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Troy University’s Board of Trustees have asked Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. to reconsider his decision to retire and have asked him to continue to lead the University.

Board President Gibson Vance reaffirmed the board’s commitment to Dr. Hawkins’ continued leadership and vision during its meeting on Saturday (September 21).

“I’ve spoken with each member of the Board and they’ve asked me to deliver a message to you,” Mr. Vance said to Dr. Hawkins.

“It is with unanimous consent that we do not accept your resignation. Given the ongoing plans to move to R2 status and other initiatives now in motion, the Board is unanimous in its belief that Dr. Hawkins is the right person to lead our institution,” he said.

Dr. Hawkins announced his intent to retire on September 3 in an email to faculty and staff. He is the longest-serving chief executive of a public university in the nation.

“I seldom find myself speechless, but I find myself that way today,” Dr Hawkins said. “One thing (First Lady Janice Hawkins) and I have found at TROY is its unique culture, and I’m humbled and grateful for what has been said today. We’ve always preached ‘mission first’ and, as long as there is a mission that remains to complete, we will be here.

“In my retirement letter I referenced Ecclesiastes which tells us there is a season for all things. I look forward to working with the Board to define what this new season will be,” he said.

Dr. Hawkins, a native of Mobile, Alabama, was named Chancellor of the Troy State University System on Sept. 1, 1989. He has overseen an era of change and growth at TROY. More than $375 million has been invested in capital improvements by the Hawkins Administration, including new academic buildings on all four of TROY’s Alabama campuses.

Chancellor Hawkins served as the catalyst for the University’s evolution to an international institution, as TROY has attracted record numbers of students from other nations and established teaching sites around the world. During his tenure, academic standards for admission have been increased, new degree programs were established in all academic colleges, and intercollegiate athletics joined the highest level of NCAA competition.