NOTE: a jpeg photograph of Chancellor Hawkins is attached. A biographical sketch of Chancellor Hawkins appears at the end of this release. Additional information on the Alabama Broadcasters Association can be found on the association’s web site at www.al-ba.com. For additional information on Troy University access the University’s web site at www.troy.edu.

The Alabama Broadcasters Association has named Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor of Troy University, as its 2007 Citizen of the Year, according to Sharon Tinsley, ABA Director.

The purpose of the award is to honor an Alabama citizen for outstanding contributions to the well-being, prosperity and progress of the state.

“Dr. Hawkins was selected as the Alabama Broadcasters Association 2007 Citizen of the Year because of the great work he has done at Troy University,” Ms. Tinsley said.  “Dr. Hawkins has brought positive recognition to the university and the State of Alabama from across the country and around the globe.  He continues to lead the building of a tremendous institution of higher learning.  We’re proud of his accomplishments.”

Dr. Hawkins will receive the award at a luncheon Saturday, June 16, at The Grand Hotel in Point Clear. The luncheon, set to begin at 12:15 p.m., is part of the ABA’s annual convention schedule.

“I appreciate the Alabama Broadcasters Association for recognizing the work that is taking place at Troy University,” Dr. Hawkins said. “Many outstanding Alabamians have won this award. It is humbling to be included in such company.”

The Alabama Broadcaster’s Association has presented its Citizen of the Year Award since 1966, when Frank P. Samford, former president of Liberty National Life Insurance Company, was honored. Past winners have included Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, U.S. Sen. Lister Hill, Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Howell Heflin and Montgomery businessman Winton Blount.

Dr. Hawkins has served as Chancellor of Troy University since 1989.

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

Jack Hawkins, Jr., Ph.D., Chancellor of Troy University

            Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., a native of Mobile, Alabama, was named Chancellor of Troy University Sept. 1, 1989.  He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Montevallo and his doctorate from the University of Alabama.

            Upon completion of his bachelor’s degree in 1967, Hawkins was commissioned a lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps and served as a platoon leader during the Vietnam War.  For his combat duty, he received the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and a citation from the Korean Marine Corps.

            Hawkins’ professional background includes his service as an assistant dean at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (1971-1979) and as president of the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind in Talladega (1979-1989).

            In 1985, he was honored by the University of Montevallo as Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, and was the recipient of the 2003 All-American Football Foundation’s “Top College President” Award.   In 2005 he was inducted into the Hall of Fame of Murphy High School in Mobile, Alabama. 

Two buildings have been named in his honor: the “Jack and Janice Hawkins Chapel” at the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind and the “Hawkins-Adams-Long Hall of Honor” on the campus of Troy University.

            Hawkins serves on the board of directors of the Business Council of Alabama, Better Business Bureau of Central Alabama, and Troy Bank and Trust Company.  He is chairman of the Governor’s Committee on Employment of the Disabled, and a member of the Air University Board of Visitors at Maxwell Air Force Base.  He also serves on the Board of Directors of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).

Hawkins was profiled as part of two books published in 2004: “Above and Beyond: Former Marines Conquer the Civilian World” by Rudy Socha and Carolyn Darrow and “The Entrepreneurial College President” by James L. Fisher and James V. Koch.

 He served as Chairman of the Council of University Presidents in Alabama (1999-2001) and President of the Southland Football League. He has served as a trustee of Talladega College, the Helen Keller Eye Research Foundation, and the American Foundation for the Blind.  He is a member of the Troy Rotary Club.

            Dr. Hawkins’ family includes his wife, Janice, and two daughters Katie and Kelly.  He and his family are members of the First Baptist Church of Troy.