July 29, 2005

Convocation marks unification of worldwide Troy University

MONTGOMERY—Troy University formally began its new era as a unified, worldwide institution Friday with the blessings of Gov. Bob Riley, Chancellor Jack Hawkins, Jr. and other guests ranging from elected officials to academic dignitaries.

The occasion was the University’s Academic/Staff Convocation held before approximately 800 people at the Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts on the Montgomery Campus. More than 400 members of the University’s family, including faculty, staff, students, administrators and alumni participated in the event.

Dr. Jim Fisher, president emeritus of Towson (Md.) University and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, delivered the keynote address.

The convocation marked the end of a five-year process to bring all of Troy University worldwide under one academic and administrative structure. The move is designed to implement shared academic standards, increase efficiencies, promote brand identity and eliminate administrative duplication from TROY’s more than 60 campuses in 18 U.S. states and 11 nations, including four in Alabama.

“Troy University is achieving to a large degree what I would like to achieve in all of Alabama education,” Gov. Riley said. “This move will achieve efficiencies that I hope we can replicate at all institutions in Alabama.” 

Dr. Fisher, in his keynote remarks, called TROY’s unification “the most remarkable university transformation in America.”

“Today signals the new Troy University, a single university, both more efficient and effective, the second largest university in Alabama,” Dr. Fisher said.

Chancellor Hawkins said the unification of TROY is the fulfillment of a pledge he made at his inauguration in 1989, when he said in the 21^st Century Troy University would not be classified simply as a regional university, but as a worldwide institution serving a “global village.”

“This global village demands a global institution,” Dr. Hawkins said. “It demands a university willing to embrace internationalization. It demands a university that can produce Alabamians who are prepared to compete in a global market. It demands a new model in higher education—and we have created that new model at Troy University.”

The convocation featured remarks and greetings from 14 different special guests, including Seth Hammett, speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives; Lt. Gen. John F. Regni, Commander of Air University; and Dr. Michael Malone, executive director of the Alabama Commission on Higher Education.

There were also several special ceremonies, including the dedication of a new University mace and the first public performance of the new Troy University alma mater, “Troy: A Beacon to the World” written by Troy alumni Ralph Ford, director of bands, and Robert Smith, former director of bands.

http://www.troy.edu/news/gala/