseball Coach at Glasgow High School in Kentucky, retired after a 39-year career in coaching. During his time at TROY, Royse was a member of the Trojan baseball team. Following graduation, he became an Assistant Baseball Coach at Glasgow and was named the team’s Head Coach in 1985. He was inducted into the Kentucky High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1999. Kevin Scarbinsky (’83), long-time Sports Writer and Columnist for The Birmingham News and AL.com, was recently inducted into the United States Basketball Writers Association’s Hall of Fame. Scarbinsky began writing for The Birmingham News as an intern in 1984 and stayed on full time until he retired from daily journalism in 2018. He now works as the Communications Director for the Coach Safely Foundation, but returned to AL.com on a part-time
basis in 2022 as Statewide Sports Columnist for The Lede, a daily online subscription newspaper. Mike Lewis (’86) recently joined the staff of Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey as Deputy Communications Director. Lewis previously served as Communications Director for the Alabama Attorney General’s Office. He also previously held the position of Press Secretary for former Congressmen Bill Dickinson and Terry Everett and as Communications Director for Congressman Jo Bonnor. Mark Stewart (’87) was recently named Director of Marketing for Southeast Health. His responsibilities include marketing the Medical Center, Medical Group, Foundation, Statera and the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine. Stewart is an awardwinning Journalist and Editor who has served Southeast Health for 22 years. He was recognized in 2017 as Top Hospital Marketer of the year by DTC Perspectives Inc. for a stroke awareness campaign. Stewart was also a previous President of the Alabama Hospital Association’s Healthcare Public Relations and Marketing Society. Amanda Dukes (’88) has joined the Orange County (Florida) government team as a Senior Public Information Officer. She retired from Orlando’s WESH TV in 2023 after more than 25 years as a reporter and anchor.
CONTINUED ON PG. 57
3/19/24 1:59 PM
47
A LU M NI
T RO Y T O DAY
Dr. Coley speaks during Troy University’s Phenix City Campus commencement in 2017.
TROY ALUMNA DR. BRENDA COLEY RECOGNIZED FOR HER LEADERSHIP Participants in this year’s Russell County School District’s
Ladonia Elementary. She then served as Assistant Principal
Institute Day made it clear why they enjoy coming to work
for four years at Ladonia Elementary before being promoted
for the county’s schools — the leadership provided by
to Principal at Oliver Elementary (Seale) for nine years.
Superintendent Dr. Brenda Coley (’94, ’97).
In 2015, she was elected as Superintendent of the Russell
“Dr. Coley is one of the most passionate, energetic and
County School District. During her tenure as Superintendent,
uplifting people I know. She is not a boss that you fear to
she has taken the school system to new heights, including
have a conversation with. No, she is literally like the mom
raising the graduation rate from 87% to 94% in 2022, and
who cannot wait to give you a big hug regardless of what is
raising the College & Career Readiness rate from 51% in
happening. She is a genuine, warm-hearted person who you
2015 to 74% in 2022.
love being around,” said one Russell County employee when
In August 2022, Dr. Coley was awarded District 4
asked their thoughts on the school district’s top lady.
Superintendent of the Year. “It was so exciting. I was
A native of Hurtsboro, Alabama, a community of about
honored that my peers thought enough of my district to
500 people, Dr. Coley grew up and graduated from the
recognize it in such a prestigious way,” she said, refusing to
rural Russell County school system. She did not have to
take all the credit and believing the accolade to be the result
travel far for college, as she received her undergraduate
of a team effort. “A system is always successful because of
degree from Auburn University and her master’s degree
your team. I have an amazing team. It starts with my faith,
from Troy University’s Phenix City Campus. She also later
then the board and then a great team. To me, it’s just a
earned a specialist degree from Troy University, followed
testament to the team and that when you work hard, people
by a Doctorate in Education from Walden University in
see the hard work that you do and recognize that we’re
Administrative Leadership.
making a lot of improvements. I’ll accept it in honor of my
Dr. Coley has spent nearly 30 years in the field of education,
team because I know I couldn’t have done it by myself.”
all in the same school system, a feat rarely seen in today’s
Dr. Coley has been nominated for the Superintendent of the
workforce. Throughout the years, she has served as an
Year award several times, but this is the first time she has
Elementary Teacher at Russell Elementary (Hurtsboro) and
won, winning over 20 other school systems in the district.
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 47
3/19/24 1:59 PM
A LU M NI
48
TROY TOD AY
ALUMNI OF THE YEAR RANDALL MAULDIN Randy Mauldin (’86) is a Business Development Manager with TRANE in Nashville, Tennessee. A business administration/marketing graduate, Mauldin was a member of the 1984 national championship golf team and a part of the Letterman’s Club. At TROY, he also served as a Campus Senator from 1982-1984, Lambda Chi Alpha Vice President and an Interfraternity Council Representative. Mauldin is an active member of the TROY Alumni Association, a member of the Trojan Warrior Club, has served on the Alumni Board of Lambda Chi Alpha and is a season ticket holder for football. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Tennessee School Plant Managers Association, is a partner with the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents and is an affiliate member of the Tennessee Association of County Mayors. Mauldin volunteers with the Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department and is the announcer for high school sporting events. He is an active member of Franklin First United Methodist Church, serving as Youth Confirmation Leader and a member of the building committee. Mauldin and his wife, Laurie, have two children — Ross and Karli, a 2014 TROY graduate with a bachelor’s degree in multimedia journalism.
GWENDOLYN CEPHAS MOSLEY Gwen Mosley (’76, ’78) retired in 2017 after a 42-year career with the Alabama Department of Corrections. During her career, Mosley rose from a Correctional Officer to a Warden, becoming Alabama’s first female warden to lead one of the state’s 17 male prisons. In 1992, she was named Warden of the Year for the State of Alabama. Mosley has served as a board member on the Alabama Council on Crime and Delinquency and as a member of the Alabama State Correctional Association. In retirement, Mosley is an active member of the Troy United Women’s League, serving as Correspondent Secretary and as a member of the scholarship committee. Mosley, an avid TROY sports fan, is also a charter member and lifetime member of the Trojan Tailgaters Chapter, serving as Co-Chair of the chapter’s scholarship committee. She has served as a facilitator and workshop presenter for TROY’s Congressman John Lewis Leadership Conference and is an active member of the Greater St. Paul A.M.E. Church, where she serves as a senior usher and Sunday school teacher. Mosley and her husband, Richard (’79, ’84), have one son, Richard, Jr. (’03, ’05), and two grandchildren — Trey and Raegan.
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 48
3/19/24 1:59 PM
T RO Y T O DAY
49
HAROLD “BILL” WASDEN Bill Wasden (’78) is an Attorney and Partner in the law firm Burr & Forman, LLP. A 1981 graduate of Cumberland School of Law at Samford University, Wasden has served as General Counsel and Legal Advisor to the Governor of Alabama, a state appointment he held when he joined the firm in 1992. He served as an Assistant Attorney General, as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and as General Counsel to the Alabama Ethics Commission. In private practice, Wasden has presided as a Hearing Officer for the Alabama Environmental Management Commission and has been a member of the Alabama Law Institute Council and the Judicial Study Commission. He currently holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps of the U.S. Army Reserve. At TROY, Wasden was a founding member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. He is a lifetime member of the TROY Alumni Association and a founding member of the Southwest Alabama Chapter. He serves on the Troy University Foundation Board and is involved in many of the University’s major fundraising initiatives. Wasden is a long-time supporter and contributor to TROY Athletics.
ANDREW OLIVASTRO Andrew Olivastro (’96) is Chief Advancement Officer for the Heritage Foundation, a think tank for impact on public policy. He previously served as the foundation’s Vice President for Outreach. Earlier, he founded ATO Strategies, a public affairs firm focused on media engagement and reputation management for individuals, businesses and nonprofits. He led Executive and Employee Communications and Corporate Responsibility for United Technologies (now Raytheon Technologies) and developed elite engagement strategies for Fortune 10 companies at Edelman Public Relations. Olivastro also has directed the speechwriting team for U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez and served as speechwriter for Republican National Committee Chairman Ed Gillespie during the 2004 election cycle. He graduated from the Leadership Program of the Rockies in 2019 and helped lead its expansion from Colorado to Connecticut with the launch of the Charter Oak Leadership Program. He is a Claremont Institute Lincoln Fellow and a member of The Philadelphia Society. During his time at TROY, Olivastro was a quarterback on the Trojans’ football team and served as Editor of The Tropolitan student newspaper. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in print journalism and political science.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ANNUAL RECOGNITION OF OUTSTANDING ALUMNI AND TO MAKE A NOMINATION, CONTACT ALUMNI AFFAIRS AT 334-670-3318.
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 49
3/19/24 1:59 PM
50
TROY TOD AY
ALU M NI
Travis Perry pictured with a scene from his appearance on “Shark Tank”
IN THE BUSINESS OF MUSIC
ALUMNUS TRAVIS PERRY INNOVATES GUITAR TEACHING TOOL & SYSTEM Travis Perry (’85) was just 18 or 19 years old when he got
rubber grommets and made that device I had first thought
frustrated with teaching people how to play the guitar.
about when I was a kid. My daughter said, ‘Daddy you have
“I thought, ‘I must be a horrible teacher,’ because half of my
to invent this so I can play,’” he said.
students quit after two months,” he said. He would learn that
It took 24 months to bring ChordBuddy to market.
around 60% of people who start learning guitar drop it at
“Nobody wanted it. All the big music stores said nobody
about the two-month mark because of the physical aspects
would buy it and that it wouldn’t work. I literally got to the
of playing — soft fingers and muscle memory development.
point of just leaving a case of them and telling the stores,
That experience also produced a thought that “there has to
‘Look, if you sell any, just send me some money,’ and that’s
be something to make learning easier and fun.”
how it began,” he said.
Now, Perry sells the device he invented at his 8-year-old
In July 2011, he got a call from “Shark Tank” inviting him to
daughter’s request: the ChordBuddy — and the system of
appear on the show. “The episode aired on Feb. 2, 2012, and
learning guitar in under two months to go along with it. His
that’s the night that changed my business career,” Perry said.
company, located on Cottondale Road in Dothan, produces
In the 18 months prior to airing, he had sold a total of 8,000
not just the ChordBuddy, but the YukeBuddy, the only
ChordBuddys. The night of Feb. 2, he received orders for
electronic tuner that uses colors, sells entry-level Perry
12,000. Bolstered not only by sales, but with a relationship
Guitars and a learning system. Perry estimates the business
with investor Robert Herjavec, who injected $125,000, plus
has grown into a $25-million enterprise.
another $50,000 for infomercial development in exchange
Over the years, a “Shark Tank” appearance (and a follow up)
for a 20% stake in the company, the partnership got Perry’s
propelled ChordBuddy into a multi-million dollar business,
product into large retailers, online stores, mom-and-pop
and promotional deals with folks such as Duck Dynasty’s
guitar stores and national chains.
Robertson family has made its mark for him.
“Individuals have to have the drive, the motivation to keep
In 1994, Perry decided to open a Music Exchange in
going,” he said. “I was a highly successful ‘entre-manure’
Dothan. It wasn’t unitl later in 2008 when Perry’s daughter
long before I became an entrepreneur. You’ll fail a lot before
asked him to teach her to play guitar that the journey to
you succeed.”
ChordBuddy truly began. “I used popsicle sticks and some
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 50
3/19/24 1:59 PM
51
A LU M NI
T R O Y T O DAY
Maj. Wesley Swanzy taking the oath of office for presidential apointment to the Chief of Staff to the Chief Financial Officer
TROY GRADUATE CONQUERS THE IVY LEAGUE & SECURES A PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTMENT AT USDA
A Sorrell College of Business alumnus has been appointed
“TROY, specifically Sorrell College of Business, was one
by the President of the United States to a post in the
of the most defining moments for my professional and
Department of Agriculture.
personal life,” said Maj. Swanzy, who majored in business
Maj. Wesley Swanzy (’12), a native of Goshen, Alabama, has
administration and international relations and minored in
been sworn in as Chief of Staff to the Chief Financial Officer
leadership. “Sorrell helped prepare me for success after
at the USDA.
graduation, which was commissioning into the world’s
An Air Force veteran commissioned out of TROY’s
greatest Air Force.”
Detachment 017, he has spent the last three years in finance
Admitting that his time at TROY passed quickly, it was
on Wall Street and completed his MBA at New York’s
time well spent learning and developing relationships that
Columbia University Business School. A former active-duty
span the globe. Involvement on campus was key — Maj.
Air Force Finance Officer and current Reservist, Maj. Swanzy
Swanzy was an SGA Supreme Court Justice, an Alpha Phi
has spent more than ten years leading Airman in South
Alpha Fraternity member, was involved in Circle K, and was
Korea, the Middle East, and the Pentagon.
a residential advisor. “The culmination of experiences and
In his final assignment on active duty, Maj. Swanzy served as
opportunities at TROY helped tremendously bolster my
the Executive Officer to the Director of Budget Investment,
success. As an undergraduate student, you think about your
Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for
future but are more focused on the hustling day-to-day life
Financial Management, and Comptroller. In his reservist role,
of a college student,” he said. “However, looking over my
Maj. Swanzy serves as a Congressional Liaison under the
years in the military, time on Wall Street, and graduating
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Congressional Budget and
from Columbia Business School has helped me realize that
Appropriations Liaison, Office of the Assistant Secretary of
none would be possible without the foundation I gained
the Air Force for Financial Management, and Comptroller at
from TROY.”
the Pentagon and holds the rank of Major. “I am honored to
“Life is about relationships, and TROY is where you make
have accepted a Presidential Appointee position with the
lasting bonds that will carry on for a lifetime,” Maj. Swanzy
Biden-Harris administration,” Maj. Swanzy said.
said. “TROY is a very close-knit family that shows itself in the
Maj. Swanzy said his journey began in the TRIO program and
classroom, the boardroom, and everything associated with
Sorrell College of Business with strong mentors at TROY.
the University. TROY taught me to excel academically and contributed to me being a well-rounded individual.”
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 51
3/19/24 1:59 PM
52
TROY TOD AY
A LUM NI
TROY ALUMNI BOARD WELCOMES NEW OFFICERS
Rosemary Elebash
Jack Weaver
Steve Sanders
Troy University’s Alumni Association Board of Directors
In 2020, the Alumni Board received donations from Board
welcomed a new slate of officers earlier this year.
members, exceeding its $50,000 goal, to endow the Alumni
Rosemary Elebash became the Board’s President, Jack
Legacy Scholarship. The endowment provides scholarships
Weaver its Vice President and Steve Sanders its Treasurer.
to students who are qualified legacies of Troy University
Roni Holley is the Immediate Past President. The officers will
graduates who maintain at least a 2.7 grade point average.
serve two-year terms.
“Legacies” are the children of TROY alumni.
Elebash (’76) has been a member of the Alumni Association
In addition, nine alumni chapters have endowed scholarships
Board of Directors since 2010 and previously served as the
— the Alumni Band Chapter, the Archer Alumni Chapter,
Vice President. She currently serves as State Director for the
the Clipson Chapter, the Conecuh County Chapter, the Elba
National Federation of Independent Business.
Chapter, the Emerald Coast Chapter, the Trojan Tailgaters
Weaver (’85) is the Presiding Judge for the 35 Circuit Court
Chapter, the Pensacola Chapter and the T-Club. Three
of Alabama in Monroe County and has been a member of
additional chapters — the Autauga, Monroe and Pike County
the Board since 2018. To date, 11 members of the Weaver
chapters — are working to complete their endowments.
family boast TROY degrees.
Another item that will continue to receive a lot of discussion
Sanders (’88) is Vice President of the First Citizens Bank of
among board members is the addition of a new Alumni
Luverne. He joined the Board in 2017.
Center. “The Board also continues to explore the possibility
In addition, Terry L. Butts (’79), a retired Alabama Supreme
of building an Alumni Center to accommodate and support
Court Justice, serves as the Board’s Legal Counsel.
alumni activities and to provide a building that can be
Elebash said the creation of scholarship opportunities for
utilized for functions to highlight the Troy Campus for both
deserving students continues to be a primary focus of the
potential students and returning alumni,” Elebash said.
th
Alumni Board moving forward. “The major focus for the Alumni Board is scholarships from the Board and also encouraging local alumni chapters to create and endow scholarships,” Elebash said.
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 52
3/19/24 1:59 PM
53
A LU M NI
T R O Y T O DAY
(from left) JJ, Paula, Jamie and Madison Graham
HONORING FAMILY TRADITION ALUMNUS JAMIE GRAHAM DEDICATED TO COMMUNITY
Family. Honor. Tradition. Legacy.
The brothers both decided to follow the family legacy
For Jamie Graham (’89), these are more than just words
and attend law school. They entered together into the
but, rather, cemented values. Graham’s life tells a story of
Jones School of Law (now part of Faulkner University) in
honoring his family’s tradition while also establishing his
Montgomery, Alabama, in January 1995. In 1997, they
own legacy on an already distinguished family name.
graduated from law school and passed the bar in 1998.
Born in August 1968 at St. Francis Hospital in Columbus,
Shortly after passing the bar, the brothers joined their dad’s
Georgia, Graham has spent most of his life in Phenix City,
practice and changed it to The Graham Legal Firm, as it is
Alabama, where his family has been practicing law for almost
known today.
70 years. His grandfather, William Benton, was a member
In 2004, Kenneth Davis, Russell County District Attorney
of the Blue-Ribbon Grand Jury that issued the indictments
at the time, approached Graham about joining his team at
during the “Sin City” era of Phenix City. Yet, the law was not
the DA’s office. In October 2004, after deep discussions
Graham’s first career choice.
and prayers, Graham left the family practice. During his
Graham played baseball for the majority of his youth. When
time at the DA’s office, he was placed in charge of Child
he graduated from Central High School in 1986, he accepted
Support Court, Traffic Court, Domestic Violence Court and
a scholarship to play baseball at Chattahoochee Valley
felony cases. During his 11 years at the DA’s office, Graham
Community College, followed by half of a year at Columbus
oversaw thousands of cases; he loved trying cases in the
College (now known as Columbus State University). After
courtroom. Graham left the DA’s office in 2015 to run for
taking some time and marrying his wife, Paula, in February
the position against his former boss. After losing a fairly
1992, Graham enrolled at then-Troy State University,
close race, Graham went back into the private sector.
where he graduated with his bachelor’s degree in business
Being known as a respectful and fair attorney, it only made
administration. At this point, Graham was well on his way to
sense that after 25 years of practicing law for Graham to run
becoming a teacher with aspirations of coaching baseball,
for District Court Judge in the place he called home. As of
something that his close friends will tell you is his real love.
Nov. 8, 2022, Graham’s fellow citizens believed in his work
With his future almost solidified, Graham entered into some
and character enough to vote him into office as District
conversations with his brother, Greg, which would alter his
Court Judge.
entire future.
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 53
3/19/24 1:59 PM
54
TROY TOD AY
ALUMNI
Gilbert with her family in a 1975 portrait
‘BECOMING KOREAN’ ALUMNA AMY GILBERT’S BOOK RECOUNTS EXPERIENCE OF REUNITING WITH BIRTH FAMILY
Decades after being adopted from a South Korean
I was speaking English as well as that age group would have
orphanage by an American family, Troy University alumna
at the time.”
Amy Gilbert (’92) reconnected with her birth family and her
In high school, she was a typical teenager. “I went to high
heritage and has written a book about her experiences.
school and did all of the typical things — I played softball, I
Published last year, “Becoming Korean: A Memoir” charts
was in student government, I was President of the Spanish
Gilbert’s journey from what she called a “normal American
Club. I volunteered at the hospital for several years in the
childhood” to the trip some 44 years later that would lead
summertime. I just did all of those normal American things.”
her to connect with her siblings and, eventually, her birth
After high school, she received a Leadership Scholarship to
mother and begin the process of rediscovering the culture
attend TROY, where she encountered international students
and language she lost as a young child.
for the first time.
It was 1974 when Gilbert arrived in Gainesville, Florida, her
“I worked on the Palladium for four years, and I was an ADPi
adoptive parents’ hometown. The family would later relocate
(Alpha Delta Pi sorority),” Gilbert said. “When I was at TROY,
to nearby Archer, Florida.
that was the first time that I saw international students, and
Gilbert recalled learning to speak English in roughly two
some of them looked like me.”
months thanks to her mother’s efforts to prepare her for
Gilbert graduated from TROY with a degree in elementary
school. “My mother took time off from work. She went
education, began teaching school in Valdosta, Georgia, and
around the house and picked up objects and would have
met her husband. The couple would have three children, in
me name what they were,” she said. “I arrived in Gainesville
addition to later adopting her niece. The birth of her first
on July 6, 1974, and I went to school at the end of August.
child provided a unique moment for Gilbert.
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 54
3/19/24 1:59 PM
T R O Y T O DAY
55
“Everyone’s first child is special because they make you a parent for the first time, but for me, it was seeing someone else who looked like me, and I had never had that,” she remembered. With four children to care for, Gilbert was busy being a mother. It was during that time though, that Gilbert caught a glimpse of the journey that would reconnect her to her Korean heritage. When her children were in elementary school, they were asked to take part in an Asian Cultural Festival, where Gilbert met her first Korean person at the age of 33. There she learned about Korean food and traditional Korean dress. “The Asian Cultural Festival was really my first exposure to anything Korean,” Gilbert said. Later it would be the suggestion of her husband that would begin the journey in earnest. “When the Olympics were held in Korea in 2018, he said, ‘Let’s go to the Olympics.’ On that trip, we wanted to see the orphanage. I didn’t know a lot about my time there, but I knew I lived in an orphanage.” After arriving in Korea, Gilbert, her husband and a translator went to the location of the orphanage. “The person there took my passport and made a copy of it and had me sign some documents,” she recalled. “I wasn’t sure what it was all
Gilbert stands outside the Korea Social Service office, the location that once was the orphanage in which she lived briefly before being adopted in 1974.
about, but when we got back in the van, our translator said that they would search for my birth parents.” From there, the process didn’t take long. “When we got back home from Korea, I had an email that said I had a brother who had searched for me in 1987 and that they would try to locate him. A few months go by, and on Aug. 1, 2018, I received an email that said they had located my brother and had shared my email address with him. Then I saw I had other emails from my brother in Korea.” Gilbert and her brother exchanged emails and shared photos back and forth for the next two days. Then, on Aug. 3, she received a call from a woman in Tampa who had her brother on the phone with her and said that she would translate during the conversation. “I couldn’t understand anything that he said, but I could hear his voice,” Gilbert said. That call ultimately led to Gilbert’s brother and oldest sister visiting her for the first time in Florida for Thanksgiving in 2018. “We had the best Thanksgiving ever,” she said. It was during her second trip to Korea that Gilbert met her birth mother. “It has been a life-changing experience,” she said. Gilbert said she first decided to write about her incredible journey as a genealogy to preserve for future generations of her family.
“I kept having people tell me, ‘You should write a book.’ It took me three years of writing and processing. There were many days that I was writing and crying at the same time. I had feelings of disloyalty to my adoptive parents. I had feelings of loss of what I had missed out on in Korea. I had a lot of frustrations over not being able to speak Korean. The more Korean people that I met, the more I was faced with not really being Korean.” Gilbert, who returned to Korea this past spring to take Korean language courses, said she hopes her book provides hope for other Korean adoptees, noting that around 200,000 South Koreans have been adopted during the past 60 years. Gilbert says the book provides insights not only for adoptees but also for adoptive parents. “The last line on the back cover of my book is: There are joys and losses in being adopted. Adoptive parents focus on the joys of adopting the children, but, especially for children who are adopted from a foreign country, they really need to put thought and care into how they handle that culture and heritage that is lost.” “Becoming Korean: A Memoir” is available on Amazon in both Kindle and paperback formats.
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 55
3/19/24 1:59 PM
56
TROY TOD AY
A LU M NI
Matthew Fulton (right) is working for entertainment sector law firm Romano Law PLLC in New York City.
TROY ALUMNUS COMBINES HIS LOVE OF MUSIC & LIFELONG AMBITION TO PRACTICE LAW One music industry alumnus is combining his love of music
During his final semester, an internship at a NYC literary
with a lifelong desire to be a lawyer. Matthew Fulton (’18),
agency provided Fulton’s pathway to New York City, where
credits Music Industry Director Robert W. Smith with blazing
he worked in the contracts department at one of the “Big 5”
the trail that would lead to New York City’s Romano Law
book publishers for a few years.
PLLC, a major player in the entertainment industry.
He completed his juris doctor at Brooklyn Law School,
“I had a great undergrad experience,” he said. “I was actively
consistently ranked as one of America’s top entertainment
involved in the (John M. Long) School of Music. I joined the
law schools and particularly known for being a school for
Sound of the South having never been in a marching band,
music lawyers. During law school, an internship at Romano
but I loved every second of it.”
Law led to his first job offer as a law clerk at the firm, but he
He became a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, the
instead chose to defer the offer and spend his next semester
world’s largest music fraternity, and minored in both
in the school’s sports law clinic placed at a National Football
entrepreneurship and legal studies. It was an academic class,
League agency.
however, that would set Fulton on a direct course in the
“After that, I returned to Romano and have stuck around
entertainment industry.
ever since,” he said. “It feels a bit surreal to be so close
“As a sophomore, I enrolled in Professor Smith’s Marketing
to fulfilling my dreams of working as an attorney in the
of Recorded Music course. In that class, we ran the school’s
entertainment industry. The music industry, in particular, is
recording company (Ilium Records), and I was assigned the
one where I have always felt at home and I’m thrilled to be
job of business affairs director, which in the real world is
returning to the industry (as an attorney).”
the record company’s lawyer,” he said. “At the end of the
Fulton is located in the New York offices of Romano, which
semester, I went to Mr. Smith’s offices and told him ‘I think I
also has offices in Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, San Diego,
want to go to law school.’” Smith responded by telling Fulton
Miami and San Francisco.
that was his idea in assigning him the job in the first place.
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 56
3/19/24 1:59 PM
T R O Y T O DAY
57
ALUMNI
REPRESENTING TROY UNIVERSITY IN ECUADOR Troy University alumna Julie Whatley (’95) spent time in South America this year doing mission work in five remote villages in Ecuador. She volunteered with a children’s ministry, an eyeglasses clinic, a medical clinic, a dental clinic and a pharmacy. “It’s been such a blessing,” said Whatley about the opportunity to give back to these communities. Whatley graduated with her undergraduate degree from TROY in early childhood education and has previously been featured in University marketing campaigns.
’90
Jon Elvin Adams (’90) recently earned the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree from the University of Lynchburg in Lynchburg, Virginia. The DMSc degree is a physician-assistantspecific clinical doctorate degree that prepares PAs to lead and innovate while delivering exceptional patient care. Currently, Dr. Adams practices occupational medicine as a PA at The Wellness Center, operated by Premise Health, at Lockheed Martin MFC and
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 57
Sikorsky RMS in Troy, Alabama. Dr. Adams served as Team Clinician for Troy University, alongside Dr. Mickey DiChiara, for 20 years. Prior to PA school he was the Associate Athletic Trainer for Troy (State) University for five years. Bryan Didier (’92) was recently named Partner and Managing Director for Monarch Private Capital’s renewable energy division. With nearly two decades of experience in law, the renewable energy sector and project finance, as well as a distinguished career in the U.S. Navy, Didier brings expertise and leadership to his new role. Prior to joining Monarch, Didier served as a Partner at Leverage Law Group, LLC, for almost 15 years, where he focused his practice on renewable tax credit transactions. He earned a master’s degree in management from Troy University.
Chellie Woodham Phillips (’92) is the recipient of the 2022 LaBerge Award for Excellence in Strategic Communication, awarded by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. Thomas Relford (’94) has been named as the new City Administrator for Bolivar, Missouri. Relford previously worked for the FBI for 25 years before retiring as the Special Agent in Charge of the Albany, New York, field office in 2021. He currently owns and operates Thomas F. Relford Consulting, working as a Security Audit and Compliance Consultant.
CONTINUED ON PG. 60
3/19/24 1:59 PM
58
TRO Y TOD AY
A LUM NI
STORY OF HEROISM TROY ALUMNA STAR HY EVACUATES THOUSANDS AMID KABUL CRISIS
Women in Federal Law Enforcement (WIFLE) President Catherine Sanz (left), DSS Special Agent Star Hy (center) and WIFLE Vice President Jessie Lane (right) at the 2022 WIFLE Awards Ceremony Aug. 10, 2022, in Phoenix, Arizona (U.S. Department of State photo)
TROY alumna Star Hy (’05) was planning to be in Kabul,
seven-month training program that included standard law
Afghanistan, for one year working on investigating visa fraud
enforcement training, special tactics, leadership and high-
at the U.S. Embassy. Instead, the Diplomatic Security Service
threat training.
(DSS) Special Agent found herself evacuating thousands
“You learn weapons skills and even how to drive in dicey
of Americans, foreign allies and at-risk Afghans just two
situations, but the culmination of the training is an embassy
weeks after hitting the ground. She was the sole female
evacuation. The Foreign Affairs Security Training Center at
U.S. law enforcement officer supporting the evacuation and
Fort Barfoot has a mock embassy for training ... and you
humanitarian operation.
learn what to do and how you would hold an embassy,” she
“As the word got out that the embassy was evacuating,
said. That training paid off when the order came to evacuate
people are thinking, ‘This is my last chance to get out of the
the Kabul embassy, which is essentially a city within a city
country,’ or some thought maybe it was their only chance,”
with multi-story buildings and internal roads. The team
Hy said. “A few hundred turned into a few thousand. It was
had less than 48 hours to accomplish the mission under
never unmanageable, but it was challenging.”
escalating hostilities from the Taliban.
An Army officer, Hy had volunteered to move to the State
“I had just gone through the one-month refresher course
Department to become a DSS Special Agent in 2009. She
right before I got there, but I was not doing the typical
had graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West
security stuff. I was working with passports and immigration
Point and entered the military police. She spent time in
documents,” she said. “It was a very quick transition (back
Guantanamo Bay training in the early 2000s, transferred
into security operations).”
to the State Department and went through the DSS
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 58
3/19/24 1:59 PM
T R O Y T O DAY
59
In 2022, she was awarded the Women in Federal Law Enforcement Julie Y. Cross Award, only the third DSS Special Agent to receive the honor. DSS Supervisory Agent Benjamin Sides, who was Deputy Regional Security Officer in Kabul at the time of the evacuation, nominated Hy for the award. In the nomination, Sides praised Hy for her “heroism and exceptional courage, risking her life on the front lines of incredible danger amid an unpredictable security situation as the Taliban took over strategic locations throughout Kabul.” Once Hy had evacuated embassy staff and destroyed classified documents, computer equipment and armored vehicles to prevent them from falling into Taliban control, she helped move weapons and sensitive materials to Hamid Karzai International Airport — also the Kabul military base. Once at the airport, Hy “heroically provided security amid flash grenades, tear gas and machine-gun fire while U.S. and Afghan military forces struggled to control volatile crowds at the gates,” the nomination continued. She put her expertise in reviewing and verifying travel and identity documents to help process the thousands trying to flee the country and was on one of the last non-military planes out of Kabul. Training was certainly key to Hy’s success and survival, but she credits her educational career as well. Following her undergraduate degree, Hy said she was determined to earn a master’s degree, and she turned to TROY to do it. “My first duty station was Fort Benning [now Fort Moore], and I wanted to branch switch from MP to human resources on the Adjutant General staff. The Army had great tuition assistance and TROY taught night classes on post, and I knew I would be going to Korea where I could continue the classes online,” she said. At the time, Hy said that degrees from many online
Hy worked with her fellow DSS agents to secure the U.S. Embassy and safely evacuate more than 1,400 U.S. government personnel, family members, contractors and third-country nationals to the Hamid Karzai International Airport, where she and other State Department personnel worked around the clock to evacuate hundreds of thousands of Americans, foreign allies and at-risk Afghans.
education providers through the Army’s goArmyU program didn’t mean a lot. “I knew TROY had a brick-and-mortar campus. I was from the South and knew about the school.
Beyond the practical experience TROY faculty members
That was 100% the deciding factor,” she said.
brought with them was their understanding of the
In fact, when Hy finished high school in Little Rock,
sometimes-unique challenges faced by service members in
Arkansas, she was familiar with colleges and universities in
completing the degree. “The flexibility and understanding
the region. Her father was a political science professor at
were great. If I had duty or other conflicts, the instructors
the University of Mississippi before heading to Arkansas. “I
worked with me to see me get graduated,” Hy said. “They
wanted a master’s that was relevant. All the professors I had
wanted us to succeed.”
were adjuncts, which I appreciated because they had real-
That was especially important for Hy’s situation. She chose
world experience they brought into the classroom. For me,
to take the classes that were harder in person on post at
I really appreciated that because real-world experience was
night, saving the less demanding courses to complete online
why I was getting the degree,” she said. “I wanted to know
when she transitioned overseas. “My professors were always
how others used the classes, the research, the statistics in
available to me, even when I had to work out a time to call
their day-to-day work.”
— they’d make themselves available,” she said.
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 59
3/19/24 1:59 PM
60
TROY TOD AY
’00 Scott Horne (’01) has been named Chief Executive Officer of Commnet Broadband, a subsidiary of ATN International, Inc., that provides highquality broadband communications services to carrier customers in rural America and Tribal communities. Horne brings more than two decades of telecom leadership experience to his new role. He most recently served as Vice President of Engineering Operations at Comcast Cable and before that as Vice President of Operations and General Manager at Bright House Networks. Lawrence Tynes (’01) was recently named Director of Practice Development at Creative Planning, LLC, a financial planning and wealth management firm. Tynes, a former place kicker for the Trojans, went on to an NFL career that saw him win two Super Bowl titles with the New York Giants. His NFL career also included two stints with the Kansas City Chiefs and one year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Ben Fletcher (’03) has been named as Assistant Basketball Coach at the University of South Florida under Head Coach Amir Abdur-Rahim. Fletcher spent the previous four seasons as an Assistant Coach under Abdur-Rahim at Kennesaw State University. Prior to joining the Kennesaw staff, Fletcher spent 14 seasons as an Assistant Coach at TROY. One of TROY’s greatest basketball players in its D-I history, Fletcher played for the Trojans from 2001-03, averaging 13.4 points per game during his career. He was named first-team All-Atlantic Sun Conference his senior year (2002-03), helping the Trojans to their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance at the Division I level. During that season, he made a TROY D-I single-season record 92 three-pointers, eventually broken by
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 60
Hunter Williams, who was coached by Fletcher. Fletcher finished his career with 160 made three-pointers, the sixth most in TROY’s D-I history. Derrick Ansley (’04) was recently promoted to Defensive Coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers. Ansley had served as the Chargers’ Defensive Backs Coach since 2021, and his coaching career includes stints as Defensive Coordinator at the University of Tennessee, Defensive Backs Coach with the then-Oakland Raiders, an On-Field Defensive Graduate Assistant Coach at the University of Alabama and Defensive Backs Coach at Huntingdon College. During his time at TROY, Ansley started 40 consecutive games for the Trojans’ football team and had 19 career interceptions. Dr. Pattie Rees (’05) has been named as the new Principal at Waverly Yowell Elementary School in Madison, Virginia. Dr. Rees most recently served as the Assistant Principal at the school for the past four years. She previously taught at Wetsel Middle School and at Farmington Elementary School in Culpepper County, Virginia, where she was Teacher of the Year. Brooke Mills (’06) is the new Director of International Ministries for the Montgomery Baptist Association and Headmaster of the association’s Conversational English School. She has worked with the governor’s office as Disaster Preparedness and Response Director and Community Preparedness and Response Director and most recently served as a Grant Manager with the United Way of Alabama. Jessica Madison (’07) was recently named Executive Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing at Alabama State University. A Luverne native, she previously served as Assistant Athletic Director for Development and Marketing. Her professional background includes
an extensive list of positions with Fortune 500 corporations and sports organizations, including NASCAR. Jason Moore (’07) was recently named as the next Headmaster of Pickens Academy, an independent private school located in Carrollton, Alabama. Moore previously served as Workforce Development Coordinator at the University of West Alabama. Prior to joining West Alabama, he held several positions during a nearly 21-year career at Shelton State Community College, most recently serving as Dean of Workforce and Economic Development. He earned a master’s degree in human resource management from TROY. Jared Waldrop (’07), Senior Vice President and Operations Officer at Troy Bank & Trust Company, was recently recognized by Independent Banker as one of its 40 Under 40: 2023 Community Bank Leaders. James Dicks (’08, ’09) was recently named as a Principal for the Birmingham-based accounting and advisory firm, Kassouf. Dicks is a two-time graduate of TROY, holding an undergraduate degree and a Master of Business Administration from the University. He works in Kassouf’s Healthcare Group, providing accounting, tax compliance, advisory and practice management services to healthcare clients. Dicks is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Valuation Analyst and is involved with the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Alabama Bourbon Club, and Corn and Cane.
CONTINUED ON PG. 62
3/19/24 1:59 PM
A LU M NI
T RO Y T O DAY
LEAVING A LEGACY
61
ALUMNA DR. LESLIE BLACK ENDOWS SCHOLARSHIP
of resources students in the area generally face. “It is a very small town and was devastated by the tornadoes that came through the Birmingham and Tuscaloosa areas several years ago. Those smaller towns tend to get left out,” Dr. Black said. “Getting the George C. Wallace Scholarship was significant in me being able to go to college, so I wanted to be able to do the same.” During her time at TROY, Dr. Black formed many longTwo-time alumna Dr. Leslie Black (’96, ’02) says her time
lasting relationships and became what she calls a well-
at Troy University helped to lay the foundation for her
rounded student. “I joined a sorority, so I went through the
career success, and now, she wants to provide those same
Mu Alpha chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha while I was there.
opportunities for future TROY students.
I was in the Gospel Choir. I was a Student Athletic Trainer,
Dr. Black has endowed the Dr. Leslie S. Black Endowed
so I went to practices, I traveled with teams,” she recalled.
Scholarship, to assist students from her alma mater, Cordova
“I was the Student Athletic Trainer for women’s basketball. I
High School, who are pursuing a degree within TROY’s
worked football part of my senior year as well. That kept me
College of Health and Human Services or the Sorrell College
very busy. I was a very well-rounded student.”
of Business on the Troy Campus. Should no applicants meet
Dr. Black believes that the foundation she received at TROY
this criterion, second preference will be given to African
has helped lead her to success within her career. “Being in
American applicants within the two colleges.
athletic training laid the foundation for any success that I’ve
Dr. Black, who now serves as a Sales Effectiveness Manager
had,” she said. “I feel it instilled in me the ability to look at
for Pfizer Inc., came to TROY after receiving the George
situations differently, to be calm under pressure and to have
C. Wallace Leadership Scholarship and knows the impact
a methodical process to let all your training and education
scholarship funds can have for students who might not
come into play when you must make decisions. I’m calm
otherwise be able to attend college.
under pressure, and I feel like that has helped me in my
“Once I hit a stride in my career financially, I knew that I
career. Being a lover of sports and being athletic, I’m very
wanted to leave a legacy, a mark,” she said. “One of the ways
competitive, so in a sales environment, that connects to
I felt I could build that legacy was through an endowment
being very successful.”
and something that would live in perpetuity.
In addition to the endowed scholarship, Dr. Black is giving
“I’ve always been an advocate for the Athletic Training
back to TROY in other ways as well. She was recently
Scholarship at TROY and was a consistent donor to it. I
selected to serve on the Advisory Council for the College of
always talked to my family about having a scholarship in my
Health and Human Services. “I’m proud to be doing a lot for
name or a building with my name on it at TROY. When the
TROY because of all TROY did for me,” Dr. Black said. “It is
opportunity finally presented itself, I was very proud to be
my hope to be able to eventually fund this scholarship in the
able to put my name on a scholarship at TROY.”
amount that one day it could be a full-tuition scholarship.
Specifying Cordova High School as a first qualifier for the
That will take a significant amount of money, but I’m willing
scholarship was important to Dr. Black because of the lack
to do the work to get it there.”
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 61
3/19/24 1:59 PM
62
TROY TOD AY
Dr. Brett Blount (’09) is Safety and Occupational Health Manager for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He has more than 16 years of experience in safety and occupational health within the federal government, including the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security. Dr. Blount is a retired U.S. Army Aviation Officer and Standardized Instructor Pilot. Erika Heil (’09) was recently named as Director of Community Development for the Village of Glen Carbon, Illinois. Heil, who will oversee Glen Carbon’s building and zoning department and economic development initiatives, previously served as the Executive Director for The Alliance of Edwardsville and Glen Carbon, a nonprofit economic development partnership for the two communities. She most recently served as Village Administrator for New Baden. She holds a Master of Public Administration degree from TROY.
’10 Susan Sisk (’10) was recently appointed as Director of the Office of Management and Budget of the State of North Dakota by Gov. Doug Burgum. Sisk, a Certified Public Accountant, most recently served as Vice President and Director of Finance for the Bismarck-based engineering firm KLJ from 2015 to 2021. Prior to that, she served as Chief Financial Officer and Controller for CHI St. Alexius Health in Bismarck for eight years and as Director of Finance for the North Dakota Supreme Court from 2001 to 2007. She also served as a Tax Accountant for a Bismarck accounting firm for nearly six years and as Supervisor of Fiscal Management for the state Retirement & Investment Office from 1990 to 1995. She holds an MBA from TROY.
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 62
A.J. Howard (’11) has been named as the Head Coach of the Houston Academy baseball program. He has spent 10 years as the program’s Pitching Coach and Strength and Conditioning Coach. During his time at TROY, he pitched for the Trojans baseball team. Dr. Kenneth Kinsey (’11) is Chief of Staff at the Orangeburg County, South Carolina, Sheriff’s Office. He served as a forensic crime scene expert during testimony in the high-profile murder trial of Alex Murdaugh. Maj. William T. Staub (’13) recently assumed command of the 908th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron during an Assumption of Command ceremony held at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. With nearly 20 years of experience, Maj. Staub most recently served as the Operations Officer for the 908th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, overseeing the management of the wing’s nine C-130H2 aircraft. Paul Evans (’14) is an Attorney in the Consumer Fraud & Commercial Litigation Section of Beasley Allen Law Firm’s Montgomery, Alabama, office. Evans handles business litigation, whistleblower claims and class actions, specifically those involving insurance-related claims. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from Faulkner University’s Thomas Goode Jones School of Law in 2017. Evans is a member of the Alabama State Bar, Alabama State Bar Young Lawyers Section, Montgomery County Bar Association Young Lawyers Section, Emerging Leaders for Alabama Association for Justice, Taxpayers Against Fraud and American Association for Justice.
Dr. Mac-Jane Crayton (’15) recently earned her Ph.D. in Public Administration, Public Policy and Nonprofit Management from Auburn University and has accepted a position as an Assistant Professor at Appalachian State University. She also founded Dream Mentorship, a mentoring and professional development organization dedicated to providing women with the mentoring, training and resources needed to pursue their dreams with confidence and clarity. Dr. Mai Hoang Tran (’15) earned her Ph.D. from U.F. Scripps Biomedical Research Institute in 2022 and is now a postdoctoral research fellow at Boston Children’s Hospital, focusing on molecular engineering and mammalian gene editing. Kadijah Benson (’18, ’21), MPA, SHRM-CP, has been elected as Vice President of the Alabama Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration. She has served as an Onboarding Coordinator for Encompass Health since January 2022. Abby Burch (’18) recently became the new Lab Manager of the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology Wiregrass, where she is responsible for leading the community-led molecular breeding program, including genotyping and selection using low-coverage whole genome sequencing and back cross selection. Burch, who earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and biomedical sciences from Troy University, previously worked as a Lab Technician for Dothan Pediatric Healthcare Network.
CONTINUED ON PG. 64
3/19/24 1:59 PM
T R O Y T O DAY
A LUM NI
THAT’S A WRAP
63
BROADCAST JOURNALISM ALUMNA AMANDA DUKES WINS REGIONAL EMMY AT END OF TV NEWS CAREER
Troy University alumna Amanda Dukes (’88) and her
Dukes came to TROY on a full scholarship after winning
colleagues at WESH 2 News in Orlando, Florida, were
New Hampshire’s Junior Miss. She received offers from
awarded a Regional Emmy for their coverage of a local
multiple southern schools, but TROY stood out because of
tragedy that made international headlines and spurred
its broadcast journalism program.
potential legislative changes in the state of Florida.
“When I found out that TROY had such an amazing
Dukes, along with Anika Hope, Greg Fox, Marlei Martinez
broadcast journalism program, I knew that’s where I wanted
and Kelsi Thorud, was
to go, and I was so thrilled that I
recognized during the Suncoast
ended up there,” she said. “I felt like
Regional Emmy Awards held in
I got not only a great education,
Orlando on Dec. 10. The team
but I had such a great experience
was awarded the Emmy in the
at TROY. In just the past couple
Continuing Coverage category
of years, I’ve started going back
for coverage of the death of
quite a bit for football games and
14-year-old Tyre Sampson on
sorority reunions, and it’s been so
an amusement park ride in
fun to return and see how much
March 2022.
everything has changed.”
“In the weeks and months that
During her time at TROY, Dukes
followed, we continued to
was a member of the Alpha Gamma
cover the story. There were a
Delta sorority, was named Miss
lot of questions raised by local
Troy State University in 1986, was
officials and lawmakers about
a Trojan Ambassador and a member
how this could happen and
of the University Choir. She
who was responsible and if
graduated with a bachelor’s degree
any of the laws and regulations
in broadcast journalism in 1988.
needed to be changed in the
After graduating, she returned to
future to ensure this doesn’t
New Hampshire and worked for a
happen again,” she said.
year in radio news while trying to
“Myself and my colleagues just stayed on the story
find a way to break into TV news. Eventually, she convinced
and did dozens and dozens of reports over a period of
the news director at the ABC affiliate in Manchester, New
several months.”
Hampshire, to let her freelance.
This award was special to Dukes as it came on the heels of
Dukes served as the Morning and Noon Anchor at WMUR-
her decision to retire after 33 years in TV news. Her last day
TV in Manchester for eight years before deciding to try her
on air was Feb. 13, 2023.
hand at working in a bigger market. She worked with an
“I was at the Emmys knowing that this was going to be my
agent to apply at stations across the country and was picked
last one, so it was especially meaningful,” she said. “To be
up by WESH 2 News soon after. Dukes now serves as Senior
able to wrap up my TV news career enjoying that kind of
Public Information Officer for the government of Orange
recognition felt really good.”
County, Florida.
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 63
3/19/24 1:59 PM
64
TROY TOD AY
Kaala Maple (’19) was recently appointed to the Board of South Carolina’s Commission for Minority Affairs where she will serve as a Commissioner At-Large. Maple is also a 2023 Port Ambassador for the South Carolina Ports, working to increase public awareness and support for their strategic plan and initiatives. Maple currently works as a Federal Contractor and was formerly on the staff of United States Congressman James E. Clyburn. Trent Patterson (’19) was named as Director of Basketball Operations at the University of South Florida. Patterson spent seven seasons with the TROY basketball staff, beginning as a Student Manager in 2016. Taylor Pollock (’19) has joined the news team at WBRC TV in Birmingham, Alabama. Pollock joined the News 4 team at Dothan’s WTVY following graduation as a Multimedia Journalist before rising through the ranks to become News 4’s Evening Anchor.
During her time as a student at TROY, Pollock, a Columbus, Georgia, native, anchored, produced and reported for the campus television station, TrojanVision, serving as Student News Director in 2019. She also interned in 2017 at Montgomery’s WSFA.
’20 Anna Carson Money (’21), a Nurse at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, was one of 10 nurses honored in the Opelika-Auburn News’ Heart of Health Care initiative. Prior to her current position, she worked in East Alabama Medical Center’s emergency room from 2017 until 2021. Caroline Gerhart (’22) is the new Anchor for WTVY’s News 4 This Morning. She had previously served as a weekend anchor for the station’s news broadcast and has been a part of the WTVY team since May 2022.
Amanda Lofton (’22), a Contractor Support Specialist at Alabama Power’s Plant Barry, has been named the 2023 President of the Alabama Power Service Organizations Board of Directors. Comprised of nine chapters statewide, the nonprofit community-support organization boasts more than 5,000 volunteers who are employees of Alabama Power, Southern Nuclear and Southern Company living in Alabama and their family members. Lofton began her Alabama Power career at Plant Barry in Mobile County in 2010 as an Administrative Support Specialist. She was promoted to Power Generation Analyst in 2014 before taking her current position in 2021. She earned a master’s degree in human resource management from TROY.
IN REMEMBRANCE TROY UNIVERSITY ALUMNI Euel Akins (’79)
Elsa May Falk Lightsey (’80)
TROY UNIVERSITY FRIENDS
Sarah Betterton (’13)
Kenneth Manwaring (’73)
Joseph Bryant Harrington, Jr.
Freddy Brannon (’69)
James Jerome Naughton (’07)
Teddy “Ted” Eugene Hicks
Gene Brannon (’60)
Mari Reed-Berry (’72, ’74)
Norma Helen Joseph
Col. Joe Larry Byrd, USAF ret. (’72)
Robert W. Smith (’79)
Julie Knowles
Jerry Cooper (’73)
Gail Turner (’66)
Sarah Mosely
John K. Faircloth, Sr. (’61)
Ann Kelly Williams (’50)
John Teague
Mary Garrett (’63)
Walter Clark Wilson, Jr. (’75)
Judy Means Wagnon
John Wilson Hicks, Jr. (’79)
Victor Yurkovic, Sr. (’98)
Harold Wicks
Tamara Jones (’92)
troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 64
3/19/24 1:59 PM
TROY UNIVERSITY
PODCAST NETWORK • • • • • •
The Talk of TROY In Focus with Carolyn Hutcheson Clarinet Corner Econversations from Troy University Speaking Globally The Double Dome
• • • • •
It Came from The Archives Mad Melodies Culture and Belonging Alabama Aloud with Don Noble On Leadership with Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr.
AVAILABLE WHEREVER YOU GET YOUR PODCASTS. TODAY.TROY.EDU/PODCAST
troy-today-2023-edition-cover-file-Final.indd 2
3/19/24 3:26 PM
2023 EDITION
TROY UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE ALUMNI AFFAIRS OFFICE TROY, AL 36082
20 23 ED ITION A YEAR IN REVIEW
MAKING
TROY UNIVERSITY RESEARCH IS
WAV E S
M A K I N G A W O R L D W I D E I M PA C T.
TROY UNIVERSITY
IT’S YOUR TIME TO TAKE THE LEAD
troy-today-2023-edition-cover-file-Final.indd 1
troy.edu | 1-800-586-9771
www.troy.today
TROY’s top-ranked programs will prepare you to be a leader in your field. At Troy University, we offer up to 50% tuition scholarships for military and their families. Our Military and Family Scholarships cap the cost of tuition at $250 per credit hour for active-duty military, Reservists and National Guard for both undergraduate and graduate programs. Be part of a family of leaders with more than 175,000 alumni worldwide. It’s your time to lead.
3/19/24 3:26 PM