Board of Trustees ask Troy chancellor to reconsider retirement decision

TROY, Ala. ( WDHN ) — The Board of Trustees at Troy University has asked Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr. to reconsider his decision to retire and has asked him to continue to lead the college.

This decision came out during a board 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," Board President at Troy University, Gibson Vance said.

During the meeting, Vance reaffirmed the board's commitment to Dr. Hawkins' continued leadership and vision.

"It is with unanimous consent that we do not accept your resignation," Vance said. "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."

R2 status is a classification given to universities that have a high level of research activity, as determined by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The university also must have at least 20 research doctoral degrees and spend $5 million annually in total research.

"I seldom find myself speechless, but I find myself that way today," Dr Hawkins said following the meeting. "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."

Dr. Hawkins went on to say, "I look forward to working with the Board to define what this new season will be."

On September 3, Dr. Hawkins appeared on Troy University's YouTube page where he made the announcement himself.

Dr. Hawkins is a native of Mobile, Alabama, and was named Chancellor of the Troy State University System on September 1, 1989, which garners him the title of longest-serving chief executive of a public university in the nation.

In his time as Chancellor, Hawkins led the merger of the worldwide Troy State University System into the unified Troy University. He saw over $375 million invested in capital improvements and four new buildings on TROY's campus.

Governor Kay Ivey praised Hawkins in a press release to WDHN.

Stay with WDHN News as we bring you the latest developments on this story.