Maj. Gen. Walter D. Givhan has been named Troy University’s Senior Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Economic Development.

Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr., chancellor, made the announcement at a press conference at the University Tuesday.

Hawkins said Givhan is a “visionary leader” and welcomed him as the university’s newest senior leader.

In making the announcement, Hawkins said Givhan has deep relationships and roots in Alabama.

He is a native of Safford, Alabama. His grandfather and father made their marks in the Alabama Legislature and the banking business, respectively.

Givhan retired from the U.S. Air Force this year after nearly 33 years in service to his country.

In coming back home to Alabama, Hawkins said Givhan is retuning to the place he knows and loves.

Givhan received his undergraduate degree from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. He earned his master’s degree from Troy University while serving with the U.S. Air Force in Germany.

Hawkins said Givhan is well grounded in academia, having served as Vice Commander of Air University in Montgomery where he oversaw all of the Air Force’s higher education, with the exception of the Air Force Academy, including the Community College of the Air Force, the world’s largest community college system.

Givhan has also served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in charge of U.S. global assistance programs and as Commandant of the Air Force Institute of Technology in Dayton, Ohio.

“Walter Givhan’s experience in military education has prepared him to excel in the important leadership role at Troy University,” Hawkins said, adding that Givhan’s experience in Washington, D.C. will be invaluable in government relations efforts.

“His administrative and leadership skills will benefit his division as well as the University as a whole. He is committed to the mission of higher education and will do an outstanding job.”

Givhan said he is honored to have the opportunity to serve his alma mater.

“I am passionate about the critical work Troy University is doing around the world,” he said. “Troy University is heading in an exciting direction, thanks to the leadership of Dr. Hawkins and the rest of the Troy team.”

Givhan expressed his pleasure at the opportunity to add his energy and ideas to a “great program.”

“Troy University’s focus as an international university with strong ties to the U.S. military fits my philosophy,” he said, adding that Troy University will continue to grow and establish itself with a global brand that is a unique way of approaching higher education.

“I am grateful to be a part of the Troy University team. My family and I are delighted to join the Troy family.”

Givhan succeeds Dr. John Schmidt, who is retiring July 31 after 20 years of service to Troy University in several senior leadership positions. Givhan will report to the University July 15.

“Dr. Schmidt has contributed much to Troy University during his career,” Hawkins said. “He led two capital campaigns and served as the catalyst for our first-year student success program. He is an exemplary servant-leader and we will miss him and his many contributions to this University.”

Schmidt likened his retirement from the university to “going ashore” and leaving footprints in the sand.

“My footprints are fleeting,” he said. “The waves come and wash away the footprints in the sand. My footprints will be gone but there will be the bigger footprints of the successes of those who follow.”

Schmidt said he will take many fond memories with him but will return to Troy University as an alumnus to watch the successes of the students and the continuing growth of the university.