Troy University News

Contact:
Tom Davis
Troy Office of University Relations
334/670-3196
tomdavis@troy.edu

Office of University Relations
253 Adams Administration
Troy, AL 36082
(334) 670-3196
(334) 670-3274 (fax)

Dr. Earl Watson presented TSU Distinguished Leadership Award

    Dr. Earl Grant Watson, who served as Director of Athletics and Chairman of the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation at Troy State University for 19 years, received the third Distinguished Leadership Award Saturday.
   Dr. Watson was presented the award by Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor, at an awards banquet held in The Trojan Center on the TSU campus. The honors banquet was the culmination of TSU’s annual Alumni, Parents and Friends Weekend/St. Patrick’s celebration.
   The Distinguished Leadership Award was created to recognize the lifetime achievements of members of the Troy State University family, alumni, faculty, staff or friends who have distinguished themselves through exemplary work, philanthropy, leadership and service to their profession, community and alma mater.
   Dr. Leon Davis, a TSU graduate, professor emeritus of health, physical education and recreation and former director of athletics at the University ofMontevallo, said Dr. Watson led his students by example. "He drilled into us that we were to be teachers first and coaches second," Dr. Davis said.Dr. Watson’s service extended beyond the Troy campus, Dr. Davis said, as Dr. Watson was a driving force behind the creation of the Alabama Intercollegiate Conference and he served 10 years as its executive secretary.
   Dr. Watson said he appreciated the award because Troy State University has meant so much to him. "The most enjoyable years of my professional experience were spent at Troy State College," Dr. Watson said. "The opportunity to work with the kids and develop them into professional teachers was something special." Dr. Watson was a member of the TSU faculty and staff from 1950-1969. Following his TSU tenure, Dr. Watson served as associate professor in health, leisure and sports at the University of West Florida in Pensacola, retiring in 1994. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and master’s and doctoral degrees from the State University of New York at Buffalo.
   He is the third recipient of the Distinguished Leadership Award. TSU alumni McDowell Lee, Secretary of the Alabama Senate; and television journalist Bob Howell have also received the honor.