TROY News Center

TROY – Troy University has become the first university in America to be designated a “Purple Heart University.”

The move comes in an effort to honor veterans who have been given the award that was created by Gen. George Washington. The Military Order of the Purple Heart is granted to those service members who have been killed or wounded in battle.

“Our status as the first Purple Heart University in America is a natural extension of TROY’s long history of service to the men and women in uniform,” said Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr. “We are proud of the thousands of our students and graduates who are serving in harm’s way and it’s with pride that we serve them and support them.”

One of the newest support efforts the University has undertaken is the creation of the Troy for Troops Center, a one-stop center for military students to access University services and problem resolution. In addition to the TROY for Troops Scholarship, given to dependents of TROY alumni killed in action, the University has established the TROY for Troops Military Tuition Discount Scholarship for each branch that will discount all tuition above that which is allowable by tuition assistance.

Currently, the University enrolls about 7,000 active-duty military personnel, National Guard members, Reservists or veterans, and 62 TROY alumni serve as general or flag-rank officers or as members of the Senior Executive Service of all four branches of the U.S. military. Over the past 30 years, 123 TROY alumni have retired as general or flag-rank officers from all branches.

The University’s tradition of military service has its roots in 1950, when it began offering extension courses at Fort Rucker. Later, these operations were expanded to Maxwell Air Force Base and these centers became the forerunner to what is known today as Global Campus, the division of the University that operates teaching sites outside the state of Alabama and internationally.

Headquartered in Troy, Ala., the University operates campuses in Montgomery, Dothan and Phenix City in Alabama, and sites in seven states and six nations.

Several members of the University’s senior leadership team are themselves veterans, including Chancellor Hawkins, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps in Vietnam. He has also served as chair of the Board of Visitors for Air University, housed at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery.

While no official lists of Purple Heart recipients exist, it is estimated that about 1.7 million Americans from all wars and conflicts hold the award. In Alabama, there are 718 members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart of Alabama, although that membership does not include all Purple Heart recipients, which number more than 7,600 since 1932.

University officials formally signed a resolution designating the University in March.

Troy University Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., center, receives a commemorative plaque designating the University as the nation’s first Purple Heart University from Col. Edgar L. Smith, III (ret.), left, and Commander K.T. Cole, of the Military Order of the Purple Heart J.R. Thomas Memorial Chapter #2205. (TROY photo)

TROY – It’s not unusual for a group of high school students to visit Troy University’s campus as a stop along the way to another destination, but for one high school band from Michigan, Friday’s campus visit held special meaning.

The Wyoming High School Marching Wolves are the product of a school consolidation in Wyoming, Michigan, near Grand Rapids. Just a year old, the new high school has new colors, new mascots, and a new fight song, all selected by students.

Troy University’s fight song, “Trojans One and All” was adopted by the student body to unify their fans, and the University sanctioned its use.

The students’ stop came in route to New Orleans, where they will be performing over the next several weeks, said Jeff Bennett, a former band director who serving as the tour’s director.

“This trip is all about the students,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity to promote cohesiveness and help them form the bonds they’ll need to be successful as a band and a new high school.”

Added to the fight song connection, Bennett said there was another TROY connection with the students: most have learned music through compositions by Troy University music professor Robert W. Smith.

“Many of these kids have played his compositions. Most are great for public school (music) programs because they teach foundational ideas and techniques,” Bennett said. “I have used them for years, as do the current directors.”

The Marching Wolves are under the direction of Bryan Ambrose, one of Bennett’s former students, and Erick Flack, assistant director of bands.

Members of the Wyoming High School Marching Band visited Troy University to see the school that shares its fight song. Students of WHS, a year-old consolidated high school near Grand Rapids, Mich., adopted “Trojans One and All” to help unify the new students and fans. (TROY photo/Cass Davis)

TROY – Troy University’s Alabama Computer Forensics Institute has been named a 2013 IDG’s Computerworld Honors Program Laureate.

The only university to be recognized in the Safety and Security category, the award was given based on a case study selected from more than 700 nominations and is one of 269 Laureates from 29 countries. It was awarded for the Institute’s design of new computer forensics reporting software and a new mapping solution for criminal activity related to crimes against children.

“Our efforts to protect children and foster awareness for technology training have been well received by Alabamians, and we have spoken to thousands of youth and adults across the state,” said Greg Price, the University’s chief technology officer. “Our renewed efforts with law enforcement and creation of new methodologies and technologies for combating crimes against children are proving beneficial to youth beyond the borders of our state.”

“This year, we are humbled to be honored again, and are thrilled to accept the award on behalf of Troy University,” he said.

The Laureate will be presented at a black tie awards ceremony and dinner June 3 at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, D.C. During the gala, each Laureate is presented a medallion and five Laureates from each of the 11 Honors categories will be named as finalists for a 21^st Century Achievement Award. One finalist in each category will be named at the gala.

“Being selected as a Laureate recipient in 2012 was a rewarding experience. We participated in a forum where the best in the world gathered and were recognized for advancing technology for the betterment of society,” Price said. “When we were notified that the Institute had been awarded this year, I was overwhelmed.”

Troy University Chief Technology Officer Greg Price following the awarding of the 2012 Computerworld Laureate. The University will be recognized this year for its efforts with the Alabama Computer Forensics Institute to pioneer a new crime reporting software and mapping solution. (TROY photo)

Updated  April 10, 2013, 11:50 a.m.

Army TA Portal to reopen

ARMY TA PROGRAM REINSTATED: Effective 9 April 2013 at 2400 hours EDT the course enrollment functionality that Soldiers use to request Tuition Assistance will be reactivated. Shortly before midnight, we will run a program that will remove the hold that was placed on all Soldier record's to reactivate the "Request TA" smart link. It will take about 30 to 60 minutes for the program to run and once it is completed all Soldiers who are eligible for TA will again be able to request TA. When TA functionality is reinstated tonight, the rules that governed the use of TA prior to the suspension, as well as the $250 semester hour cap and $4,500 fiscal year ceiling will remain in place throughout the rest of Fiscal Year 2013. If you have any questions please call your Army Education Center for more details.

Updated March 28, 2013, 2:18 p.m.

TA restored for military students

Congress has passed, and the President has signed, the continuing resolution that restores funding to tuition assistance programs.  Troy University remains committed to serving the needs of our military students and recognizes their important contributions to the nation. With this in mind, Troy University reaffirms its commitment to provide discount scholarships, as previously announced, to Active Duty, Reserve and National Guard members.

TA students with questions should direct them to their appropriate education center, or to the Troy for Troops Center at the University.

Updated March 14, 2013, 4:30 p.m. CDT

Discount Scholarships are approved for military members

University officials have announced the creation of three undergraduate scholarships aimed at preserving tuition rates established for military students.

The Troy for Troops Active Duty Military Discount Scholarship, Military Reserves Discount Scholarship and National Guard Discount Scholarship will require service members to provide proof of eligibility on an application form available for download HERE. Once eligibility is verified, the scholarships will discount any undergraduate tuition charges in excess of $250 per credit hour.

Students who have questions regarding eligibility can contact the University at (800) 414-5756.

The University continues to research avenues to assist those military students who are pursuing graduate degrees.

A news release about the establishment of the scholarships can be viewed by clicking here.

Updated March 12, 2013, 2:30 p.m. CDT

Updated March 11, 2013, 4:45 p.m. CDT

March 8, 2013, 3 p.m. CST

Army Tuition Assistance Suspension

The Secretary of the Army today suspended Tuition Assistance immediately for all soldiers – active duty, Reserve and National Guard personnel. This means that no soldiers may register for classes through the GoArmyEd portal for any upcoming semester, term, or session. For the Army notice, visit https://www.goarmyed.com/public/public_display_news.aspx?news_id=1670&type=5.

Soldiers can initiate or continue GI Bill benefits, or use other funding sources to continue their education. Click here to access TROY’s Veterans Benefits Information.

Troy University students who utilize Army Tuition Assistance will not be able to register for upcoming classes through the GoArmyEd portal. However, Army students who wish to continue their education through Troy University, at their normal tuition rate, may do so by registering for classes through Trojan Web Express.

Students who have questions regarding Army Tuition Assistance, or other military tuition assistance, should contact their local education centers for assistance. For University-related questions or assistance with financial aid, students should contact the University at (800) 414-5756.

Troy University remains committed to meeting the educational needs of America’s fighting men and women, and we will continue to monitor this unfolding situation. We will update our students as needed.

Other Service Branches

U.S. Marine Corps: The Secretary of the Navy has announced that no new USMC enrollments in the Voluntary Education Tuition Assistance Program will be allowed. Marine Corps personnel currently utilizing VETAP will be allowed to continue.

U.S. Navy: No determination has been made with regard to tuition assistance.

U.S. Air Force: The Air Force has suspended tuition assistance as of 5 p.m. March 12. 

U.S Coast Guard: Effective March 13, FY13 CG Tuition Assistance is suspended. All members who have submitted applications prior to the cut-off will be notified whether their applications have been approved.

TROY – The International Association of Risk and Compliance Professionals has recognized Dave Barron, Associate Vice Chancellor for Military Affairs at Troy University, for earning the Certified Risk and Compliance Management Professional (CRCMP) certification.  

Barron also holds the Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP) from the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE).  

According to the President of the International Association of Risk and Compliance Professionals (IARCP) George Lekatis, “The CRCMP is a preferred or mandatory certificate in companies and organizations around the world.”

The certification is earned by examination to assure the individual has the knowledge and skills needed to understand and support regulatory compliance and enterprise wide risk management, and to promote best practices and international standards that align with business and regulatory requirements.

Barron joined the University in 2000 as Director of University Relations and subsequently served as the Executive Assistant to the Chancellor before becoming the Associate Vice Chancellor for Military Affairs in January 2013.