TROY Magazine - Summer 2016

MAGAZINE Summer 2016

T ROY ONLINE L O G S I N TO S T U D E NT SU C C E S S

T ROY PREPA R ES STU D E N TS TO FLO U R ISH I N ST E M CARE E RS

1 5 th

Key n o te s pe a k e rs s h a re w o rds o f w is do m a t T RO Y’s A nn u a l L e a de rs h i p Co n f e re n c e

Wo m e n ’s Ba s k e t ba l l go e s da n c i n g

Troy University Magazine Summer 2016 Executive Editor Donna Clark Schubert Editor Samantha Johnson Art Director Rob Drinkard (’09) Copy Editor Emily Price (’09) Contributors Reba Allen (’75), Matt Clower (’04), Tom Davis (’81), Andy Ellis, Clif Lusk, Jane Martin (’97, ’99), Greg Phillips (‘06), Adam Prendergast, Emily Price (’09), Jonathan Sellers (’07, ‘11), Josh Yohn (’07, ’14) Photographers Kevin Glackmeyer, Mark Moseley (’97, ’99) Printer Interstate Printing and Graphics Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. Senior Vice Chancellor, Advancement & Economic Development Maj. Gen. Walter D. Givhan (USAF, Retired) (’89) Associate Vice Chancellor, Development Dr. Jean Laliberte Associate Vice Chancellor, Marketing & Communication Donna Clark Schubert Director, Alumni Affairs Faith Ward (’81, ’87) Director, Marketing Samantha Johnson Director, University Relations Matt Clower (’04) President, Troy University Alumni Association Bob Boothe (’63, ’78) Troy University Magazine is published three times a year for the alumni and friends of Troy University. For more information, contact the Office of Marketing and Communication at: 256 Adams Administration Building Troy, AL 36082 Phone: (334) 670-5830 Fax: (334) 670-3274 E-mail: troymagazine@troy.edu Troy University Magazine welcomes comments, ideas and suggestions from readers. Editors reserve the right to decide if letters to the editor will be published and to edit submissions for content and length.

Copyright 2016 by Troy University, all rights reserved.

Troy University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist and doctoral degrees.

Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Troy University. The Commission is to be contacted only if there is evidence that appears to support an institution’s significant non-compliance with a requirement or standard.

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FEATURED STORIES 9

CELEBRATING CULTURE TROY’s “Year of the Monkey” ushers in plans for Center for International Language and Culture

12 BREAKING NEW GROUND TROY’s Dexavia Turner recounts her experience

as the University’s first African-American NPC sorority president

13

HELEN KELLER LECTURE SERIES

ON THE COVER

TROY alumna Dequies Lanier (’12,’15) earned her bachelor’s degree in graphic design while studying on the Troy Campus and her Master of Strategic Communication studying through TROY Online.

World-renowned jazz pianist Marcus Roberts shares his talent and story at annual event

15 “GOING VIRAL TROY student Cole LaBrant becomes

Internet sensation through social media

16

STEM SUCCESS”

TROY’s School of Science and Technology prepares students for growing career fields

17

LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE”

Keynote speakers share how pro-activity and difficult conversations change the world

19 TROY ONLINE TROY stays at the forefront of online learning

TROY Women’s Basketball Head Coach Chanda Rigby triumphantly claims the net from a basketball goal after her team made University history by winning the program’s first Sun Belt Tournament Championship.

IN EVERY ISSUE 4 TORCHLIGHT

6 CHAPTE R NEWS 21 ATHLETICS 28 ALUM NOTES

FROM THE DESK OF THE CHANCELLOR Troy University has long been a pioneer in distance learning, from the days when we taught students on military bases around the world to today, when we teach students across 13 time zones via the Internet.

This issue of the Troy University Magazine takes a look at our TROY Online operation and how we ensure the degrees earned at a distance are commensurate with our traditional in-class programs.

There is no doubt that Internet learning is here to stay. When we first began teaching via the Internet in 1997, only a few universities were taking this leap of faith. A little over a decade later, the National Center for Educational Statistics reported that 5.5 million students were enrolled in an online course in 2013.

We have built a reputation for high-quality distance education, as many students are attracted by the notion that a real brick-and-mortar University is providing the courses. At every commencement, we award diplomas to students whose first visit to Troy, Alabama, was the occasion of their graduation from Troy University.

The bottom line? Internet-based education is the surest way to increase access to a college education.

In some cases, learning from home is not just a convenience, but a necessity, for a growing number of students with obligations that keep them close to work and family. TROY alumni should take pride that their alma mater was one of the first universities to expand its service through technology.

This issue also reports the founding of our latest alumni chapter, the Monroe County Chapter, and spotlights two Trojans who faced off in the Super Bowl—DeMarcus Ware and Mario Addison.

It’s an axiom that good alumni give back to their alma maters in a variety of ways. In this regard, there are few Trojans who can match Lamar P. Higgins, a member of our Board of Trustees. Mr. Higgins, who was the first African-American SGA President at TROY, has been instrumental in creating the Leadership Conference Celebrating African-American History Month. Mr. Higgins has announced he is going to take a step back from active involvement in conference planning, so his fellow trustees decided to honor him with a resolution naming him Chairman Emeritus.

We include coverage of Mr. Higgins’ honor inside these pages not only to give credit where credit is due, but to remind Trojans everywhere of the personal rewards attached to serving your alma mater. We need your help, whether it’s by sending us good students every year or through your investment of resources. I often quote these words from Miss Helen Keller, but they may apply to TROY now more than ever: “Alone I can do so little; together we can do so much.”

Sincerely,

Jack Hawkins, Jr., Ph.D. Chancellor

3 · TROY Magazine

4 TORCHLIGHT

Alumni leaders meet for conference

More than 100 alumni leaders from throughout the Trojan

Following Starling’s comments, Birmingham Chapter

nation met Feb. 27 for the Alumni Association’s annual Chapter

President Paul Elliott led the group in a networking session,

Leadership Conference.

leading into a lunch, during which time members of the Archer

The conference brings together chapter and association leaders for a day of updates on the life of the University and how chapters can connect their members with the University.

Attendees heard updates from Alumni President Bob

Alumni Chapter, chartered in 2009, joined the group.

Named in honor of former basketball Head Coach John Archer, who compiled a 302-186 record in 17 seasons at the helm of the men’s basketball team, the group was also

Boothe, Alumni Director Faith Ward, Athletic Director Jeremy

recognized during the Senior Night basketball game. Some 30

McClain and others.

former members of Coach Archer’s teams were in attendance

Senior Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Economic Development Walter Givhan, a TROY alumnus, himself, and a

for the reunion weekend.

The Alumni Association also sponsored Leadership

retired Air Force major general, provided an overview of the

Conference participants at the women’s and men’s games

University in the post-Building Beyond Boundaries Capital

against The University of Louisiana at Monroe.

Campaign era—briefing chapter leaders on needs remaining unmet. He also focused on the future of University fundraising and growth. He noted the North End Zone project—the University’s next major building project—was expected to break ground later this spring.

Buddy Starling, Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management, discussed ways in which chapter members could support student recruitment efforts for both traditional and non-traditional students. He also solicited chapter help in

Members of the John Archer Alumni Chapter, pictured above, participate in this year’s Chapter Leadership Conference. (Front row left to right ) Sonny Forrester, William Thigpen, Jud Dye, Bobby Terrell, Tommy Whitehurst, Noel Martin and Terry Wilkerson (Back row left to right) Hamil Martin, Mike Sexton, Ronnie Hays, Doug Carmichael, George Norton, Billy Walls, Charles Clark and Paul Word.

In attendance but not pictured: John Duce, Clayton Bryant, Larry Thorpe, Frank Miller, Jim Pociask, Mike Douthitt, John Enslen, Dean Craig, Sherrill Hicks and Randy Free.

presenting TROY scholarships to high school students in their local areas.

TROY Magazine · 4

Pictured left to right: Jackie Chavez, faculty advisor for LAE; Evan Roberts, president of LAE; Sgt. Michael O’Hara (‘94, ‘98), president of the local FOP; and Jerry Williams (‘69, ‘77), member of FOP and a mentor for Roberts through the University’s alumni mentoring program

Mentoring program builds alumni, student relationships A new mentoring program that connects current students with

college,” Cole said. “It gives them the opportunity to gain new

Troy University alumni is helping to prepare students for life

opinions and insights from a professional adult who is in the

after graduation.

working world—another voice outside of their peer groups or

The mentoring program began last fall as a pilot effort of the TROY Alumni Association and the Office of Career Services,

their families that can provide advice.”

One mentoring relationship has already yielded tangible

which is a part of the University’s John W. Schmidt Center for

results that were of benefit not only to the participating student,

Student Success. Deans from the University’s five colleges were

but other TROY students as well.

asked to recommend students, and then the students were matched with alumni based on career interests or areas of study.

After a kickoff event last September that brought the students

When former Alumni Association President Jerry Williams learned from his mentee, Evan Roberts, about the University’s Lambda Alpha Epsilon Criminal Justice Society’s need for

and their mentors together, the students were given the

funding to help send students to a national conference,

responsibility to reach out and begin to build relationships with

Williams enlisted the help of his fellow members of the Steve

their mentors.

Watkins Memorial Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 57. The

“The program serves as a means to assist students in

result was a donation presented to Roberts, president of LAE,

becoming more prepared for their activities once they

and the organization’s faculty adviser, Dr. Jackie Chavez, that

graduate,” said Faith Ward, director of alumni affairs. “It also

enabled students to attend the conference. Students had the

serves to connect current students with alumni, and

opportunity to compete in pistol competitions, physical agility

interestingly enough, I have received feedback from alumni

courses, crime scene investigations and academic competitions.

involved who feel they have gotten as much out of the program as have their students.”

Lauren Cole, coordinator of career services, said the program

“It has been a great experience for me to be involved with these students,” Williams said. “It has been a long time since I was a student, and it has been an education for me to learn how

provides an opportunity for those students who don’t have

different college life is now. Evan is a great young man,

established connections in the professional world to build those

and the Criminal Justice Society at TROY is doing fantastic

relationships and benefit from the experience of others.

work. I know that I will continue to keep track of Evan long after

“Certainly there are some long-term benefits students can realize from this program that will help them once they are in

he graduates.”

Alumni interested in learning more about the program

the professional world, but it also has a tremendous impact

may contact Faith Ward at 334-670-3318 or by email

in preparing them for the process of transitioning beyond

to fward@troy.edu.

5 · TROY Magazine

6 CHAPTER NEWS

Local scholarships leave lasting legacies

One of the most lasting legacies of an alumni chapter comes

The Elba Chapter was the first to endow a scholarship,

in the form of local scholarships provided to students from the

thanks in part to a matching gift from National Security, which

chapter’s area.

added $10,000 to the $15,000 raised by chapter members.

“We want our chapters to follow a ‘give back’ philosophy,”

More recently, the Band Alumni Chapter, under leadership

Alumni Director Faith Ward said. “The scholarships chapters

of Chapter President Michael Bird and Treasurer Tammy Busby,

provide are of immeasurable importance, not only in terms

was able to start an endowed scholarship with a $2,500 down

of the dollars they provide to students, but also in recruiting

payment, and raised another $25,000 at its Alumni Band

students to TROY.”

Reunion this football season.

As part of the charter agreements, chapters are required

The Emerald Coast Chapter is nearing its commitment to

to provide scholarships. Endowed scholarships form the most

endow a scholarship, and the Tailgater’s Chapter has raised

lasting impact. An endowed scholarship requires a minimum

about $10,000 to support a scholarship for the Student Alumni

$25,000 contribution from the chapter.

Association. The SAA, itself, is also raising money for the

“The important thing is that once a scholarship is endowed,

scholarship, which was formally announced at the annual,

then it’s there forever, and the chapters can continue to build

spring Scholarship Brunch recognizing scholarship donors and

those endowments or choose to focus their attention in areas

recipients.

other than scholarship fundraising,” Ward said. “The money is there for the local kids to use.”

To learn more about contributing to an endowed scholarship, contact the Alumni Association office or the Office of Development at TROY 334-670-3608.

T ROY S U M M E R

CA M PS

A summer your family will never forget Are you looking for summer camps that fit your family’s unique talents and interests? TROY has the perfect blend of options for all ages.

This summer, the Troy Campus will come alive with the Trojan Warrior Spirit as classrooms, stages and fields open for fun and learning.

Whether your children are interested in sports, music, dancing, theatre, math, science, technology or languages, TROY’s summer calendar is full of incredible opportunities and memories to last a lifetime.

◆

Founded in 1887 ◆ troy.edu/camps TROY Magazine · 6

Chancellor Jack Hawkins, Jr. welcomes new Monroe County Alumni Chapter officers with Alumni Director Faith Ward (‘81, ‘87), left, and Membership Coordinator Tanner Hicks (‘14), right. Members shown (from left) are: Circuit Judge Jack Weaver (‘85), president, Marthe Weaver, treasurer, Terry Wilkerson (‘65), vice-president, and Annette West, secretary.

TROY welcomes 61st alumni chapter In the spirit of supporting their University and the students who follow in their footsteps, 86 Monroe County residents

List of Charter Members Keith Baggett, Peggy Baggett, Roger Bayles, Jackie Bayles,

became charter members of TROY’s 61 alumni chapter, the

Robert Booker, Patric Booker, Josh Black, Kristin Black,

Monroe County Alumni Chapter, on Jan. 28.

Daniel Boutwell, Rachael Boutwell, Nancy Boroughs, Woody

st

“About three years ago, I thought that we’d have perhaps

Bozeman, Louise Bozeman, William Carter, Terri Carter, Zac

a southwest Alabama alumni chapter with Conecuh and

Chambers, Jodi Chambers, Peggy Chunn, Autumn Chunn, Mike

Escambia counties. Then I saw the list of TROY graduates

Colquett, Jerri Sue Dunning, Kay English, Faye Estes, Jane

and realized we had enough people just with Monroe County

Feaster, Harvey Gaston, Heather Gaston, Laura Grantham,

alone,” said Circuit Judge Jack Weaver, chapter president.

Preston Griffin, Marilyn Griffin, Cedric Hollinger, La Shannon

“There are eleven in our immediate family who have earned

Hollinger, Joseph Hornady, Leslie Hornady, Jonathan

or are currently earning undergraduate degrees from TROY.

Hornady, Luke Hudson, Anna Hudson, Matt Jernigan, Billy

So, it is obvious that TROY is important to me and our family,

Jones, James Kelly, Cheryl Kelly, Paula Lewis, Sam Martin,

just as it is to many in Monroe County,” he said.

Emilie Martin, Timothy Mason, Nellie Mason, Tim McKenzie,

“That importance is apparent, as indicated by the large

Sherrie McKenzie, Rudolph Munnerlyn, Dylan Munnerlyn, Greg

number of alumni and supporters who have joined our newly

Norris, Terry Norris, Ricky Powell, Joe Pridgen, Ann Pridgen,

formed alumni chapter.”

Wendy Rainer, Ronnie Ray, Ann Ray, Jimmy Reeves, Beverly

While the family connection may have helped, Weaver said

Reeves, Gwendolyn Richardson, Sean Smith, Patricia Smith,

the real motivation for forming the chapter was to help others.

Eddie Snow, Hollie Snow, Becky Snyder, Kenny Stacey, Kathy

“As alumni, we ought to give back by having an active alumni chapter. That’s what got us going,” he said.

Weaver said the goals for “giving back” would be the

Stacey, Sonya Stinson, Thomas Tate, Betty Tate, Stephen Tidwell, Virginia Tidwell, Jack Kenneth Till, W.J. Touchton, Gail Touchton, Mandy West, Annette West, Omer West, Frances

dual mission of sending students to TROY and establishing

White, Barbara Wilkerson, Terry Wilkerson, J. Ryan Williams,

scholarships to assist Monroe County students with books,

Ashley Williams, Jack Weaver, Marthe Weaver, Memorial

tuition and fees.

Membership: Carlisle McClure

Elected as the inaugural set of officers with Weaver are Terry Wilkerson, vice president, Marthe Weaver, treasurer and Annette West, secretary.

7 · TROY Magazine

TROY alumni cheer on Trojans in Pensacola Trojans from the Pensacola and Emerald Coast alumni chapters teamed up with the Alumni Association to host tailgates at the Pensacola Blue Wahoos Stadium March 4-5 for a weekend of Trojan baseball.

Prospective students from the area were invited to Friday’s tailgate, and alumni members socialized and networked on Saturday.

The Trojans played Auburn, Southern Mississippi and Michigan State, garnering a 4-3 win in 11 innings over Auburn and featuring the first pitch by Chancellor Jack Hawkins, Jr. and the game-winning, two-out, walk-off single by sophomore infielder Matt Sanders.

Chancellor Jack Hawkins, Jr. throws out the first pitch of the TROY vs. Auburn baseball game.

Athletic Director Jeremy McClain, and alumni Mike Amos (‘70) and Bob Youmans (‘63) celebrate at an alumni tailgating event.

Hosting alumni and prospective students at Pensacola tailgates in March are (left to right): Pensacola Chapter members Cal Bodenstein (‘63), Wayland Foster (‘63), Rick Choate (‘07), Pensacola Chapter President Steve Timberlake (‘81) and Emerald Coast Chapter President Joe Judkins (‘97).

TROY Magazine · 8

Center for

international language and culture Founded

By Andy Ellis

From left to right: Yumin Zhao, Dr. Earl Ingram, Dr. Iris Xu, Baiyu Xu, of the education office at the Chinese consulate in Houston, and Chancellor Jack Hawkins, Jr. ring in the Chinese New Year.

The drums sounded and two brightly colored lions bounded back and forth across the ballroom at the Montgomery Country Club on Feb. 4. with that, Troy University’ s Confucius Institute celebrated the start of the “Year of the Monkey” and ushered in a new initiative that will further enhance its international mission.

9 · TROY Magazine

Amid the backdrop of the Confucius Institute’s Spring Festival or Chinese New Year’s celebration, Troy University Chancellor Jack Hawkins, Jr. announced the establishment of a new Center for International Language and Culture to be located on the University’s Montgomer y Campus.

The center will provide expanded oppor tunities for students and residents of the River Region to study international languages such as Mandarin and Korean.

TROY will par tner with the Alabama-Korean Education and Economic Par tnership to create the center, which will include offices in the Rosa Parks Librar y and Museum on TROY’s Montgomer y Campus.

“This center will bring an expanded capacity to Montgomery in the teaching of languages and also will enhance our economic development opportunities in China and Korea,” Dr. Hawkins said.

“The center will be direc ted by a distinguished scholar—the direc tor of our Confucius Institute at TROY, Dr. Iris Xu.” Dr. Hawkins said developing a growing understanding of other cultures is par ticularly impor tant for Alabama given the location of plants by companies such as Hyundai and Kia and the fac t that China represents the state’s second largest trading par tner.

“The world is coming together today more than ever before, and it behooves all of us to grow our understanding of other cultures and languages so that we can learn to appreciate them and build lasting relationships that will benefit us all,” he said.

Sen. Gerald Dial, President Pro-tem of the TROY Board of Trustees, said the center provides an impor tant oppor tunity for young people to become globally aware.

“Both China and Korea are impor tant to this region and truly impor tant to economic development oppor tunities,” Dial said. “This center will enable our students to learn about international languages and cultures and will better prepare them to be global citizens and produc tive members of the world marketplace.”

Dr. Lance Tatum, Vice Chancellor of the Montgomer y Campus, said the center is a good fit for the River Region.

“The influence and impor tance of international business ac tivity in the River Region can’t be understated,” Tatum said.

“Troy Montgomer y is thrilled at the oppor tunity of playing a more significant role in promoting and recruiting international par tners, as well as ser ving the international community in Montgomer y through the Center.”

The Chinese New Year’s celebration concluded with Dr. Hawkins paying tribute to Dr. Xu. Dr. Xu was honored in Januar y with the Alabama World Languages Association’s Outstanding Administrator Award and was one of 10 “Women of Consequence” honored by the Birmingham International Center in 2015.

TROY Magazine · 10

Finance professor lends expertise to U.S. Senate Banking Committee A year into his transition from Troy University to Capitol Hill, Dr. Thomas Hogan is already making an impact on the country’s economic policies.

As chief economist for the U.S. Senate Committee on role last year in helping the committee’s chairman, Sen. Richard Shelby, develop his financial reform bill.

Hogan and a staff of about a dozen people advise the committee, which consists of 22 senators.

For Hogan, the new position has been an exciting way to put his economic skills to work developing policy in Washington.

professor of finance in the Johnson Center for Political Economy. “When I first came

to join the Senate Banking Committee early last year.

It was his free-market philosophy, he said, that drew him to both TROY and to working as a member of Shelby’s staff on the Senate Banking Committee.

“The Johnson Center for Political Economy at Troy University was founded with a donation from Manuel Johnson, who was formerly the vice chairman of the Federal Reserve and is a consistent supporter of free markets,” Hogan said. “The term ‘political economy’ means we

“It has been a whirlwind,” said Hogan, who is on where he is an assistant

Insurance Corporation.

“There’s never a dull moment,” said Hogan, who got the call

Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, Hogan played an integral

leave from the University,

agencies like the Federal Reserve and the Federal Deposit

study the interaction of politics and economics and how

JOHNSON CENTER

TROY UNIVERSITY

regulations might help or harm the economy. I was pleased to have the opportunity to work with the many great scholars at the Johnson Center. The same

onboard, the committee staff was helping Sen. Shelby prepare

is true of working for Sen. Shelby, a longtime supporter of

his 2015 financial reform bill. I was thrown right in the middle of

free-market capitalism.”

this effort, helping to decide which reforms would be the most effective and discussing the potential economic impacts.”

During the summer, he organized a series of committee

The whirlwind is unlikely to slow down for Hogan any time soon.

His duties include advising Shelby and other committee members on financial legislation, monitoring financial

hearings on a variety of economic topics, then spent the fall

regulatory agencies and organizing hearings and briefings to

meeting with economists and representatives from regulatory

support Shelby’s economic platform.

11 · TROY Magazine

Senior broke new ground for Greek system

by Greg Phillips

Dexavia Turner Carry on a conversation with Dexavia Turner and you’ll hear

“I never thought that I would have to do anything like that,”

words like “grateful,” “thankful” and “we” more than words like

she said. “One lesson I want to share — a line in our symphony

“trailblazer,” “innovator” and “I.”

that holds true to every Chi Omega — is to be womanly always

She’s not one to tout her achievements, but the humble

and to be discouraged never. That resonated with me when I

22-year-old senior spent last year breaking new ground as

joined Chi Omega, and I’ve been living that every day since

Troy University’s first African-American president of a National

I’ve been a Chi Omega.”

Panhellenic Conference sorority.

Turner, an accounting major from Tuscaloosa, served as Chi Omega’s president on the Troy Campus from January through December 2015.

“It was one of the most amazing experiences that I’ve ever

While she won’t brag about being president of Chi Omega, she is proud of the accomplishment and hopes it sets the stage for the future of the Greek system.

“I was so grateful for that opportunity, and it meant so much,” Turner said. “I hope this means our Greek system

encountered in my life,” Turner said. “It was very unexpected,

will be more diverse and be more open to all people and all

to say the least. Chi Omega saw something in me that I didn’t

different cultures and backgrounds, because we all have a

see in myself.”

different story and something to bring to the table.”

As president, Turner was put in charge of 180 women, and the crash course in responsibility taught her lessons she says

ABGDEZEHQIKLMNXOPRSTUFCYW

she’ll take through the rest of her life.

Dexavia Turner (center), poses with sorority sisters (left to right) Sara Patrick (‘15), Zahra Qureshi (‘15), Carly Jacoby (‘15), Caroline Clark (‘15), Shauna Hutzler (‘16) and Robin Blackmon (‘15).

Turner shares a moment of excitement with sorority sister Carly Gagliano (‘16).

TROY Magazine · 12

Worldrenowned pianist finds inclusion through jazz music

by Emily Price

13 ¡ TROY Magazine

When world-renowned jazz pianist Marcus Rober ts

“It’s great knowing there’s a university down south that

per forms, his hands command the attention of the room.

takes these things seriously and acknowledges that ever yone

Watching as his confident fingers fly across the keys of a

deser ves an oppor tunity to fulfill their potential with suppor t

Steinway piano, it’s hard to imagine him, as a child, placing his

and technology,” he said. “…I lef t thinking I can’t wait to

hands on the Braille alphabet or a piano’s keys for the first time.

come back and do something over a longer period of time.”

Since going blind at the age of 5, Rober ts has learned

During his inaugural visit to the Troy Campus, Rober ts was

a lot about life and his chosen craf t. At TROY’s 21 annual

happy to play alongside members of Troy University’s Jazz

Helen Keller Lec ture Series, the celebrated musician shared

Ensemble during a question-and-answer jam session. Jazz

not only his life’s stor y, but also his insight into a world that

Ensemble Direc tor Eric Ward (’08) said being able to give

rarely celebrates those living and succeeding despite their

ensemble members, as well as TROY music and music industr y

disabilities.

students, the chance to work and talk with one of his jazz

st

“When people see a disability or confront one, they’re filled with fear and uncer tainty that has less to do with you

heroes was an experience he’ll never forget.

“It’s like a dream come true,” he said. “It’s an unbelievable

than their own fear of ‘what would I do if I woke up in this

experience. A lot of people don’t get access to people of his

situation?’” he said.

talent. …You don’t realize how lucky you are as a student [to

Within a society full of stereotypes and phobias, Rober ts said he believes TROY’s Helen Keller Lec ture Series and other similar events celebrate the achievements of people with

have oppor tunities like this] until you graduate, and you’re out there in the real world.”

Rober ts said teaching and mentorship play a major roles in

disabilities while also giving “hope to the people who are

his life, so sitting down with TROY students was a high point

just regular folks and who want regular lives and want regular

of his day.

oppor tunities to par ticipate in the culture.”

“Guidance and direc tion are critical components in

“I think ultimately that’s probably what subconsciously

becoming a successful ar tist,” Rober ts said. “When I was

attrac ted me to jazz music and becoming a jazz pianist,” he

a student, I never had the chance to work with [seasoned

said. “Jazz music is about inclusion.”

ar tists], which is why I do it. … Any help and mentorship you

d

Rober ts said much like jazz, TROY has a spirit of inclusion not of ten found in today’s world.

can get along the way is invaluable.”

TROY celebrated the beginning of its second year as an All-Steinway School by welcoming celebrated jazz pianist Marcus Roberts to its Troy Campus for a day of music and teaching.

Beginning his day as the keynote speaker for the 21st Annual Helen Keller Lecture Series, the world-renowned musician also received the distinction of becoming the University’s first visiting Steinway artist to headline the TROY Steinway Artist Performance Series Concert.

Troy University’s own Steinway Artist Dr. Hui-Ting Yang headlined the concert series in 2015.

Recognizing TROY’s dedication to its students through its All-Steinway Initiative, Roberts said the University has a lot of reasons to celebrate.

“I think [being an All-Steinway School] says TROY is committed to giving its students quality experiences,” he said. “Most students don’t get the chance to learn on Steinways. It’s a very special thing. I think Dr. Hawkins has done an excellent job at providing diversity among the student body and within the experiences they have there. He’s got an inclusive approach to the whole program, and it’s great to see.”

TROY Magazine · 14

Freshman making waves on social media

By Greg Phillips

Not bad for a 19 year old fresh out of high school.

“We started three summers ago,

A Troy University freshman is also

dancing,” he said. “It’s all familyfriendly content. My family and friends

myself and two of my really good

are a huge part of my videos. It goes

friends,” said LaBrant, a Troy native

anywhere from goofing around in the car

who moved to Enterprise two years

to random dances to comedy skits. It’s

ago. “We threw a video up on Vine, just

all over the place.”

completely playing around and joking, TROY students Andrew Livingtson (left), Cole LaBrant (center) and Chase Haney (right) document their progress at this year’s 4th annual Color Me KD 5K.

“It’s escalated from just humorous

The videos’ success has afforded him

and it got decent likes in one day, so we

opportunities most teenagers would

thought we’d try again the next day.”

only dream about.

After a week of daily videos, LaBrant

But despite his early success, LaBrant,

and his friends had 100,000 followers.

the son of TROY professor Ken LaBrant,

By the end of the month, they had

knows the importance of a college

more than 1 million. Soon, with his

education.

one of the country’s biggest social

friends moving away or going into other

media sensations.

ventures, LaBrant dove head-first into

long as I can and as long as God allows

the social media landscape.

me to, but I definitely want to stay in

Cole LaBrant, known as The Super Cole on various social media platforms,

“I would love to continue using it as

“It blew up really big,” LaBrant said. “A

college, because (social media) is very

has built a social media empire that

lot of times people ask me how they can do

flimsy,” he said. “You just never know

includes 119,000 Twitter followers,

it, and I tell them, ‘If I went back three years

how it’s going to go. I’m going to stick

683,000 Instagram followers and an

ago, I don’t think that I could do it again.’

with it, and if it’s supposed to happen,

incredible 6.7 million Vine followers.

It’s just one of those things that if it’s going

then it’ll happen.”

As a result of his social media success, he’s been a star on CBS’ “The Amazing

to happen, it’s going to happen.”

LaBrant’s Vines, six-second looped

LaBrant can be found on Vine under his name and on Instagram,

Race,” appeared in a TV commercial for

videos designed for sharing, started with

Twitter, Facebook and Snapchat as

HP and traveled across the country for a

dancing and have evolved into a variety

TheSuperCole.

variety of projects.

of comedic and adventurous topics.

15 · TROY Magazine

TROY’s Tri Beta students are provided resources and opportunities to further explore STEM fields and conduct research. Pictured here: Undergraduate students (left to right) Elena Brown, Callie Bennett, Katrina Bokenfohr and Madison Clark work with Dr. Joong-Wook Park.

New school prepares students to flourish in STEM careers

By Greg Phillips

“We have always done research,”

locally and nationally. It is not sufficient

projects the need for 1 million

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Menon said. “We’ve been publishing

for students to come to Troy University,

more STEM—science, technology,

papers, we’ve been getting grants, but

go through a curriculum, graduate and

engineering and mathematics—

there has not been an effort to unify

go elsewhere. While they are here,

professionals by 2022.

these ideas and to have central themes

it is important they do research with

of research….”

groups of people not just based in our

TROY’s School of Science and Technology began operations as a unit

Simply being recognized as a school

University. The mere creation of the

of the College of Arts and Sciences in

gives the associated departments

school will find ways to get resources for

the fall of 2015 to provide students with

increased awareness.

these things to happen.”

thorough STEM-related instruction,

“That recognition gives us leverage

Menon envisions biologists and

mentoring and advising, as well as

for research, for outreach, for

physicists working alongside one

expanded opportunities to participate

advertising,” Menon said. “It spreads

another rather than in separate labs.

in research and application of principles.

the word, students get to hear about

The school consists of the

“For example, in the past if you were

us, but slowly we hope to accumulate

a biology major, you worked with a

departments of Chemistry and

enough resources to do what we do

biology professor in a biology lab,” he

Physics, Mathematics and Geomatics,

better and also to do other, new things.”

said. “Well, why should that be the case?

Computer Science and Biological and Environmental Sciences.

Dr. Govind Menon, director of the school, describes it as a work in

Menon also envisions more

Today, maybe you have a physicist who

interactivity between departments as

is working on electronic circuits and is

well as outside sources.

perhaps thinking of circuits necessary

“You cannot do any learning in

for implanting into a biological system,

progress, but one that will ultimately

isolation,” he said. “You have to connect

so there’s joint research where biologists

raise the University’s academic value.

globally and internationally as well as

and physicists can work together.”

“You have to connect globally and internationally as well as locally and nationally.”

- Dr. Govind Menon TROY Magazine · 16

Civil Rights activist Juanita Jones Abernathy speaks on the importance of voting at this years Troy University Leadership Conference Celebrating African American History Month.

17 ¡ TROY Magazine

Conference message: Difficult discussions lead to better understanding February’s 15 th annual Troy University Leadership Conference

“You might think that your vote doesn’t count. But what would

Celebrating African American History Month began with the

happen if a thousand people thought like that? You need to

Generation Z members of the Wilcox Central High School

register and you need to vote,” Abernathy said. “Your vote runs

Choir joining voices with a foot soldier from the Civil Rights

this country. Your legislators may not tell you, but what you say

Movement to sing, “One day when the glory comes, it will be

in the ballot box determines what they do in Washington, and

ours, it will be ours.”

you need not ever forget it. You are important.”

As the first keynote speaker of the conference, renowned Civil Rights activist and speaker Juanita Jones Abernathy urged young people to make a difference. The widow of the Rev. Dr. Ralph David Abernathy, Martin Luther King Jr.’s closest associate, Juanita Abernathy was pivotally involved in the Civil Rights Movement from the inception of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. For much of her life, her work has taken her worldwide for the cause of justice and equality for all people.

“You all, as young people, see the injustices in America today, and you can make a difference if you stand up so that you are counted,” Abernathy said. “Because things are not like they should be.”

The annual Leadership Conference is co-sponsored by the University and the city of Troy and seeks to promote dialogue that fosters multicultural collaboration and equip diverse leaders with the tools to better serve their organizations and communities. This year’s theme was “Remembering Our Origins, Opportunities, Truth and Spirituality.”

Abernathy’s message fit closely with that of the message delivered by Jasmine Guy, the actor, director and dancer who served as the keynote speaker on the second day of the conference.

Guy urged the conference’s attendees to spark difficult conversations with their peers, parents and others.

“Now, we are separated,” Guy said. “We are not talking to each other. We’re not sharing stories. We don’t even watch TV together anymore.”

According to Guy, it’s imperative that families have tough, difficult discussions again—something she feels has been lost in recent years.

Both Guy and Abernathy spoke of the importance of voting

TROY Trustee Lamar Higgins was thanked and honored by the University as well as the City of Troy for his contributions to the Leadership Conference throughout the years.

Higgins spearheaded the conference in 2002 and has played an integral part of its growth and continued success.

The City presented a plaque to Higgins in appreciation of his “15 years of selfless service and dedication to the Leadership Conference Celebrating African American History Month and for exemplifying true servant-leadership, vision and passion.”

After 15 years on the conference board of directors, Higgins has decided to transition his role into an emeritus status.

and taking part in the political process.

TROY Magazine · 18

TROY Online logs in to student success

By Andy Ellis

ONLINE In the 1950s, Troy University stepped into the wild frontier of

The sense of community that is synonymous with studying

distance learning by taking learning opportunities to soldiers

on one of TROY’s traditional campuses is also found in TROY

stationed at Ft. Rucker in Alabama. Flash forward five decades,

Online. This culture of caring is one of the many reasons Best

and TROY Online is not only the oldest but also the largest

Value Colleges has ranked Troy University No. 15 in its 50 best

online learning program in the state.

Online Colleges list for 2016.

“There has been prolific growth in the number of universities

Alumnus and nursing professional Sabrina McDaniel-Colburn

providing online education,” Dr. Glynn Cavin, Associate Vice

said the quality of education she’s received from TROY —in

Chancellor for TROY Online, said. “Of the 4,000 or so public

class and online—has allowed her to excel in her career. Having

colleges and universities in the United States, 3,000 are offering

earned her ASN from TROY in 1997, McDaniel-Colburn had

online programs and that number continues to grow. TROY

reservations about returning to TROY for her BSN more than

serves a diverse population through our online programs. For

10 years later. However, those worries and trepidations were

the non-traditional, adult learners looking to complete their

relieved once she began her coursework through TROY Online.

education or advance their careers, going to college can be

“I have had a rewarding experience at Troy University,” she

an intimidating process. We have to take their needs and fears

said. “TROY has enabled me to accomplish multiple goals

into account as we seek to help them succeed and meet their

throughout several stages of my life whether it be in class or

educational goals.”

online.”

19 · TROY Magazine

In 2013, the mother of two completed her BSN and has re-enrolled in TROY Online to complete her MSN in order to become a Family Nurse Practitioner.

Along with affordability and quality, TROY leaders and

which prepares online faculty to help students deal with their challenges.

“The Trojan Café was an effort to help provide students with self-help articles, resume review services and career resources

professors such as Dr. Kanessa Miller Doss, assistant professor

and other activities and services that help connect students

of psychology, have committed to bring a sense of community

with the University,” he said. “… And the Center enables us to

to their online students.

introduce faculty to techniques and technologies that can be

“Teaching at Troy University is a rewarding career because we connect with diverse students and aid them in unraveling their

used in the online environment to provide students with a highquality, enriching and enjoyable educational experience.”

true potential,” Doss said. “I teach interactive classes online as well as flexible, blended courses and face-to-face classes.

I offer a variety of formats to meet the needs of distance students.”

Cavin said to further meet the needs of online students, TROY has created unique resources such Trojan Café, a virtual student union, and the Center of Excellence in eTeaching, TROY Magazine · 20

21ATHLETICS Champion athlete inspires on, off the court TROY Women’s Basketball senior Ashley Beverly Kelley comes from a basketball family, and she began learning the fundamentals of the game at the young age of 5. Basketball has opened doors to success for Beverly Kelley—the first three-time All-Sun Belt selection in TROY history—and now she uses her platform to give back to the community.

If she’s not honing her own skills that helped her lead the Sun Belt in scoring last season, or studying for a degree in exercise science, Beverly Kelley can usually be found tutoring kids at the Troy Recreation Center “I want to give back to the community,” Beverly Kelley said. “I go Monday through Sunday, and I teach them the basics of basketball. I tell them about my life story, about how I started playing and the process that I had to go through to become good and get a basketball scholarship.”

That work in the community has garnered national attention as Beverly Kelley was a nominee for the 2016 Allstate WBCA Good Works Team—the only nominee from the Sun Belt. She was also a candidate for the Senior CLASS Award—one of just two nominees from the Sun Belt.

On the court, Beverly Kelley will leave TROY as one of the all-time greats. She has scored more points than any player in TROY’s 23-year Division I history, grabbed more steals than anybody in the program’s history and is also in the Sun Belt Conference’s all-time top 15 in both scoring and steals.

“The amount of time and effort Ashley dedicates to becoming a great basketball player is remarkable,” TROY head coach Chanda Rigby said. “She is the hardest working basketball player I’ve ever coached.

“What is even more remarkable is the amount of time and effort she dedicates to serving others,” she added. “I believe people would be really surprised if they knew how much she gives back to the young people in the Troy community.”

Since joining TROY’s Women’s Basketball team in 2012, Ashley Beverly Kelley has become one of the program’s most celebrated players.

21 · TROY Magazine

TROY Women’s Basketball brings home first Sun Belt title The 2016 TROY Women’s Basketball team made University history by bringing home the program’s first Sun Belt Championship title. Pictured above are teammates (standing: left to right) Caitlyn Ramirez, Dajia Williams, Casie Johnson, ArJae’ Saunders, Kristen Emerson, Amahni Upshaw, Claresa Banks, Lauren Day, Jayla Chills, Ashton Coleman, Jasmine Green, (kneeling: left to right) Ashley Beverly Kelley, Ta’Kierra Gibbs, Amanda Mendoza and Yasmine Sturdivant.

The Troy University women’s

in the regular season. TROY trailed at

The Sun Belt tournament

basketball team has been no stranger

halftime, but dominated the second half

championship was the first in TROY

to adversity, and now it is no stranger

and cruised past the Jaguars, 62-49.

history and put the Trojans into the

to winning championships. The Trojans

Next up was the semifinals and a

NCAA tournament for just the second

made a remarkable run through the

date with the Sun Belt regular season

time in program history and the first

Sun Belt Conference tournament

champion—and the tournament’s

time since 1997. The win also gave the

in March and came through as

top seed—Arkansas State. Like South

Trojans back-to-back, 20-win seasons

champions, representing TROY and

Alabama, Arkansas State had beaten

for the first time in program history—

the Sun Belt Conference in the NCAA

TROY twice in the regular season.

something nearly unthinkable four years

Championships.

The Trojans and Red Wolves played

ago when TROY was coming off a 2-26

one of the most entertaining women’s

season in 2011-12.

In early February, the Trojans were fresh off their sixth straight loss,

basketball games of the entire season,

dropping their record to 10-11 overall

and TROY came out on top, 96-89.

and 5-7 in Sun Belt play.

The Trojans, under fourth-year

Life didn’t get any easier in the

The Trojans earned a No. 15-seed in the NCAA Championship and made a cross-country trip to take on No. 2-seed

championship game where No. 2 seed

Oregon State in Corvallis, Oregon. In

head coach Chanda Rigby, knew what

Little Rock waited with its 15-game

front of 4,000 fans at Gill Coliseum,

they were capable of and wanted

winning streak. TROY was down by 10

and thousands more on ESPN2, the

to recapture the magic of 2014-15’s

points late in the third quarter, but

Trojans continued to put TROY women’s

20-win season. TROY responded by

senior Ashley Beverly Kelley made

basketball and TROY on the map.

winning seven of its final eight games,

a go-ahead jumper with 20 seconds

earning the No. 4 seed in the Sun Belt

remaining, and junior Caitlyn Ramirez

team—Ashley Beverly Kelley—and

Championships in New Orleans.

made the game-winning block at the

despite losing one of the program’s

That seeding earned the Trojans

TROY had just one senior on the

buzzer to give TROY a 61-60 win, inciting

best players, the team will likely be one

a quarterfinal date with No. 5 South

a frenzied celebration on the Lakefront

of the favorites to win the Sun Belt again

Alabama, an in-state rivalry game

Arena court.

in 2016-17.

against a team that beat TROY twice TROY Magazine · 22

TROY Sports Hall of Fame welcomes its fifth class

Six former Troy University student-athletes, one administrator and the long-time “Voice of the Trojans” were enshrined into the Troy University Sports Hall of Fame at a sold-out ceremony April 9 in Trojan Arena.

The fifth class inducted into the Troy University Sports Hall of Fame consisted of Sandy Atkins (softball/administration), Ralph Black (broadcasting), David Felix (men’s basketball), Al Lucas (football), Rick Maxey (football), Terry McCord (men’s basketball), Charles Pickett (football) and Johnny Williams (administration).

With this year’s class, the Troy University Sports Hall of Fame continued to grow in diversity. Atkins became the first representative from the softball program to be immortalized among the greats in TROY history.

The Troy University Sports Hall of Fame is now home to 43 of the greatest student-athletes and administrators to call TROY home, including NFL greats DeMarcus Ware, Lawrence Tynes and Osi Umenyiora, plus 11-year MLB veteran Danny Cox. Earlier inductees into the Sports Hall of Fame include trailblazers in women’s athletics Kathy Russell, Denise Monroe and Joyce Sorrell.

The Troy University Sports Hall of Fame is located in the rotunda of Trojan Arena and features interactive displays with videos and pictures of all the inductees as well as historic TROY Athletics artifacts.

23 · TROY Magazine

Sandy Atkins – Softball & Administation A dynamic offensive threat, Sandy

games, including TROY’s first season as

America selection following his senior

a Division I member. Still an important

year in 1999, Lucas led the Trojans to

voice in the Troy community, Black is an

an 11-2 record and a berth in the NCAA

on-air personality at WTBF, and he can

FCS (I-AA) quarterfinals. He finished the

Atkins helped lead the TROY softball

be heard as the public address voice for

season with 129 tackles and 20 tackles

team to its best season in school history

Charles Henderson High School football

for loss, which rank as the ninth and third

in 1995, while at the same time etching

in addition to several local high school

most in a single-season in school history.

her name in the TROY record book.

radio broadcasts.

His senior season didn’t come as much

Additionally, Atkins helped pave the way for the future of the TROY softball program as she played on the first two teams in the program’s Division I history.

A native of Sweet Water, Alabama, Atkins finished her TROY career with a .359 batting average over two seasons, which is a number that still holds true as the best in school history. Atkins went on to earn her master’s from Kentucky and later joined TROY’s staff in 2001.

She currently serves as the Senior Associate Athletics Director and Senior Woman Administrator.

Ralph Black – Broadcast

David Felix – Men’s Basketball David Felix’s legacy is full of recordsetting and historic milestones, both as a player and a coach. As a member of the 1973-77 Trojans, Felix led TROY to a trio of winning seasons and still holds the school records for assists (625) and steals (251). A three-time AllGulf South Conference selection, Felix was instrumental in TROY’s 1977 Gulf South Conference championship. After graduation, Felix spent two seasons as the head coach at Lowndes Academy before returning to TROY for a 32-season career as an assistant coach where he

of a surprise as the Macon, Georgia, native earned All-America honors as a junior. Lucas played 20 games for the Carolina Panthers in the NFL from 200001 and was the fourth overall pick in the 2003 NFL Europe Draft, but elected to play in the Arena Football League (AFL) where he helped the Arizona Rattlers win the Arena Bowl. Lucas passed away at the age of 26 from an injury suffered in 2005 during an AFL game between Lucas’ Los Angeles Avengers and the New York Dragons. The AFL renamed its Hero Award to the Al Lucas Award, while the Maxwell Football Club has named its AFL Player of the Year award in his honor.

Throughout his 26-year career as

helped guide the Trojans to four trips

TROY’s “Voice of the Trojans,” Ralph

to the NCAA Division II Tournament,

Black’s “Holy Mackerel” call punctuated

a pair of NCAA Division II Final Four

some of the most celebrated moments

appearances (1988, 1993), one NCAA

players of the 1970s, Rick Maxey was

in TROY history, including four national

Division I Tournament appearance in

a four-year starter for the Trojans at

championship games. A native of

2003 and two NIT appearances.

linebacker and was named one of the

Montgomery, Alabama, Black called more than 1,000 TROY sporting events from 1976 to 2002 and helped build

Al Lucas – Football Two-time All-American and 1999 Buck

Rick Maxey – Footba ll One of the most feared defensive

team’s permanent captains his senior year. A native of Ocoee, Florida, Maxey led the Trojans in tackles as a

the Troy State Sports Network into one

Buchanan Award winner Al Lucas was

sophomore and a senior en route to

of the largest of its kind in Alabama.

a true force on TROY’s defensive line

earning NAIA All-District honors his

He called 122 straight TROY football

during the late 1990s. A unanimous All-

sophomore campaign. A member of

Student-athletes set GPA record

Troy University student-athletes set records off the fields of play in 2014-15 by earning a combined 3.01 grade point average, the highest in the University’s history. “The No. 1 priority of any athletics department should be to see its student-athletes excel in the classroom first,” Director of Athletics Jeremy McClain said. “That commitment at TROY is evident in the numbers Trojan studentathletes have put up in the classroom over the past year.”

TROY Magazine · 24

the 1974-77 football teams, Maxey

in the American Football Association

in addition to the construction of new

helped lead TROY to a 1976 Gulf South

and was named Defensive MVP in the

soccer and track and field complex plus

Conference championship. In addition to

1979 Championship Game. Following

a new softball complex. Following his

leading TROY in tackles as a sophomore,

football, Pickett opened Pickett Marine

10-year run as TROY’s athletics director,

he also recorded 15 sacks that season,

Construction in 1980 and serves as the

Williams spent three years as the

a number that still ranks as the fifth

company’s president.

senior associate athletic director at the

most in school history. Today, Maxey’s career numbers stand the test of time.

Maxey’s commitment to football led him to coach pee wee football for 15 years in addition to serving on the TROY Alumni Association Board of Directors and as the Director of Education Policy for the State University System of Florida.

Terry McCord – Men’s Basketball One of the top offensive players in TROY men’s basketball history, Terry McCord not only lit up the scoreboard, but he also helped lead TROY to the 1993 NCAA Division II National Championship game. A native of Anniston, Alabama, McCord earned All-America honors his senior year after averaging a TROY single-season record of 24.2 points per game. McCord also set TROY single-season record that season for free throws made (156).

Among his many achievements, McCord also ranks second all-time in scoring average at 22.0 points per game.

McCord shot more than 50 percent from the floor and made 136 3-pointers in his career with the Trojans. Troy posted a 50-11 combined record in his two seasons and the Trojans played in the NCAA South Regional his junior year.

Johnny Williams – Administration One of the instrumental leaders in TROY’s move from NCAA Division II to Division I, Johnny Williams’ impact on TROY Athletics, and collegiate athletics as a whole, continues to be felt. Williams was named TROY’s athletics director in the spring of 1994 following a seven-year stint as TROY’s defensive coordinator.

University of Alabama. He then founded Creative Marketing Management in 2007, which specializes in all areas of sports business. Williams turned his attention back to football in 2013 when he served as the executive director of the Raycom College Football All-Star Classic.

Williams helped turn that all-star game into the Camellia Bowl the following year and he currently serves as the game’s executive director.

Williams assisted in the athletic department’s business office and with football promotions, as well as serving as football recruiting coordinator.

Prior to his appointment as athletics director, Williams was an original member of the Athletic Challenge Fund Steering Committee, which was the precursor to the committee that raised $1 million in less than two years to initiate TROY’s move to Division I. During his tenure as athletics director, the TROY football team advanced to the FCS (I-AA) Playoffs six times in seven years and began playing at the FBS (I-A) level in 2001. Williams helped pave the way for upgrades to be made to Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tine Davis Fieldhouse and Riddle-Pace Field,

Charles Pickett – Footballl Charles Pickett’s name is littered throughout the TROY defensive record book following an All-American career.

Pickett earned honorable mention AllAmerica and NAIA All-District honors following his junior season in 1975 after recording 106 tackles and 19 sacks. The Jacksonville, Florida, native followed with another 19-sack season his senior year as the Trojans went on to win the Gulf South Conference championship.

Pickett led the Trojans in tackles in the

FPO

1974 and 1976 seasons and finished his career with 43 sacks, which is 12 more than the next closest Trojan on the list. Pickett later played for four years 25 · TROY Magazine

Ralph Black receives his Troy University Hall of Fame award from Chancellor Jack Hawkins, Jr.

Troy Campus dedicates, opens premier golf facility

Both men’s and women’s programs have already benefitted

One of the premier, college golf practice facilities in the country opened its doors in the fall of 2015 on Troy University’s

from the new practice facilities as the men’s team is coming

Troy Campus.

off an appearance in the NCAA New Haven Regional last

The culmination of the multi-year project came in October when

season, while the women’s team has won back-to-back Sun

the state-of-the-art Troy University Golf Clubhouse was dedicated.

Belt Conference titles and made a pair of consecutive NCAA

The building completes the renovation of the TROY golf facility

Regional appearances.

that also features a new 35-acre, multi-use practice course.

Trojan Golf MVP shares a lesson in golf fundamentals

By Kim Swan (’80)

Good Rhythm & Timing Essential Let us not forget that rhythm is a key

Golf Senses—Trust, Good Timing and Feel

fundamental of golf—an essential ingredient

At the end of the day, a golfer must feel

of golf often ignored, seldom practiced and

confident enough to trust their golf swing.

greatly undervalued by many golfers. Timing

Trust cannot be seen, while feel/touch are

is the unseen quality that translates to feel,

natural senses that are necessary for success

often described as fluidity or silky smooth.

in the proper execution of a golf shot—

Try Practicing Consistently with Music

especially in a competitive environment.

Good rhythm in golf is invaluable to develop a swinging motion that repeats

Music is a tool often used by golf

thus producing the flowing chain reaction

practitioners for decades, both coaches and players, to convey the essential feelings required to incorporate proper timing and to establish the tempo that fits the personality

Photo by Candice Dickinson

Kim Swan (‘80)

of the golfer. There is no one-size-fits-all. Different tunes fit different golfing styles, player personas—make no mistake,

a fluid swing provides. Good timing is not only important for a golfer to hit the ball solidly, but when a player knows they have

good timing, it puts that player in the proper frame of mind to execute a golf shot.

good rhythm is essential.

Timing Drills

Keep Golf Simple—Focus on Proper Fundamentals

Having received coaching from the late, great Dia Rees Ryder

Many golfers get preoccupied emulating the extraordinary moves captured on camera of the best golfers in the world.

At Port Royal Golf Developmental Program, we “keep it simple” and

Cup Captain (1957) at South Herts Club in England, I know firsthand the importance he and his contemporaries placed on the need for good timing.

Here is an ageless drill

purposefully emphasize proper fundamentals. We go to lengths to

Practing hitting every club 100 yards while listening to a

explain the significance of proper fundamentals/techniques in golf—

classical waltz.

aim, grip, posture/ball position/stance, rhythm and balance that

As a Troy State University student, Kim Swan won two NCAA

promotes a swinging motion-based on turning on plane.

collegiate tournaments and was named the golf team’s Most Valuable Player in 1978 and 1979. Today, he is a former member of the PGA European Tour, a three-time Bermuda Open Champion, past president of the Bermuda PGA, and a teaching pro at Port Royal Golf Course in Bermuda.

TROY Magazine · 26

Ware, Addison newest additions to TROY’s rich Super Bowl history The Super Bowl is one of the grandest spectacles in all of

In the AFC Championship Game against New England, Ware

sports and draws more than 111 million television viewers every

sacked Tom Brady twice and put the former MVP quarterback

year. In the 50 th installment of the Super Bowl, TROY was one

on his back seven times and hurried him on four other

of just 12 college football teams, and the only school not in a

occasions. In the Super Bowl, Ware sacked MVP Cam Newton

Power Five conference, to be represented by a player on both

twice and recorded five tackles in the Broncos’ 24-10 victory.

teams as DeMarcus Ware suited up for the Denver Broncos and Mario Addison suited up for the Carolina Panthers.

Trojan football already had a rich history of former players

While Ware is more the household name in the NFL, Addison made quite a reputation for himself on a Panthers squad that went 15-1 on the season. A five-year veteran, Addison posted

winning Super Bowl titles with seven combined Super Bowl

the second-highest sack total for the NFC Champions with

rings between five players. In fact, no past Trojan that had

six on the year. He was also instrumental in the Panthers’ run

stepped foot on the field in a Super Bowl had walked away

to the Super Bowl with a forced fumble against Arizona and a

without a ring on his finger.

quarterback pressure that led to an interception against Seattle.

Ware spent nine seasons as the face of the Dallas Cowboys’

Addison also made what some analysts called the “greatest

defense and earned seven Pro Bowl nods during his tenure

hustle play since Don Beebe” as he saved a touchdown on a

with the Cowboys. However, the one accolade that kept

61-yard punt return by Jordan Norwood. Addison sprinted the

eluding Ware in Dallas was a Super Bowl title.

length of the field to cut Norwood down at the 15-yard line,

He left Dallas following the 2013 season and headed west to join the Broncos. In just his second year with his new team, he was lifting the Lombardi Trophy when the dust settled.

Ware, who has appeared on “Good Morning America,” “Today,” “SportsCenter” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live” since winning the Super Bowl, was a vital piece of Denver’s defense not only in the regular season but also in the final two games of the playoffs.

27 · TROY Magazine

which led to just a Denver field goal.

So while there had to be a winner and a loser on the field, when it came to TROY’s representation in the Super Bowl, it is safe to say the millions of people watching the game saw the true definition of how football is played TROY Trojan style.

28ALUM NOTES ’60

Dr. Roger Breland (‘64) was

recently recognized by the University of Mobile when the university named its school of music in his honor. Breland, known as one of the early leaders in contemporary Christian music and a member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, served as the university’s artistin-residence in 2002, before becoming executive dean in 2003 and later vice president. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from TROY.

’70

William Ashley Howell, III, (‘72) district counsel for Alabama and

Mississippi district offices of the Small Business Administration, was recently recognized for 35 years of service by the U.S. Government. Howell, who joined the SBA in 1981 as a staff attorney,

was salutatorian, senior class president, chapter vice-president of Sigma Delta Kappa and recipient of the Sigma Delta Kappa Outstanding Senior Award.

was concurrently a special assistant United States attorney from 1987-2007 for the Middle District of Alabama.

He was named supervising attorney in the Alabama District Office in 1982 and added the Mississippi office in 2005 to his responsibilities. In 1999, he was selected Outstanding Special Assistant United States Attorney and has also served in the Southern District of Alabama. Howell served as president of the Birmingham Chapter of the Federal Bar Association from 1998-2003, Association sections, committees and

Col. Thomas H. Niquette USAF (Retired), (‘74) was inducted into the

taskforces and has taught business law

inaugural class of the Air Force Technical

and human resource management at

Applications Center’s Wall of Honor for

Jefferson State Community College.

his service with great distinction to the

Prior to joining SBA, Howell was a public

Center. He retired from the Air Force

defender in the Criminal Division of

after 30 years, with some 20 years of

the Legal Aid Society and served in its

service at AFTAC in addition to piloting

Civil Division. He is a graduate of the

a C-130 and other aircraft. His grandson

Birmingham School of Law, where he

Chris Niquette is currently enrolled

served on numerous Alabama State Bar

at TROY.

The Weaver family from Monroe County have 11 members who are Trojans. Front (from left): are Joseph B. Weaver, Jr., (‘53), Joyce Booker Weaver, (‘55), James D. Weaver, (‘90), Back (from left): Jack B. Weaver, (‘85), Hannah J. Weaver, freshman, Kelli Myers Jones, (‘04), Andrew Reid Jones, (‘04), Madalyn J. Weaver, freshman, Jolene Weaver Madden, (‘80), Miriam Thames Weaver, (‘90) and (not pictured) Joseph B. Weaver, III, (‘84).

TROY Magazine · 28

Jane Davis (‘76, ‘00) has retired as director of Legislative and Constituent

roles at Deloitte & Touche, Carr, Riggs &

Jason Curtis Bryant (‘97, ‘99, ‘09) recently completed the Doctor of

Affairs at the Alabama Department of

Ingram and Cardinal Health.

Philosophy degree at Auburn University.

Prior to joining Eaton, Elkins held tax

Patrick Bailey (‘91) has been

to the State of Alabama and 26 years

appointed as director of the DeKalb

Col. Leo Pullar, U.S. Army (Retired), (‘98), has been named the

with the department.

Medical Examiner’s Office after 20

new town manager for Hartford. He

years of service in various roles, such as

previously served in a position at

forensic investigator, forensic manager,

the Pentagon.

Mental Health after 37 years of service

Vanessa Green (‘81) has

’80

received the Sylacauga Arts Council’s Outstanding Service Award. Green is chief business development officer for Coosa Valley Medical Center and has been employed by the hospital for more than 34 years. She is a member of the Rotary Club, the Sylacauga and Childersburg chambers of commerce, a graduate of Leadership Sylacauga, a board member for the Arts Council and a board member of the Sylacauga Alliance for Family Enhancement. She

chief investigator and interim director.

Bailey also served in the DeKalb Police Department as a detective and internal affairs investigator.

Don McMillan (‘92) recently was elected as judge for Alabama’s Fourth Judicial Circuit. He previously served as judge in the Perry County District Court.

Nancy Garner (‘95) is the new executive director of the Daleville Chamber of Commerce.

Angela Santone (‘95) has been promoted to executive vice president

and her husband, Jeff, have two sons.

and global chief human resources officer

Chief Master Sgt. Joe Stuart, USAF (Retired), (‘82, ‘89, ‘95) serves

previously served as senior vice president

as director of training for nLogic, a high technology solutions provider serving the military and aerospace industry.

Stuart retired from the Air Force in 1992 after 23 years of service, including two tours in Vietnam.

Jane Folds (‘86, ‘95), an instructor at Northview High School in Dothan, was recently named Dothan City Schools’

for Turner Broadcasting System. She and chief human resources officer with the company. She has served as a mentor for the Southeast Chapter of Women in Cable Telecommunications and its Agnes Scott mentoring program, as well as for the internal Turner Women Today organization. Santone also serves on the board of directors for the Emma L. Bowen Foundation for Minority Interests.

’00

Major Jess Howard (‘00) serves as operations officer and full-time administrative officer in the 203rd

Military Police Battalion of the Alabama Army National Guard in Athens, Alabama. He served two tours of duty during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Melanie Bevan (‘01) was recently named as chief of police in Bradenton, Florida. With nearly 30 years of law enforcement experience, Bevan previously served as one of three assistant police chiefs in the St. Petersburg Police Department in Florida. She holds a Master of Public Administration from TROY.

Aubrey Herndon (‘01) teaches seventh grade civics at Vernon Middle School and was recently selected as the school’s Teacher of the Week.

Dawn Davis (‘02), an instructor at Montana Magnet School in Dothan, was recently named Dothan City Schools’

Secondary Teacher of the Year. Folds

Elementary Teacher of the Year. She

teaches math at Northview and has been

teaches fourth grade at Montana and

employed with the system for 30 years.

has been employed by the system for

Sandra K. Simpson (‘88) has

21 years.

been recognized by Continental Who’s

Erica Proffer (‘02) is a reporter with

Who as a Pinnacle Professional in the

KRGV TV in Rio Grande Valley, Texas.

field of military services. Simpson

She previously served as an award-

is a retired civilian member with the

winning anchor, reporter and producer

Defense Logistics Agency, a subsidiary

at WTV Y in Dothan.

of the Department of Defense. She

Tracy L. Smith (‘02 ) was recently

holds a master’s degree in international

promoted to the rank of brigadier

relations from TROY.

general in the U.S. Army Reserve

’90

Mary Kim Elkins (‘90) has been appointed senior vice president for

taxes for Dublin, Ireland-based Eaton, a power management company. Elkins joined Eaton in 2006 as director of tax strategy for the Fluid Power group and previously served as vice president for operational tax strategy and vice president for international tax strategy.

29 · TROY Magazine

Medical Service Corps, becoming the

Brig. Gen Eric Wesley (‘95) is currently serving as the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence in Fort Benning, Georgia. Brig. Gen Wesley began his career with the U.S. Army as a battalion and brigade operations officer and the brigade executive officer. He earned his Master of Science in International Relations from TROY.

first female from Guam to achieve the rank of general in the armed forces.

Smith received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Guam in 1987 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army, serving in active duty until 1994. In 1999, she joined the Army Reserve.

Shelley Spires (‘03), CEO of Albany Area Primary Healthcare (AAPH),

recently received an Outstanding Alumni Award from Georgia Southwestern State University, where she received her undergraduate degree. Spires, who has been on staff with AAPH since 2001,

WEDDINGS AND ENGAGEMENTS Troy University Alumni

Mike Howard., Donor Ar tist.

Hillary Megan Cleckler to Ross Wesley Parker (‘09)

holds a master’s degree in management from TROY.

Derrick Ansley (‘05) has been named as an assistant defensive coach for the University of Alabama football team. Ansley, a former standout defensive back for the Trojans, previously served as co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach at the University of Kentucky.

Jason L. Kimbrell (‘07) has been appointed as assistant administrator for West Florida Healthcare. In his new role, Kimbrell will have administrative and operational responsibility for a number of key hospital departments, including

IN REMEMBRANCE Troy University Alumni Cecil Edger Bradley (‘46, ‘66) James Authur “Jim” Walling (‘71) Gloria Joy Moore Stabler (‘72) Col. Roderick E. Gillis (‘80) Joe Raines (‘03) John Scott “Scottie” Benjamin Jr. (‘09) Kurt Meske (‘11) Henry Curtis Lewis

plant operations, food and nutrition services and environmental services.

A military veteran, Kimbrell previously served as vice president of operations for Lifeguard Ambulance Service. He is immediate past president of the Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce, an

IN REMEMBRANCE Troy University Friends Bernice Dawkins Raley William Boyd McDaniel

active member of Rotary and serves as the vice chairman for the Allentown Fire Department Board of Directors in Florida.

Almond Turner (‘08) is seeking re-election to the Newton County School Board. He is deputy chief of the Covington, Ga., Police Department, having served the department for 43 years.

Alton White (‘08) has been named the new principal of LaGrange High School in Gerogia. White previously served as principal of Jordan Vocational High School. He has been an educator for 22 years all in Muscogee and Harris counties in Georgia.

Jeremy Hawkins (‘09, ‘14) serves as director of player development and assistant defensive line coach at the University of Alabama-Birmingham.

’10

Karla Langston (‘10) is in her first

season as head coach of the varsity and junior varsity softball teams at Verbena High School. She played shortstop for the Trojans softball team while attending

TROY. Langston previously spent time as a coach at Martin Middle School in Dallas County, Clanton Middle School and Thorsby.

Jacilyn Bennett (‘14) has joined Virtual Incentives, an incentives solutions space company, as manager of the Enterprise sales team. She has 15 years of experience in technology and marketing-based industries.

TROJAN WARRIORS PAY IT FORWARD For more than a century, TROY Trojans like Mike Howard have helped provide opportunities and lessons to those following in their footsteps.

Today, you are a part of that legacy.

You know better than anyone that TROY is a top-notch university guiding students to achievement; it’s an institution with a rich history of success. By investing in TROY, your gift will inspire students to find their Trojan Warrior Spirit and do more than they ever thought possible.

You can begin your TROY legacy today by: Donating to TROY’s Annual · Fund Campaign, Purchasing a brick on the Troy · Campus’ Graduate Walk of Honor, · Purchasing a Fraternity Brick, · Purchasing a Rosa Parks Brick, Joining or renewing your · Alumni Membership · and more.

troy.edu/donors

TROY Magazine · 30

TROY UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE ALUMNI AFFAIRS OFFICE TROY, AL 36082

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U P TO 5 0% T U I T I O N

SCH O L A RS H I P

FOR M I LITA RY A N D FAM ILY WA R R I O RS Introducing the Military and Family Scholarship. Our new Military and Family Scholarship caps the cost of tuition at $250 per credit hour, saving up to 50% in out-of pocket costs for active duty military, Reservists, National Guard and their spouses and dependents. TROY is committed to keeping higher education affordable for those who sacrifice so much. That’s the Trojan Warrior Spirit, and it’s alive and well at Troy University.

© 2016 Troy University

Feel it at troy.edu/militaryspirit or call 1-800-586-9771.