TROY, Ala. (WDNews) — Troy University has taken another step toward finding its next chancellor as longtime Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr. prepares to retire after nearly four decades.
According to Troy University, the Board of Trustees has appointed a 14-member search committee and hired executive search firm Funk Associates to help identify and evaluate candidates.
Gibson Vance, president pro tempore of the Board of Trustees, will chair the committee. Ed Crowell, also a member of the Board of Trustees, will serve as co-chair.
“Selecting Troy University’s next chancellor is one of the most important responsibilities entrusted to the Board of Trustees,” Vance said. “We are seeking a leader who will build on TROY’s accomplishments during Dr. Hawkins’ 37 years as chancellor, advance its mission and guide the University into its next chapter. We welcome the perspectives our committee members will bring to this process.”
The committee includes representatives from the Board of Trustees, university administration, faculty, students, alumni and the community.
Members include Gibson Vance, Ed Crowell, Karen Carter, Charles Nailen, Dr. Judson Edwards, Kyle George, Dr. Dionne Rosser-Mims, Jack Weaver, Chris Hood, Troy Mayor Jason Reeves, Donna Horn, Alison Hosp, Dr. Lenetra Jefferson and Kyle Weidman.
Funk Associates has four decades of experience conducting higher education executive searches, including searches for university presidents, provosts, vice presidents and deans.
The search comes after Hawkins announced plans to retire June 30, 2027.
“Troy University is a special institution with a unique culture,” Hawkins said. “It has been a tremendous honor for my wife, Janice, and I to be a part of this community for nearly 40 years. I am confident the search committee and Board of Trustees will identify the right leader to build on TROY’s success and guide its continued growth.”
Advertising for the position is underway. Applications and nominations will continue to be accepted until a new chancellor is selected, but interested candidates are encouraged to submit their materials by Jan. 4, 2027.
