It may be just a name engraved on the top of a building, but for Troy University its so much more.

Today, Troy will officially dedicate the Jack Hawkins Jr., Hall College of Education building to its long-time chancellor, and university officials said the significance is more than a name.

“Having a building named after you on a college campus is really one of the highest honors the university can receive,” said Troy’s Dean of the College of Education Lance Tatum.

Doug Hawkins, president pro-tem of the Board of Trustees, said the board approved to name the building after Chancellor Jack Hawkins Jr. for his involvement in the education program at Troy.

“It was fitting that since the university started as an education institution it be named after Chancellor Hawkins,” Hawkins said.

John Schmidt, senior vice chancellor of advancement and external relations, who has worked alongside Hawkins for several years, said the dedication is only fitting to make for one of the nation’s longest standing university chancellors.

“I believe it’s a lasting honor to Dr. Hawkins for his vision, engaged leadership and really enduring imprint he has made as the university’s chancellor,” Schmidt said. “It reflects the honor, love and respect the Troy University family and community at large have for him.”

And, even beyond the Troy University campus, Hawkins has made an impression, said Troy Mayor Jimmy Lunsford.

“I think it’s obvious under his administration there’s been tremendous growth,” Lunsford said.