2024 Troy University Annual Report by Troy University

A N N U A L R

Greetings from the Chancellor

Higher education has never seen more changes in its history than since the pandemic struck. Historic institutions have closed, new programs of study were born, and through it all, we have seen firsthand the only constant is change. There is one thing in which we can all be confident: Troy University continues to be at the forefront of change and innovation.

Our academics continually improve to provide quality education to every student on campus or online. There is no greater example of this than the opening of two new buildings: the Center for Materials and Manufacturing Sciences, dedicated entirely to research and innovation, and Jones Hall, the new home for our College of Health Sciences.

The media have referred to TROY as “Alabama’s Most Beautiful Campus.” Our campus beautification continues, including a major initiative to expand the lagoon into an on-campus lake with walking trails and a pedestrian bridge. This project rounds out our campus as one of the last elements of untouched beautification. I want to thank our First Lady, Mrs. Janice Hawkins, for her leadership over the last three decades in creating an environment of which we can be proud.

Our successes this past year extended from the classroom to the fields and courts. TROY Athletics once again proved themselves among the top programs in the country. Our women’s basketball team saw its greatest postseason success, hosting the WNIT.

In closing, this year’s report shows why 2024 was one of TROY’s best years yet, from our top-notch academics and competitive athletics to the successes of dedicated alumni. Our staff has prepared a comprehensive snapshot of our University, and I encourage you to take a moment and celebrate our successes with us. Once you’ve finished reading, I am sure you will share our pride in Troy University.

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

Pictured on the cover: The Center for Materials and Manufacturing Sciences, completed in 2024.

Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor

Commencement at Troy University celebrates the culmination of rigorous scholarship and the beginning of meaningful contributions to the world beyond the classroom.

TROY UNIVERSITY

ACADEMICS AND RESEARCH

Throughout 2024, Troy University unveiled several new academic programs and facilities while securing over $42 million in grant funding, marking significant progress toward the goal of achieving R2 status.

Academic programs

On Nov. 14, TROY officials announced the addition of three new degree programs: a Ph.D. in Criminology, a Master of Business Administration — Analytics and a concentration in Global Healthcare Leadership in the Global Leadership Ph.D. program. These programs will launch in 2025.

In a special ceremony held in June, Dr. Andrew Alcala became the first graduate of the Doctor of Global Leadership program at Troy University. Housed in the College of Education, the Global Leadership program is a one-of-a-kind, fully online Ph.D. program aimed at preparing leaders in business, organizations, education and government institutions. More than 100 candidates are currently enrolled worldwide.

Additionally, plans are underway for a new program that combines the Global Scholars and University Honors programs: University

Honors Global Scholars Program (UHGSP). Under the leadership of Dr. Priya Menon, the UHGSP is designed to challenge the best of the best at TROY with specialized coursework and a required study abroad research project during the summer of the student’s third year. To successfully complete the program, students will maintain a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA and must present their research in addition to a capstone project or thesis.

Academic facilities

The Center for Materials and Manufacturing Sciences was unveiled during a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 21. Founded in 2018 with support from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, CMMS is a fully integrated, multi-disciplinary research facility focusing on polymers and polymer recycling. It is the first building in the history of Troy University to be solely dedicated to research.

In November, TROY became home to the Ivey Center for the Cultural Approach to History. Created by Professor Emeritus Oliver Turner Ivey and funded with a grant from the Caroline Lawson Ivey Memorial Foundation, Inc., the Center provides training in the approach to pre-service and in-service history teachers and provides curriculum support to classrooms. The Cultural Approach uses six areas to transform history from static, rote memorization to a more engaging exploration by applying anthropological methods to the study of history.

The CMMS ribbon cutting marks TROY’s pathway to becoming a fully mature higher learning institution.

Chancellor Hawkins presents Dr. Andrew Alcala with the first Ph.D. in Global Leadership.

Governor Kay Ivey speaking at the dedication of the Ivey Center.

Grants

College of Arts and Sciences:

• $1,199,484, National Science FoundationEarly CAREER

• $1,005,722, National Science FoundationEarly CAREER

• $654,057, U.S. Department of Energy

• $537,612, U.S. Department of Education

• $469,379, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Sorrell College of Business

• $400,000, Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education: 2025 Southern Research Education

• $135,533, U.S. Department of Agriculture

• $100,000, The Bradley Foundation

• $100,000, The Heritage Foundation College of Communication and Fine Arts

• $500,000, The Mellon Foundation

• $498,016, National Endowment for the Humanities

• $488,805, The Mellon Foundation

• $149,885, National Endowment for the Humanities

• $119,650, National Endowment for the Humanities College of Education

• $2,500,000, Alabama Department of Education

• $2,000,000, Alabama Department of Education

• $1,500,000, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

• $886,864, National Center for Education Research

• $400,000, HHS-National Institutes of Health College of Health Sciences

• $7,000,000, Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs

• $4,710,559, Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services

• $3,946,490, Health Resources and Services Administration: Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention

• $1,468,401, Health Resources and Services Administration

• $300,000, University of Alabama HRSA subaward

Other grants of note:

• $6,000,000, Alabama Medicaid Agency, Center for Public Service

• $4,729,003, U.S. Dept. of State- ITSI Program Vietnam, Chemistry and Physics/Student Services and Administration Collaborative Partnership

• $2,200,000, Health Resources and Services Administration, Dean’s Office/Government Relations Collaborative Partnership

• $4,054,264, U.S. Department of Education, First Year Studies

• $492,450, Spencer Foundation, Teacher Education/History Collaborative Partnership

• $307,054, Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women, Student Administration Services

TROY UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL

In 2024, Troy University reinforced its status as Alabama’s International University through global partnerships, expanded study-abroad opportunities and the U.S. premiere of the short-film documentary “Beyond a War.”

The documentary debuted at the Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts in Montgomery, Ala. It chronicles the reconciliation and remarkable journey of Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr., Chancellor of Troy University, and Dr. Lê Công Co, President of Duy Tan University. Once enemies during the Vietnam War, the two now lead their respective institutions, working together to create a brighter future for students in both the United States and Vietnam.

During the 2023-2024 academic year, more than 300 TROY students participated in study-abroad programs, with 34 students completing semester-long exchanges through partner universities. Faculty-led programs took students to Cuba, Germany, the Czech Republic, Mexico, Italy, Argentina, Japan, South Korea, Ireland and Taiwan, among other destinations.

Troy University also established a new partnership with Anáhuac Querétaro University, its first in Mexico. This collaboration

opens opportunities for faculty exchanges, research initiatives and study-abroad programs. Additionally, both universities will create avenues for student-athletes to travel and compete internationally. TROY is poised to support Anáhuac Querétaro’s efforts to expand healthcare education in Mexico.

Further expanding its global reach, TROY partnered with Bermuda College to provide students pursuing an Associate of Arts in Business Administration a pathway to complete a bachelor’s degree at Troy University. In addition, the Hon. Diallo Rabain, Minister of Education in Bermuda, awarded two $10,000 scholarships to two dual enrolled high school students who were accepted to attend TROY in Fall 2024.

Through these initiatives, Troy University continues to strengthen its global presence, offering students transformative educational experiences that transcend borders. By fostering international partnerships, study-abroad programs and cross-cultural exchanges, TROY remains committed to preparing students for success in an increasingly interconnected world, shaping future leaders and global citizens.

Luis Eduardo Alverde Montemayor, Rector of the Anáhuac Querétaro University, visits TROY’s International Arts Center.

“Beyond A War” premiere honored the legacy of our nation’s heroes.

Troy University international students stand together on the International Day of Peace.

Gaining global perspectives and hands-on learning experiences, students, faculty

and Russell County, Ga. educators explored Costa Rica through TROY’s Study Abroad program.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES

Two years of construction came to an end in September with the opening of the Center for Materials and Manufacturing Sciences. Designed by Seay, Seay & Litchfield, it is the first building in the history of Troy University to be solely dedicated to research. Founded in 2018 with support from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, CMMS is a fully integrated, multi-disciplinary research facility focusing on polymers and polymer recycling. Since 2018, NIST has awarded CMMS three grants totaling $9.4 million to help fund lab equipment, research projects, research stipends and faculty.

Also completed was Jones Hall, now home to the College of Health Sciences. Final touches were made to the building and equipment, and the move occurred over December. The first floor is dedicated to nursing simulation and concepts laboratories, providing hands-on training in a realistic setting. The second floor houses the applied physiology, movement education and sports science laboratories, and a large 135seat auditorium, perfect for lectures and presentations. The third floor consists of administrative suites, faculty offices and conference rooms, ensuring that students have access to the support and resources they need.

Additionally, a stunning 35-foot-tall digital display sign was completed at the intersection of Trojan Parkway and Highway 231. The vision of Janice Hawkins, the final design included a brick wall around the substation, a striking sign welcoming people to Troy University and a video screen — complete with a trademark TROY cupola.

Two new projects got underway in 2024: renovations to Malone Hall and the restoration of Lake Lagoona. Malone Hall will undergo general repairs and updates that will extend the building’s functional life. The lake’s restoration will complete the Janice Hawkins Cultural Arts Park, fulfilling the vision set forth in the Olmsted Brothers’ original plan, enhancing the University’s outdoor spaces and providing a scenic, functional environment for students and the community.

Original campus plans by the

laid the foundation for TROY’s timeless beauty.

Olmsted Brothers

Construction of the lagoon will lead to the realization of the Olmsted Brothers’ vision for the campus.

Jones Hall, home of the College of Health Sciences, is a state-of-the-art space preparing students for impactful careers in healthcare.

The new U.S. Hwy. 231 entrance to campus welcomes Trojans home. Troy University’s Center for Materials and Manufacturing Sciences pioneers sustainable solutions by advancing polymer research.

ATHLETICS

For TROY Athletics, 2024 marked another year of successes, both on the field of play and off.

The newly renovated Riddle-Pace Field made its debut during the 2024 baseball season with a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony held in front of nearly 4,000 fans as the Trojans played host to Alabama.

TROY Athletics also unveiled the largest videoboards in the Sun Belt Conference at Riddle-Pace Field and the TROY Softball Complex to kick off the 2024 TROY baseball and softball seasons.

• In baseball, 2024 marked the first time since 2013 that the Trojans had their first national ranking in all five major college baseball polls, topping off at No. 21 in DI Baseball. Capping off the successful season, head coach Skylar Meade and catcher Brooks Bryan participated in the 2024 USA Baseball team program.

• In softball, TROY finished the 2024 season with a 34-22 record and advanced to the Sun Belt Championship Semifinals. Libby Baker became the first player in Sun Belt history — and just the fourth player from a non-Power Five Conference — to win a Rawlings Gold Glove. She was one of nine players honored for the 2024 season and was named the nation’s top defensive pitcher.

• TROY Women’s Basketball made its third appearance in the WNIT and became the first team in program history to earn a postseason victory after defeating FIU in the second round; the Trojans earned an

opening round bye. The Trojans advanced to the Fab 4 where they took on Minnesota in front of a Trojan Arena record crowd of more than 4,300 fans. The team finished the season with a 22-12 record, marking the eighth time in coach Chanda Rigby’s tenure that the Trojans have finished with 20-plus wins.

• Men’s Basketball posted its third consecutive 20-win season and posted double-figure conference wins for the third straight year. Under the direction of Coach Scott Cross, the Trojans are the only Sun Belt Conference team to have three straight seasons of 20-plus wins and 10-plus conference wins.

• Five Trojans accepted bids to compete in the NCAA East First Round Track & Field championships during the spring. Cole Stewart won the javelin competition at the Sun Belt Outdoor Championships, automatically qualifying for the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials.

• The Gerad Parker era began at TROY during the 2024 football season. The Trojans closed the season on a high note, winning three of their final four games and placing 10 players on the All-Sun Belt Football Team, highlighted by Devonte Ross’ selection to the first team as a receiver and an all-purpose player.

• In December, TROY Athletics announced that construction on a new indoor practice facility would begin in January 2025.

Running back Gerald Green

Outfielder Kyle Mock

Members of the TROY softball team

Teammates celebrate running back Jordan Lovett’s first career touchdown.

Guard Makayia Hallmon

ATO Brothers dedicate their spring break to walk for those who can’t.

TROY UNIVERSITY

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Troy University remains committed to serving its students, faculty and the greater community through a variety of impactful programs and initiatives. The following highlights showcase recent efforts to enhance educational opportunities, support military families and give back to the local community.

• Troy University introduced the TROY Partnership Program, offering a 10% tuition scholarship and application fee waiver to military veterans and their families.

• In partnership with the American Village, Troy University hosted the Trojan Patriot Academy, a week-long program for high school juniors and seniors focused on leadership, civics and U.S. history. The program provides students with a unique opportunity to engage with state leaders and immerse themselves in the rich history of Alabama and the U.S. government.

• The Rosa Parks Museum reopened on Jan. 15, 2024, after a major upgrade to convert all technology to digital highdefinition formats. The project was made possible in part due to a $150,000 grant from the Daniel Foundation of Alabama.

• At the Counselors Day Luncheon held in December, Troy University announced a new dual enrollment initiative — TROY Early College — offering high school students the chance to take college courses for just $33 per credit hour.

• The Trojan Book Bag program was launched, allowing students to rent required course materials at a flat fee, saving them 35%-50% off retail prices, starting in Fall 2024. TROY is covering the cost of the Trojan Book Bag program for active duty military students.

• The Office of Admissions launched the Refer A Future Trojan (RAFT) program, enabling faculty, staff, alumni and community members to refer potential students.

• FarmHouse Fraternity chapter won its fourth Ruby Cup, marking back-to-back wins for the first time in its 29-year history, along with awards for philanthropy and community service.

• Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity completed its 16th annual “Walk Hard” event, raising $105,000 for wounded veterans through a 128.3-mile, six-day trek from the Troy Campus to Panama City Beach, Fla.

Trojan Patriot Academy students grow as citizens ready to make a positive impact through engaging learning experiences including a visit with Governor

Kay Ivey at the Capitol.

Dr. Kerry Palmer, Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

TROY UNIVERSITY

FINANCIAL REPORT

2024 Financial Highlights

I am pleased to present the Annual Financial Report for Troy University, reflecting our fiscal year 2024 performance. This past year, TROY has fulfilled its mission through service towards our residents and campus community. The financial report for FY24 is a powerful reflection of our relentless pursuit of excellence, increases in research grants, state appropriations, and philanthropic giving reflecting an unwavering dedication to shaping the next generation of leaders. Fiscal Year ‘24 has been a year of sustained fiscal strength and groundbreaking achievements as a university dedicated to empowering individuals through education, research, and service. We have continually enhanced the resources and opportunities available to our students and faculty. This financial report demonstrates our resilience, sound financial stewardship, and strategic agility, even as we face evolving challenges within higher education.

As we move forward in the evolving landscape of higher education, Troy University remains committed to excellence in all that we do. Our fiscal responsibility and strategic vision — bolstered by this new focus on financial awareness — enable us to confidently face the future, embracing both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The financial information covers a period of challenges faced by all universities with the erosion of the essential resources, ongoing inflation, increasing costs of living as well as a volatile economy. Against this difficult backdrop, the University has performed strongly. A balanced mix of revenue sources (e.g., tuition, state funding, grants, and auxiliary services) reduces dependency on any single income stream. Strategic plans incorporate these considerations to ensure financial resilience in case of unforeseen challenges, such as economic downturns or enrollment fluctuations. We were pleased with the results of Hanover’s Institution Risk Profile for public, 4-year institutions showing a stress and risk assessment score of 0 out of 12 for enrollment stress, retention stress, market price stress, and state appropriation stress scores compared to fourteen peer institutions with scores ranging from 0 to 5.

In spite of the economic and enrollment challenges we faced, the University opened the doors to the Center for Materials and Manufacturing Sciences and Jones Hall (College of Health Sciences) during Fall 2024 and is in the process of designing the new indoor football practice facility and improving the Lagoon aesthetics to continue to maintain our place as Alabama’s most beautiful campus. I am pleased to confirm TROY’s financial position remains strong with an increase in net position for fiscal year 2024, the sixth consecutive year, the highest five-year increase in net position, the highest reserve levels in the history of the University as well as its strong credit rating as cited by Standard & Poor’s affirmation of an A+ credit rating. The financial achievements highlighted in this report would not exist without the dedication and commitment of our students, faculty and staff as well as the direct result of the extraordinary commitment and dedication of our Board of Trustees and Chancellor Hawkins, during what has proved to be another challenging year.

Jim Bookout, Ph.D., CPA, CGM, CITP

Senior Vice Chancellor for Financial Affairs and Online Education

ALUMNI AND FOUNDATION

Troy University’s alumni continue to make a profound impact through their dedication and commitment to the University’s mission. Through generous contributions and active engagement, our alumni ensure the continued growth and success of Troy University for future generations.

For the seventh consecutive year, alumni and friends of Troy University came together for the annual Day of Giving to raise $444,797. More than 340 gifts came from 27 states and three countries, exceeding the $300K goal.

Giving to TROY is a year-round commitment. Donors have the option to designate their gifts toward scholarships, academic departments within each of the University’s five colleges, the Alumni Association, athletics and other University initiatives, providing ongoing support to TROY and its students.

Alumni Association

In 2024, the Alumni Association Board members were Rosemary Elebash (’76) President, Jack Weaver (’85) Vice President and Steve Sanders (’88) Treasurer. Terry L. Butts (’79) served as the Legal Counsel. Roni Holley (‘77) took on the role of Immediate Past President.

Two new alumni chapters were added. In total, TROY has 69 alumni chapters.

Alumni of the Year

The 2024 Alumni of the Year award recipients featured: Derek Ellington (’92), Alison Scott Wingate Hosp (’99), Dr. Kathy L Murphy (’81) and honorary alumnus Jason Jones.

The Alumni Association inducted 28 former Alumni of the Year honorees into the Alumni of the Year Society and laid the groundwork for future events for the group as a chartered alumni chapter.

Giving and Scholarships

There are currently more than 350 active named scholarship funds for the TROY Foundation. At the 2024 Fred B. Davis Scholarship Brunch, it was announced that nearly 1,200 individual scholarships were awarded, and TROY was able to award more than $1 million in Foundation scholarships. The Alumni Association Board of Directors and alumni chapters came together and raised more than $57,000 in support of scholarships and academic initiatives.

Dr. Hawkins greets guests at the Waters Alumni Chapter Event.

William Filmore, Vice Chancellor for Government Relations and External Affairs speaking at the Alumni of the Year Breakfast.

The 2024 Alumni of the Year receive their awards at the homecoming game.

2024 FOUNDATION BOARD

Kevin Walsh

Rosemary Elebash (‘76) Alumni Board President

John R. Ferguson (‘71)

William Filmore (‘11,’18) Executive Vice-President

Billy Jones Jeffrey Kervin (‘85) David Mallach (‘71)

James R. Andrews Emeritus

Jim Bookout Treasurer

Karen Carter (‘73)

Jeffrey F. Coleman (‘95) Chair

Roy Drinkard

Jack Hawkins, Jr. President

Horace Horn (‘68)

Larry Hughes (‘72) Vice-Chair

Earl Johnson (‘70) Manley Johnson (‘73) Harrel McKinney (‘62)

Doug Mims (‘90)

Claudene Nichols (‘69) Lewis Rushing (‘65)

Randall Moore (‘78)

TROY UNIVERSITY

ACCOLADES

Troy University’s academic programs continued to receive national recognition for excellence and value in 2024, including a top ranking in the country from Forbes Advisor.

A division of Forbes magazine, Forbes Advisor ranked TROY’s online graphic design program as the nation’s #1 best in its top 10 ranking of accredited, nonprofit universities. Rankings were based on credibility, affordability, student outcomes, student experiences and the application process.

TROY’s Master of Science in Nursing program was recognized as one of the best by The Princeton Review. The program was one of 189 to be recognized in the ranking. The online graduate nursing program also was ranked nationally in U.S. News & World Report’s “2024 Best Online Degree Programs.”

The graduate nursing program was just one of the University’s online programs to receive recognition from U.S. News & World Report.

TROY’s undergraduate online criminal justice program ranked as an overall nation’s best, as well as the 11th best criminal justice program for veterans.

Other programs recognized by U.S. News & World Report included:

• Undergraduate online business program

• Graduate non-MBA business degree program

• MBA program

• Online undergraduate programs

TROY also ranked in Niche’s Top 20 “Best Online Colleges in America.”

Fall brought additional recognition for the University, as TROY was named one of the best colleges and universities in the South for the 20th consecutive year by The Princeton Review. TROY was also ranked among the best regional universitiesSouth, public regional universities-South and as a best value in the South by U.S. News & World Report. In addition, Fortune Recommends named TROY’s online Master of Business Administration degree program among its Top 10 nationally for affordability.

TROY’s service to the military was also recognized in 2024. U.S. News & World Report ranked TROY as a best regional college for veterans-South. TROY also received G.I. Jobs magazine’s 2024-2025 Military Friendly School designation, earning the organization’s highest gold ranking, while also being recognized as a Military Spouse Friendly School.