435 Victories
MAGAZINE
Baseball Coach Bobby Pierce becomes new Trojan legend
Spring 2015
Coach Larry Blakeney: A legacy of changed lives Mack Westmoreland finds good in life’s challenges New alumni chapters are formed TROY becomes the largest repository of Steinway pianos in Alabama
Troy University Magazine Spring 2015 Publisher Donna Clark Schubert Editor Clif Lusk Publication Designer Rob Drinkard (09) Contributing Matt Clower (04), Drew Champlin, Andy Ellis, Adam Pendergast, Emily Price (09),Matt Mays, Melissa Martin Photographers Kevin Glackmeyer, Jonah Enfinger Printer Interstate Printing and Graphics Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. SVC for Advancement and Economic Development Walter D. Givhan (89) AVC for Marketing and Communication Donna Clark Schubert AVC for Development Dr. Jean Laliberte Alumni Affairs Director Faith Ward (81, 87) National Alumni Association President 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 University Relations at: 253 Adams Administration Building Troy, AL 36082 Phone (334) 670-3196 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 2015 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 noncompliance with a requirement or standard. www.troy.edu
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TROY’s Riverfront building nears completion in Phenix City and its dedication ceremony is set for July 10.
FEATURED STORIES 7John PLAYING WITH THE BEST M. Long School of Music positions TROY as an All-Steinway School, making the University the largest repository of Steinway pianos in Alabama.
ON THE COVER Baseball head coach Bobby Pierce becomes new Trojan legend, surpassing coach Chase Riddle’s record number of wins.
9Retiring PASSING THE SWORD alumnus passes the torch to a fellow trojan.
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13 WESTMORELAND
OVERCOMES LIFE'S CHALLENGES
Alumnus Mackenzie Westmoreland finds awareness of “good things” and “success” despite life’s struggles.
15 IT’S ALL ABOUT THE NAME
Derrick Cunningham, Montgomery County’s new sheriff, believes when his name is on the side of the squad cars, being sheriff isn’t just a job – “It’s personal.”
21 Legendary TURNING LIVES AROUND Trojans football head coach
Larry Blakeney’s name is synonymous with second chances and new beginnings, giving rise to a legacy that outstretches conference championships and titles.
25 HISTORIC SEASON
Coach Chandra Rigby’s Lady Trojans basketball team makes its second postseason appearance in the history of program, turning a two-win record into a 20-win in just three seasons.
IN EVERY ISSUE 4 TORCHLIGHT Alumni chapter leadership
galvanize support for TROY.
19 ATHLETICS
Football matchup includes Miss. State, Wisconsin and North Carolina State.
27 ALUM NOTES News from TROY Alumni
FROM THE DESK OF THE CHANCELLOR Vince Lombardi wrote that people who work together will win, whether it be against complex football defenses or the problems of modern society. There is no doubt that Coach Lombardi would find this spirit at Troy University, particularly in the work of our own legendary coaches Bobby Pierce and Larry Blakeney, as well as coaches Chanda Rigby and Neal Brown who have started their own traditions at TROY. This issue of the TROY Magazine provides special insight into the work of these coaches. In their stories, you will find focus, dedication and determination that exemplify the true Trojan Warrior Spirit. This issue also features a profile of an amazing alumnus, Mackenzie Westmoreland, who is a successful movie producer and director despite losing his sight due to diabetic retinopathy. Westmoreland faced further challenges when an infection led to loss of a foot. In the face of these challenges, Westmoreland continued to pursue filmmaking, producing the feature film “The Historian,” which was the winner of “Best Feature Film,” “Best Actor” and “Best Supporting Actor” awards at the 2014 Long Island International Film Expo. Mackenzie was the keynote speaker at our 2015 Helen Keller Lecture Series and the combination of his inspirational story and positive attitude made for one of the bestreceived lectures in this program’s history. Mackenzie is also serving his alma mater as the new president of our revitalized New York Alumni Chapter, which we feature in this issue as part of a roundup on chapter news, including our newest international chapter in Hanoi, Republic of Vietnam. In addition, we also feature coverage of our new Alumni Leadership Council, which is working in concert with our Alumni Association Board of Directors to provide even greater service to our more than 140,000 alumni around the world. In that vein, allow me to congratulate our new Alumni Association officers: Bob Boothe, president; Bill Hopper, vice president; and Roni Holly, treasurer. As the spring turns to summer, we have many things to look forward to at Troy University, including a new building nearing completion on the river in Phenix City and preparations for an exciting fall season of football. Tickets are available online now at TroyTrojans.com. I look forward to welcoming you home to campus. Go Trojans!
Sincerely,
Jack Hawkins, Jr., Ph.D. Chancellor
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4TORCHLIGHT
Steve Campbell, president of the Delta Chi Alumni Chapter, introduces Steve Stroud, senior associate director of athletics for external affairs, to discuss a new plan to keep chapter presidents abreast of the latest athletics news via a regular email.
ALU MNI M E E T FOR LEADE RSHIP CON FE RE NC E Troy University alumni chapters raised more than $1,100 for association scholarships during its Alumni Chapter Leadership Conference on Feb. 28 in the Stadium Club. Nearly 100 chapter leaders representing 20 chapters heard updates from alumni president Bob Boothe, Senior Vice Chancellor Walter Givhan and alumni affairs director Faith Ward. Steve Stroud, senior associate director of athletics for external affairs, and Andrew Dickinson, associate director of development for athletics, offered reports from the department; and Dr. Jean Laliberte, associate vice chancellor for development, presented a report on the ongoing fundraising efforts of the institution. Dr. George Crawley, an economist in the Johnson Center for Political Economy in Sorell College of Business, also provided insights into the College’s current efforts and the Center’s research.
Student Alumni Association president Morris Turner, and a number of SAA board members, also addressed the conference. Highlighting the conference was a luncheon with new Trojans head football coach Neal Brown, as well as the chartering of the Tailgaters Alumni Chapter, the Alumni Association’s 59th chapter. The Tailgaters group has hosted the Alumni Scholarship Ball – this year raising about $2,500 for alumni scholarships, with nearly 200 alumni in attendance. Each year, the ball is held in the Trojan Center Ballrooms on homecoming night. Following the luncheon, attendees attended a baseball tailgate with the Student Alumni Association on the patio at Riddle-Pace Field, and attended men’s and women’s basketball games. An Alumni Association Board of Directors meeting and an organizational meeting of the Alumni Leadership Council also took place. Bob Boothe (63, 78) TROY Magazine · 4
Frith joins staff in Dothan TROY alumna Tonye Frith, of Dothan, has joined the Office of Development as regional development director on the Dothan Campus. A marketing graduate, Frith served as a regional sales representative for an international cosmetic and fragrance company based in New York City. She joins the University after serving six years at the Wiregrass Museum of Art, where she was director of development and marketing. During her stint at WMA, she managed fundraising, art education and sustainability of the Museum’s art collection through corporate foundations, government, civic and individual donors. In addition, she guided WMA’s promotional efforts. Frith has been active in the Dothan community through volunteer and fundraising work with various local organizations, chairing numerous events while also securing underwriting and guiding marketing efforts.
Tonye Frith
First-of-its-kind law program Troy University, in association with the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University and the Thomas Goode Jones School of Law at Faulkner University, has pioneered a program to help students complete law degrees sooner. As a part of the Bachelor of Science in Social Science program, TROY’s Accelerated Law Curriculum will allow students to complete general studies and some advanced classes toward an undergraduate degree, then transfer to one of the two law schools to complete their juris doctors and bachelor’s degrees simultaneously. “This is an exciting way for students wishing to pursue law to accomplish their goals more quickly than the traditional route,” said Dr. James Rinehart, dean of the college of arts and sciences. Described as a “3+3” program, Rinehart said undergraduate students will complete 90 hours of courses at TROY. The bachelor degree will be awarded after successful completion of the first year of law studies—typically 30 semester hours of courses. Students will still be required to meet acceptance standards established by Cumberland School of Law and Thomas Goode Jones School of Law, and must achieve an acceptable score on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT).
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Alumni Leadership Council founded
TROY recognizes scholarship recipients, donors
TROY honored scholarship recipients and donors on March 28 during the annual Scholarship Brunch in the Trojan Center. This year, the TROY Foundation awarded 494 scholarships worth more than $700,000, representing an increase of $150,000 over last year’s total. In addition, 160 study abroad scholarships were awarded to TROY students. “This event is a great intersection of those who are generous and make this happen and those who are recipients,” said Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor. “It is our hope that as these students who are currently the beneficiaries go out into the world and are successful, they will follow your example and give back.” Darlene Hutchinson Biehl, a 1989 TROY graduate and an active member of the Elmore County Alumni Chapter, spoke on behalf of TROY alumni and encouraged current students to live every day to the fullest. “Take advantage of every opportunity, even if it might not be
exactly what you had planned,” she said. “Take every opportunity to be involved and give back. Always be kind. It enriches your life, but you have no idea the impact it may have on others.” Jorge Solis, recipient of the Lance Robert McLendon Business Scholarship, spoke on behalf of the scholarship recipients. “Choosing to attend college was a difficult decision for me,” Solis said. “In my mind, there was no way I would ever amount to anything. I was truly blessed with the right challenges and the right people to help me along my way. And now, when I graduate next May, I will be the first person in my family to earn a college degree.” Freddie Thomas, left, president of the newly established Tailgaters Alumni Chapter, presents a $2,500 donation for alumni scholarships to the Association, represented by, from left, Dr. Jean Laliberte, associate vice chancellor for development, Faith Ward, alumni affairs director, and National Alumni Association President Bob Boothe.
The National Alumni Association’s first Alumni Leadership Council officially met in April bringing into reality a resource long-sought by board members. Leading the council is pastpresident David Marsh who is also joined on the board by other past presidents and former board members. Together, their mission is to engage other alumni to support University programs and initiatives along with supporting the alumni board when needed. The group’s genesis has its roots in the Past-Presidents Council, a group focused on advising current alumni leadership, said Alumni Director Faith Ward. “Because fundraising is so critical and our desire is to finish the current capital campaign—plus the eventual construction of an alumni center for which we would have to raise dollars—the board decided to expand the past-presidents group into a group for both past officers and board members,” she said. That effort, which Marsh agreed to marshal during his time as immediate past-president, has provided an avenue through which former alumni leaders can still use their skills and institutional knowledge to advance the association and the University.
David Marsh TROY Magazine · 6
Playing with the best Troy University has become the home of the largest, current collection of new Steinway pianos in the state, culminating its initiative to become an All-Steinway School. The delivery brings the John M. Long School of Music’s inventory to 29 Steinway pianos, including the first two Sterling Steinways ever produced. Troy University began the All-Steinway initiative in fall 2013 with a formal announcement of the effort taking place last March. All-Steinway Schools are institutions that have only
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Steinways or Steinway-designed pianos, such as Boston or Essex, in their inventory. Troy University is the first Steinway University in the state of Alabama, and the 17th in the world, to feature only Steinway pianos. Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor of Troy University, Dr. Larry Blocher, Dr. Jean Laliberte, Dr. Don Jeffrey, Gen. Walter Givhan, Dr. Earl Ingram, Dr. Jim Bookout and Dr. Hui-Ting Yang have been the driving forces behind this accomplishment.
Trucks delivering the pianos arrived the afternoon of Feb. 23, and the University officially recognized the All-Steinway moniker with a special, by-invitation event the following night featuring all of the pianos together in the band rehearsal site at John M. Long Hall. The delivery of the new Steinways means every performance venue, rehearsal hall, teaching studio and practice room will have only Steinway pianos.
Steinway & Sons has spent more than a century creating the finest quality and longest-lasting pianos featured on the world stage. “Since 1853, Steinway & Sons pianos have set an uncompromising standard for sound, touch, beauty and investment value,” said Dr. Larry Blocher, Dean of TROY’s College of Communication and Fine Arts. “Steinways are the ‘Cadillacs’ of pianos. Our students spend thousands of hours on the piano, and it’s of the utmost importance.
Long School of Music boasts Steinway Artist Dr. Hui-Ting Yang, assistant professor of piano and coordinator of piano activities in Troy University’s John M. Long School of Music, has joined jazz pianist Diana Crall, pop icons Billy Joel and Harry Connick, Jr., songwriting legend Irving Berlin and others as an official Steinway Artist. “The Steinway Artist is an international recognition for pianists in association with Steinway pianos,” Dr. Yang said. “The Steinway piano is the standard of excellence for pianos, so the Steinway Artist is the standard of excellence for pianists. I’m thrilled and honored to be among the 1,600 pianists in the world that are Steinway Artists.” As an active performer, Dr. Yang has performed throughout the Czech Republic, Korea, Taiwan and the United States.
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Jerry Johnson and Bryan Hubbard 9 路 TROY Magazine
Passing the sword — retiree transfers claims legacy to fellow Trojan If there’s one thing folks raised in the South understand, it’s the importance of tradition. That tenet is especially true for Troy University alumni Jerry Johnson and Bryan Hubbard, whose adoption of the Trojan principles of compassion, service and integrity carried them to the highest levels of Alabama’s largest insurance company. Johnson, who retired Aug. 31 as senior vice president of claims at Alfa Insurance, said lessons learned on the Troy Campus were instrumental in his success both personally and professionally. Reflecting on his career, Johnson said he can see how his days on the tree-lined campus influenced his management style. Therefore, it seemed only fitting that he pass the proverbial sword at Alfa to Hubbard, a fellow Trojan and 25year claims veteran. Much like their collegiate affiliation, Hubbard and Johnson took a similar path to the top of Alfa’s corporate ladder. “TROY offered everything I was looking for,” Johnson explained. “I aspired to get a degree in education, and TROY had a very reputable department. It was also close to home and offered a size that suited my personality well… one that was conducive to learning. After graduation, I taught for two years before accepting an agent position with Alfa in my hometown of Elba.” Hubbard’s path to Troy University came at the invitation of Coach Chan Gailey’s offer to play football. Under Gailey’s leadership, Hubbard and his teammates were conference and National Champions in 1984. The team was conference champions in 1986 and 1987 under Coach Rick Rhoades and proceeded to win another national Championship title in 1987. The second team all-conference linebacker said if there’s one thing football and a good coach teach, it’s to have a ‘never quit’ attitude. “Through playing sports, you learn that teamwork is essential. If you word hard and work toward your goals, success will follow,” Hubbard said. –Many thanks to Melissa Martin of ALFA for sharing this story. Bryan Hubbard in his playing days.
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New alumni chapters formed
Attending the chartering party of the New York Chapter are, front left to right, Alumni Affairs Director Faith West Ward, Heather Hartwell, First Lady Janice Hawkins, Kara McDowell, Casey LaVres, Adrienne Hicks, Mack Westmoreland, Patrick Hall, Megan Murphy, Senior Vice Chancellor Walter Givhan, Tracie Dugas, Dr. Jeffrey Dugas, back, Athletic Director John Hartwell, Psacoya Guinn, Brett Warnke, Alex Piper, Unknown, Micah Grimes, Sean Hopkins and Bill Duffill.
Troy University Alumni Association’s Vietnam Chapter officially commissioned in February in Hanoi with more than 60 members. The charter officers are, from left, Bach Vu , President (MBA), Duc Cao, Committee Member (BBA), Hang Nghiem, Treasurer (BBA), Nhat Nguyen, Committee Member (MBA), and Phuong Nguyen, Vice President (MBA). Chartering the Veterans Alumni Chapter this fall are, front left to right, Rickey Jones, Faith Ward, Dave Barron, second row, Ron Gary, Charley Schrichte, Billy Ray Williams, Gerald Dunn, third row, Jon Dillard, fourth row, John Ferguson and Randy Ross. 11 · TROY Magazine
Baseball is the focus of the Dr. Melvin Lucas Baseball Alumni Chapter, chartered during the fall. Chartering the chapter are, front from left, Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr., Rex Lynch, Bob Youmans, Dr. Melvin Lucas, Mike Ingram, Bill Campbell, Don Sharpe, Tom McCall, Danny Breeden, back from left, Wayland Foster, Carl Sightler, Hamil Martin, Cal Bodenstein and Athletic Director John Hartwell.
The Tailgaters Alumni Chapter officially chartered on Feb. 28 with (left to right) Deborah Thomas, Freddie Thomas, president, Lesia Robinson, vice-president, Rodger Robinson, Kevin Myers, Richard Mosley, Mary Poe, Robert Poe, and Joe Lee Quinley, treasurer. Not pictured is Gwen Mosely, secretary. The Tailgaters launched the homecoming Alumni Ball three years ago.
The Henry County Alumni Chapter chartered on March 24, is the Alumni Association’s latest chapter. Attending the meeting were, from left, Charles Phillips, Pam Cutchens, Carl White, Tony Cutchens, Joe Bryan, Barbara Bryan, Tom Foster, Benton Beasley, Roger Mixon, and Tom Solomon.
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Westmoreland finds good in life’s challenges By Andy Ellis
The challenges Westmoreland would face became even greater when he learned he had an infection in the bones of his foot, and doctors were recommending amputation. To ensure his heart was strong enough to endure the surgery, the doctors believed they needed to do tests. The tests, however, would likely cause Westmoreland’s kidneys to fail and leave him dependent on regular dialysis. “In the course of three days, I was going to lose my leg and my kidneys,” he said.
“I just felt like this was too much. I had found a way to come back from my blindness, and now I was faced with this. It was in these depths that I realized that faith means nothing if it is never tested. ‘If I can come back from being blind, I can come back from this.”
Just a few days shy of his 40th birthday, Mackenzie Westmoreland was following his dream in New York City. And literally overnight, his life changed forever. The Troy University alumnus awoke completely blind, the result, he would later learn, of diabetic retinopathy, the most common diabetic eye disease and a leading cause of blindness in American adults. In March, Westmoreland returned to the Troy Campus to share his story with students at the University’s 20th annual Helen Keller Lecture. “I woke up in a world of darkness,” he said. “To literally wake up blind was terrifying. I sat on the side of my bed going through every ‘what if.’ One fear gripped me more than any other—what if I became one of those people who is easier left out than invited in?” 13 · TROY Magazine
In the midst of his fear, Westmoreland found comfort in the words he had heard his mother speak many times during his youth—“God doesn’t give you what you can’t handle.” “It was those simple words that made me determined that I would not be someone who is stuck in a corner, not participating in life,” he said. “I knew that I could not do it by myself, and going out as an independent blind person in New York City might be an overwhelming place to start.” Westmoreland returned to his home state of Mississippi, spending the next seven months at the Reach Center for the Blind in Tupelo. Having learned important life skills at the center, he returned to New York to tackle the challenges ahead.
Following the surgery, Westmoreland spent two months in the hospital for rehabilitation, first learning to hobble and then to walk with a prosthetic leg. Not to be deterred, Westmoreland gladly accepted the invitation of a longtime friend, Miles Doleac, to produce the film “The Historian.” Recently released across numerous on-demand platforms and coming soon to iTunes, Amazon and Hulu, the film was the winner of “Best Feature Film,” “Best Actor” and “Best Supporting Actor” awards at the 2014 Long Island International Film Expo. Westmoreland, who serves as the co-founder of Historia Films, is currently in pre-production of his second feature film, “The Hollow,” which he is set to produce in June in Mississippi. And with his determined attitude, he certainly hasn’t surrendered to his initial fear of sitting on life’s sidelines. In addition to the Helen Keller Lecture, Westmoreland also recently accepted the post of president of TROY’s New York Alumni Chapter. “We have to accept and be willing to change regardless of what challenges we encounter in life,” he said. “We often experience fear of the unknown, but the unknown is also the address of potential and possibility. We must reach an awareness that good things can be found in life’s struggles and that success can be found despite our failures.”
Chinese New Year Presents opportunity for promoting relationships Celebration of a new year and Alabama’s ties with China was the focus of the Confucius Institute at Troy University’s event on Feb. 26 at the Montgomery Country Club. Highlighted by a keynote address by Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield, the event provided a platform to discuss Alabama-China business relations as well as the University’s impact on the state and in language and culture education in places like Montgomery’s LAMP school. “It is through the sharing of the economy and education and culture that creates the bridge that creates the ability to recognize that we are different as governments, but we may not be so different as people, and that’s what’s important,” Canfield said. “Troy University has been a very strong partner in this effort, and … we have been the beneficiary of the leadership at TROY.” Canfield spoke about the creation of a statewide economic development strategy that will focus on building closer ties with the People’s Republic of China through the Accelerate
Alabama program to provide an emphasis on both economic development and education. Canfield said worldwide, some 126 countries have been introduced to Alabama products. “The journey is never simple. The journey is never without risk … but at the end of the day, this is about opportunity and a vision for the future that we all share in common, no matter whether we are from Alabama or China,” he said. “Let’s all continue to work together in a way to see greater understanding, to see greater opportunities and all of the great economic benefits that come from that.” The evening also set the stage to recognize TROY Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., who received the World Confucius Institute’s Individual Performance of Excellence Award making him one of nine university presidents worldwide, and the only in North America, to receive the honor. Worldwide, there are 475 Confucius Institutes, and 120 are in the United States. In Alabama, the Confucius Institute at Troy University is the
only such institute to have a statewide mission of expanding economic development opportunities between companies in China and Alabama. In addition to Secretary Canfield’s address, Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange brought welcoming remarks, and Dothan Mayor Mike Schmitz spoke on China-Wiregrass initiatives. A variety of performances dotted the celebration, performed by Chinese students as well as students from LAMP who provided a poetry reading and a Tai Chi demonstration. Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr., is congratulated by Alabama Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield on receiving the World Confucius Institute’s Individual Performance of Excellence Award during a Feb. 26 Confucius Institute at TROY Chinese New Year Appreciation Banquet in Montgomery. Dr. Hawkins was one of just nine university presidents worldwide, and the only one in North America, to receive the award this year. (photo/Matt Clower)
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It’s all about the name Derrick Cunningham, Sheriff, Montgomery County Since swearing an oath to protect and serve his fellow citizens, never has TROY alumnus Derrick Cunningham’s name meant so much. Cunningham, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from TROY in 2007, was sworn in as Sheriff of Montgomery County, Alabama, in January after serving the last 16 years as the chief deputy. “As sheriff, everything has your name on it,” he said. “Back when I was chief, I could defer the hard questions to the sheriff. Now, I am the sheriff, and everything is in my name. When it’s your name, it’s not just a job—it’s personal,” Cunningham said. “I was Derrick Cunningham before I was sheriff, and that’s who I’m staying,” he said. “If you remember who you are and how you were brought up and trained, that’s going to help you along your journey.” That’s where Cunningham is finding rewards from his own TROY degree. “It’s all about networking, and college is the best place to start because you never know who is sitting beside you—it
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might be a boss, a coworker or an influencer,” he said. “TROY taught me how to network and exposed me to a lot of different people from a lot of different places.” While Cunningham went on to earn a master’s degree in police administration and security and completed studies at the FBI National Academy, he points to an international experience at TROY that set the stage for much of the success in his career. “When I was there, I didn’t even think about it. I had a guy in one class from Belgium. In another, someone from Germany,” he said. “That’s what it’s about.” Those foundations led to making connections on a global basis in graduate school and law enforcement—all relationships that have been put to work for citizens in Montgomery County. “I plan on being sheriff for a few years,” he said. “It’s my dream; it’s from where I want to retire, and I started prepping for this while I was at TROY.”
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TROY celebrates Vietnam commencements
Troy University awarded nearly 200 degrees during three commencement ceremonies in Vietnam in October. Chancellor Hawkins presided over ceremonies at the University of Economics and Business, a member of the Vietnam National University, on Oct. 21, where 29 Bachelor of Science degrees in business administration and 32 Master of Business Administration degrees were awarded. On Oct. 22, TROY awarded 15 Bachelor of Science degrees in business administration at Hanoi University of Science and Technology. The largest of the three ceremonies was on Oct. 25 at Saigon Technology University in Ho Chi Minh City where 103 degrees were conferred, including 90 Bachelor of Science degrees in business administration and 13 Bachelor of Science degrees in computer science. 17 路 TROY Magazine
Professor pens First Amendment study Dr. Susan Sarapin
A Troy University professor has co-authored a landmark study in First Amendment protections of speech on social media. The paper, co-written by Dr. Susan Sarapin, an assistant professor in the Hall School of Journalism and Communication, was published in October 2014 in the Taylor & Francis journal “First Amendment Studies.” It has since become the journal’s most widely downloaded study with more than 1,000 downloads in less than four months. “This accomplishment is a testament to the significant academic interest in social media behavior and the First Amendment,” said Sarapin, who coauthored the paper with Dr. Pamela Morris, an assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse. The paper focuses on the “Bland v. Roberts” court case where six plaintiffs sued for being punished for the use of social media platform Facebook’s “Like” button, including a Virginia deputy sheriff who was fired for “liking” the Facebook page of his sheriff ’s political opponent. The professors conducted
by Clif Lusk
original research in how people use Facebook, what they believe they are communicating when using the “Like” button on Facebook and whether or not their speech should be protected by the U.S. Constitution. “More astonishing than the deputy being fired for clicking the ‘Like’ button, was the statement by the presiding judge, Judge Raymond Jackson, that ‘simply liking a Facebook page’ is not even speech,” Sarapin said. In May 2013, the sufficient speech aspect of Jackson’s decision was reversed on appeal, declaring the use of the “Like” button is sufficient speech to be protected by the First Amendment. The study found judges do consider the public’s opinions when making their decisions, and that survey respondents who were most certain about who would view their “Like” message also believed those viewers would know what was being communicated. “In other words, as awareness of one’s audience increases, so, too, does the belief that the receivers of the message
will understand one’s intended meaning,” Sarapin said. Other major findings of the study included: • A significant positive association between survey respondents’ belief they are communicating a message by clicking “Like” and the belief that message should be protected speech; • The more Facebook users believe they are communicating a message by clicking “Like,” the more they will believe their audience will understand what they are saying; • As compared to Facebook users who do not “Like” political messages, those who do were significantly more likely to believe that their posts should be protected speech; • Two-thirds of the respondents agreed on the meaning of a “Like;” and • 81.6 percent of respondents believed that “Liking” something is communicating a message.
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19ATHLETICS
TROY RELEASES 2015 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Five home games and a trip to Wisconsin highlight the 2015 TROY football schedule. In addition to a non-conference matchup with Charleston Southern in the home opener on Sept. 12, TROY will host Sun Belt Conference foes South Alabama (Oct. 3), Idaho (Oct. 17), ULM (Nov. 7) and Georgia Southern (Nov. 14). Homecoming on the University’s Troy Campus has been set for the Oct. 17 game against Idaho, while Band Day will coincide with the game against Charleston Southern, and Military Day will take place during ULM game. TROY’s Sun Belt road schedule features visits to New Mexico State (Oct. 24), Appalachian State (Oct. 31), Georgia State (Nov. 28) and UL Lafayette (Dec. 5). The Trojans also have road non-conference games at North Carolina State (Sept. 5), Wisconsin (Sept. 19) and Mississippi State (Oct. 10). The meetings with Wisconsin and North Carolina State will be the first against both schools for TROY, while the trip to Mississippi State will mark the third game against the Bulldogs in the past four years. TROY’s trip to North Carolina State is the opening game of a home-and-home series with the Wolfpack; NC State will make the return trip to TROY in 2017. All 2015 Sun Belt Conference games will be aired on an ESPN platform (ESPN/ESPN2/ ESPNU/ESPNews/ESPN3) for the third year in a row. A full broadcast schedule will be announced at a later date by the league. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 877-878-WINS (9467) or online at TroyTrojans.com.
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2015 TROY Football Schedule
Sept. 5
Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31 Nov. 7 Nov. 14 Nov. 28 Dec. 5
at North Carolina State
Charleston Southern at Wisconsin South Alabama at Mississippi State Idaho (Homecoming) at New Mexico State at Appalachian State ULM Georgia Southern at Georgia State at UL Lafayette
BOBBY PIERCE BECOMES WINNINGEST COACH IN TROY BASEBALL HISTORY TROY head baseball coach Bobby Pierce won his 435th game with a 4-1 decision over Alabama A&M on March 29 at Riddle-Pace Field. With that win, Pierce passed legendary TROY baseball coach Chase Riddle as the program's winningest coach. Riddle coached the Trojans from 1979 to 1990, leading the team to 434 wins, six regional titles, five Gulf South Conference crowns and two national championships. Pierce took over the program in 2003 and has led the team to four conference titles and four NCAA Regional appearances; he's produced 15 All-Americans and 42 all-conference selections. He is a two-time Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year and the 2011 ABCA South Central Region Coach of the Year. Since arriving at TROY, Pierce has averaged 35 wins a season and has had 28 players sign professional contracts. Pierce said while he may have surpassed Riddle’s total number of career wins, he will always consider his former coach an inspiration and a mentor. "Coach Riddle was a big part of my life and my coaching career," he said. "He was always there as a mentor with encouraging words. My love and admiration for him as a man and a baseball coach is at the top of the meter. Pierce said his coaching career at TROY been blessed.
“To have my son coaching by my side and Coach (Mark) Smartt here the entire time means the world,” TROY Assistant Baseball Coach Mark Smartt has already been tabbed as Pierce's successor upon his retirement following the 2015 season. Like Pierce, Smartt also played under Riddle (1986-87). "It's a wonderful day for TROY and for me, personally,” Smartt said after Pierce set a new TROY record. “I played for Coach Riddle and have been side-by-side with Coach Pierce for 13 years, so it's an emotional day for me. I know both men very well, and I'm very excited that Coach Pierce got to break this record because I know how much it would have meant to Coach Riddle." Coach Bobby Pierce shares a family moment with son, volunteer assistant coach Logan Pierce, left, and wife, Kay, as they hear a video address from Mrs. Betty Riddle, congratulating Pierce on breaking the University’s mostwins record set by her late husband, TROY’s legendary head baseball coach Chase Riddle. (photo/John Rushing) TROY Magazine · 20
Coach. Mentor. Friend. These are just some of the words former Troy University football players and coaching staff members use to describe former head football coach Larry Blakeney and the role he has played in their lives during his 24-season career at TROY. However, in the case of former Troy Trojan offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Tony Franklin and TROY football star Mario Mitchell (199221 · TROY Magazine
96), Blakeney’s name is synonymous with second chances and new beginnings. In 2000, Franklin was picking up the pieces after his coaching career was darkened because of NCAA violations committed at Kentucky by a staff he worked with. While he didn’t commit any violations and was later cleared by the NCAA, he was still blackballed in the college football coaching profession.
Blakeney wanted to hire Franklin in 2003, but the financials didn’t work out until after TROY’s 2005 football season. With a wife and three teenage daughters to support, Franklin was thrilled to receive Blakeney’s offer to be TROY’s offensive coordinator. “I would have never been hired in college football again,” Franklin said. “Larry was the only person that talked to me, and the only person that ever
even considered hiring me was Larry… My children wouldn’t have had the opportunities they’ve had. I owe the guy my life.” Franklin’s first season in 2006 started a streak of five straight Sun Belt championships for Troy. Blakeney showed Franklin the same loyalty that TROY had shown him early in his head coaching career.
“I had sorta been through a similar situation at Auburn (with NCAA troubles),” Blakeney said. “Luckily when I got here, I had gotten entrenched before it went down at Auburn and these people have stood by me.” While he’s now the offensive coordinator at California, Franklin said he still talks to Blakeney several times a year. “I love that man,” Franklin said. “That man changed my life. I love who he is as
a human being because he’s one of the few people in this business who truly, genuinely care about people regardless of who they are.” Former TROY football player Mario Mitchell knows first-hand what it means to have Blakeney in your corner. Mitchell was a highly touted defensiveline prospect from Opelika, but a combination of failing grades and bad influences was tarnishing his star power. TROY Magazine · 22
“I was on the streets,” Mitchell said. “(Coach) rescued me.” Mitchell said at the time of his first in-home visit with Blakeney, he was living in the projects in a fourbedroom dwelling with 14 people, so he turned to his father, who had better means, and asked him to host Blakeney at his house. After a two-hour visit, Mitchell said he was blown away by Blakeney’s perceptiveness. “He called me outside and said ‘Mario, we’ve been here for two hours. I haven’t seen an accolade of yours in this house. I haven’t even seen a picture of you in this house. Take me where you really live,’” Mitchell said. And that’s just what Mitchell did. Soon after, the young athlete committed to TROY, but he had to sit out his first season to become eligible to play. His first year wasn’t easy. Mitchell had a girlfriend—now wife—in Opelika and a young child. There were problems and tears that first year. But Blakeney wouldn’t let him give up. He made Mitchell stay in Troy during down time, because he didn’t want him going back to life on the streets with the potential of not returning to TROY. 23 · TROY Magazine
Mitchell said today he is eternally thankful for Blakeney’s influence. “He’s really the first man to ever hug me and tell me he loved me,” Mitchell said. “If it wasn’t for him—and I’ll scream this from the mountain top—if he didn’t give me that opportunity, I’d be dead or in prison. I say that because all my friends were in prison or dead when I was in college.” Mitchell was at TROY from 1992-96. He and his wife have three kids. He now owns several small businesses in Opelika, and says he owes his success to Blakeney and TROY. “Every time I see (Coach Blakeney), his arms are wide open, and he’ll hug me and tell me he loves me still, and he’s proud of me,” Mitchell said. Blakeney has taken chances on several kids with baggage. Some didn’t work out. Most did. “If you give a guy a chance, nurture him, discipline him a little bit, coach him up and let him know right and let him know wrong, most guys with some intelligence come through it positively,” Blakeney said. “We’ve raised a bunch of them—some good players and good people. Most have proven to be a success story.” The field at Veterans-Memorial Stadium was named for Blakeney in 2011.
Replacing a legend takes vision By Adam Prendergast Ask new Troy University head football coach Neal Brown, and he’ll tell you that replacing a legend isn’t something that is easily done. However, when that legend is your friend and mentor, the transition promises to be a little less bumpy. After former head football coach Larry Blakeney announced in 2014 that his 23rd season on TROY’s gridiron would be his last, it didn’t take long for Brown’s name to make it to the top of the list of coaches who should be the next man to lead TROY’s Trojans to future seasons of victory. While he had former professional ties to TROY, Brown said it was his connection to Blakeney and the Troy community that made it an easy decision to leave his coaching position at Kentucky to become the 21st head coach in Troy’s football history. “TROY is a special place for us,” Brown said. “It is where I became a Division I football coach for the first time. It is where Brooke and I first moved when we got married. It is where our first child was born. It is where I became the youngest coordinator in the country. When I saw Coach Blakeney had stepped down, I knew I wanted this job. What made TROY special to us is the people.” As Brown prepares to lead his first TROY team into action this fall, it will be with a renewed sense of excitement and pride for the name across the front of each jersey. “We will be accountable,” Brown said, “not only to each other, but also to this program and University. We will play disciplined on the field, and we will be disciplined off the field. That was a program mandate from day one.” With spring practice in the books, Brown and his staff now look ahead to summer workouts and a schedule that features three Power Five conference schools with trips to North Carolina State, Wisconsin and Mississippi State. “I am a firm believer that the foundation of your program is established in the off-season and in the weight room,” Brown said. “We had a very productive off-season before spring practice where you could see the change in our players
Coach Brown is rebuilding the wall around the TROY football program.
because of the work they put in from a strength and conditioning standpoint along with proper nutrition.” Brown has surrounded himself with some of the brightest young minds in the coaching profession alongside veteran coaches who have produced offensive and defensive units ranked among the best in the nation. His staff is littered with Troy connections. Defensive coordinator Vic Koenning and offensive line coach Matt Moore are returning for their second stint at TROY. Wide receiver coach Cornelius Williams is returning to the school where he won four Sun Belt titles, while Kenny Edenfield, Sean Reagan, Shayne Wasden and Al Pogue have all been retained from Blakeney’s final staff. Linebacker coach
Jon Sumrall joined Brown after serving as the co-defensive coordinator at Tulane, and former Florida linebacker Bam Hardmon has come to TROY following a stint at Idaho. “I wanted to surround myself with people who are smarter than I am — who can help me and our student-athletes win a Sun Belt Conference championship,” Brown said. “My staff consists of coaches that appreciate the opportunity and are grateful to put on that T just like I am.” A great wall once stood around the TROY football program, a wall that was built with five consecutive Sun Belt Conference championships. Brown, his staff and his players have the vision and the determination to #RebuildTheWall. TROY Magazine · 24
Invitational caps off historic season By Matt Mays
It started in August in Rome—Italy, not Georgia—and finished in March in Macon—this time in Georgia—and all along the way, the 2014-15 season was nothing short of magical for TROY women’s basketball. Despite a disappointing result, March 19 inside Hawkins Arena at Mercer University was a historic night for the Trojans. After a season full of records and memories, the Trojans made their second postseason appearance in program history as they traveled to Mercer for the first round of the Women’s Basketball Invitational (WBI). TROY hadn’t played in a postseason game since the 1997 NCAA Tournament. Even though the Trojans will have to wait another year to possibly pick up the first postseason win in program history, the foundation head coach Chanda Rigby has laid is a great place to build. Rigby took over a program that won two games in 2011-12 and turned it into a 20-game winner in three seasons. At the forefront of the change—especially in 2014-15—was senior Kourtney Coleman, 25 · TROY Magazine
the lone student-athlete who played on the two-win and 20-win teams. “I told the team after we won our 20th game, ‘To go from where we were when I was a freshman to where we are now is almost unreal,’” Coleman said. “Nobody expected it to turn this quickly, but I’m really happy it has. When Coach Rigby got here three years ago, I could tell she was ready to come in and turn this into a winning program, and she has, and I’m just glad I could be a part of it.” The turnaround began to steal headlines when the calendar flipped to January. In 2014, TROY had finished non-conference play with a 5-4 record. It was TROY’s first winning record entering Sun Belt play since 2009-10, but Rigby and the Trojans wanted more. However, when 2015 came, the Trojans rattled off six straight wins to move to 6-1 in Sun Belt play—the best conference start for the program since 1996-97. However, a rough patch in late January found the Trojans with a 7-5 Sun Belt record.
From there, the Trojans offense exploded in a 108-87 win on the road at Appalachian State. That win kick-started another streak—this one an eight-game winning streak, the second longest in program history. The streak featured headlines including a 65-62 win over the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, the eventual Sun Belt champion. Rigby’s ultimate goal is to see the Trojans atop the Sun Belt Conference, but for now she has made a habit of beating the top dog. The win over UALR gave TROY a February win over the league champion for the third time in three seasons under Rigby. The eight-game streak also featured a 99-93 overtime thriller at Georgia Southern that cemented Ashley BeverlyKelley and Ronita Garrett as All-Sun Belt performers. During that win, BeverlyKelley dropped a career-high 46 points while Garrett posted 25 points and 17 rebounds. The duo both earned first team All-Sun Belt honors, but before that became official, the Trojans traveled to South
Coach Chanda Rigby led her 2014-15 team to a historic, postseason apperance.
Hall School grad sidelined for ESPN
Alabama and grabbed their 20th win—the eighth of the eight-game streak. TROY won 20 games for the first time since 1996-97 and for the fourth time in the program’s 40-year history. That win closed the regular season and set the stage for the Sun Belt Championships as TROY entered the tournament as the No. 3 seed—the highest finish for the Trojans since joining the Sun Belt 10 years ago. TROY’s quarterfinal game against UL Lafayette was a disappointing one as the Trojans fell 66-52, but prior to the game, Beverly-Kelley and Garrett were given their All-Sun Belt awards and five Trojans were named to the Sun Belt Academic Honor Roll. Beverly-Kelley, already a two-time All-Sun Belt selection in her career and a 1,000-point scorer, will lead a group of key returners for TROY next season. She is one of eight players set to return to the Trojan Nation next season as the team plans to work toward continued success on and off the court.
Danielle Percival Jenkins, a 2014 TROY graduate, is living the dream. Married in December to former TROY cross-country track coach Jeff Jenkins, the couple now makes their home in Demorest, Georgia, and ESPN is certainly a big part of their household. This husband and wife team works for Piedmont College where Danielle is assistant director of athletic communications and Jeff is head track and field/ cross country coach. Those are their day jobs, anyway. Danielle also serves as a sideline reporter for ESPN. “Working for ESPN is truly a dream come true,” she said. “For years, I responded to the ‘dream job’ question with those four little letters. To be living it out and working with the worldwide leader in sports is incredible.” Danielle was a sideline reporter for this year’s Sun Belt Conference Basketball Tournaments in New Orleans, covering 12 games of men’s and women’s basketball action. This opportunity came after working five football games during the fall for ESPN, including the Sun Belt Conference Game of the Week and the TROY at ULM game. She credits the work she did at TROY as paving the way for both jobs. “I know the opportunities that were given to me with ESPN and Sun Belt Conference would not have been possible without my time at Troy University Television. The station at TROY is truly a first-class operation that allows students to gain invaluable experience,” Jenkins said.
Senior Kourtney Coleman was at the forefront of the team’s turnaround. TROY Magazine · 26
27ALUM NOTES ’50
James “J.D. ” Chesteen (1951) was recently inducted into the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame. He taught and coached for nearly 39 years in the Geneva County School System before retiring in 1989. Active in civic and church activities, Chesteen has been chairman of the deacons at Hartford Baptist Church for 12 years.
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William “ W.T. ” Henry (1960)
retired headmaster of DeerfieldWindsor School in Albany, Georgia, has been appointed to the state Board of Education by Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal. Henry has served 45 years in public and private education, has served on the Georgia Accrediting Commission since 1997 and is a former member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools’ Board of Trustees. He and his wife, Ruth, have three children and three grandchildren.
John Tatum (1969) was recently
inducted into the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame. Tatum spent 16 years as athletic director and head football and track coach at Montgomery Academy. He also had coaching stops at DeKalb County High School in Walker, Georgia, Norcross (Georgia) High School and Everitt Junior High School in Panama City, Florida. His overall head coaching record was 196-1121 with 21 trips to the state playoffs in 27 years.
’70
Max Bozeman, Jr. (1975), of Elba,
was recently inducted into the Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame. He is a full-time cattle producer from Coffee County who grew up on a diversified family farm in Crenshaw County. Bozeman has served as president of the Alabama Cattleman’s Association, president of the Alabama BCIA, as a member of the Alabama Farmers Federation state beef committee, chairman of the 27 · TROY Magazine
Coffee County bull sale committee and as past president of the Coffee County Cattlemen’s Association. He currently serves on the Southeastern Livestock Exposition Board of Directors and has been appointed as Alabama’s beef director to the Cattlemen’s Beef Board.
Charles “"Coach O" ” Oliver (1977), chief executive officer
of Coach O Enterprises, was recently elected national chair of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). Oliver, who has 42 years of experience in track and field as an athlete, coach and businessman, will serve a four-year term. The former TROY track national champion and coach participated in the 1976 and 1980 U.S. Olympic Trials, and he was inducted into the Troy University Sports Hall of Fame in 2012. He is the recipient of the AAU Presidents Leadership Award, an Advisory Board member for the Troy University Sorrell College of Business and holds memberships in USA Track and Field and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He and his wife, Jessie, have two sons and two grandchildren.
Rick Evanchyk (1978) is president and chief executive officer of Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida. He previously served as chief operations officer of Goodwill of Southwest Florida. Eddie Kelley (1979) is president
and chief executive officer of Kelley Foods of Alabama, Inc., in Elba. He began his formal career with the family business in 1979 and was elected to the company’s top role in 2002. Kelley is director of the City of Elba Industrial Development Board, past chairman of the Elba City School Board, member and past chairman of the Alabama Grocers Association and a member of the Food Safety Advisory Committee of the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries.
’80
Rafael A. Goldsmith (1985) was recently ordained to the permanent diaconate at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington, Virginia. He is a parishioner of All Saints
Church in Manassas, Virginia, and holds a master’s degree in management from TROY. He and his wife, Mary Alice, have five children and 15 grandchildren.
Mike Lewis (1986) has been named as communications director for Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange. Lewis served as spokesman and communications director for Strange’s re-election campaign last year and previously served as press secretary for former U.S. Reps. Bill Dickinson and Terry Everett and as communications director for former Rep. Jo Bonner. A native of Alexander City, Lewis also previously served as speechwriter and senior policy adviser for U.S. Rep. Mike Turner of Ohio. Randy Carpenter (1987, 1990)
was recently named senior vice president of strategic services with Stoltenberg Consulting, Inc., a leading health care information technology consulting firm.
E. Lee Felder (1987) has been named vice president of human resources at the University of South Dakota. He previously served as director of human resources at the Bryan Independent School District in Bryan, Texas. Felder also spent 23 years with the Air Force as a director in human resources in various training or teaching positions. He holds a master’s degree in human resource management from TROY. Tab Warlitner (1988) is a
principal in Deloitte’s federal practice, where he leads the civilian agencies segment. He joined the firm in 2009, and before that held a 17-year career at BearingPoint, where he served as a senior vice president in the firm’s public sector business unit.
Dr. F. Erik Brooks (1989, 1992)
has been appointed interim director of the Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center on the campus of Western Illinois University in Macomb. He is chair of the African American studies department at the university and has served as a member of the university’s faculty since 2012.
Col. Vickie Hughes (1989)
of Boone, North Carolina, will serve on Rep. Virginia Foxx’s Service Academy Nomination Board. Hughes retired from the Air Force after 27 years of service having provided leadership in
educational instruction, clinical services, administrative supervision, management and program development. During her military career, Hughes served as the commander of the Air Force’s largest medical school as well as director of operations for the Commissioned Officer Training School. A licensed advanced practice nurse practitioner, Hughes holds a master’s degree in counseling from TROY.
Timothy J. Parker (1989) has joined Hole Montes, Inc., a leading Southwest Florida engineering, planning and surveying firm, as its senior project manager in the firm’s aviation department. Parker will be based in the company’s Fort Myers, Florida office. Over the past 30 years, he has worked in developing commercial and general aviation airports throughout Florida. David Racz (1989) has been appointed director of Naturally Splendid Ltd. and president of Naturally Splendid USA, a multifaceted biotechnology company. He previously served in senior-level positions with pharmaceutical companies Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline and Novartis.
’90
Teresa McDaniel (1992) has been named Teacher of the Year at Graceville (Florida) High School. She has been teaching Pre-Algebra, Algebra I and Algebra II at the school for six years. McDaniel and her husband, Bobby, have three daughters.
Phillips receives ‘Woman in Business ’ Award Janice Schmitt Phillips, a 1989 honors graduate in accounting, recently received the “Woman in Business” Award from the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in the United Arab Emirates. Phillips serves as general manager of Olgoonik Global Security and has led the company to double in size in just two years while providing key life support services to the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi. In January, the company celebrated the third anniversary of the opening of its Diplomatic Support Division in Abu Dhabi. The award recognizes a working female who has demonstrated exemplary leadership and accomplishment by pushing barriers, overcoming challenges and setting an example of perseverance and professionalism. “I was truly honored to receive this award, but this award is not for me,” she said. “It is really for the leaders and mentors who have coached me along the way. It’s for the team members I have had the honor to work with and for my loyal family and friends. This award is a testimony to my core values: truth, honesty, integrity, communication, transparency, ethical behavior and maintaining a commitment to treating everyone fairly.” The Selma native has been actively involved in the Abu Dhabi business community for the past 15 years. In addition to the honor, Phillips also was recently re-elected as chairman of the Overseas Security Advisory Council, which promotes cooperation between privately held U.S. companies and the U.S. Department of State in order to address security concerns in the region. Under her leadership, the council has grown from a membership of 40 to more than 300. Phillips also was nominated for the AmCham’s “Best Woman in Corporate Sector” Award and was one of the first signatories to support the women’s empowerment pledge for “Women Achieve,” an initiative of AmCham in Abu Dhabi that promotes the professional advancement of women for leadership and positions of greater responsibilities.
Laurin Wheelock (1992) has been named branch officer at the Crestview, Florida, location of Trustmark National Bank. Wheelock, who is the branch manager, has more than 30 years of experience in the financial industry. Daphne Latimore (1993) recently accepted the position as the first executive director of Leadership Fauquier, a non-profit organization that seeks to enhance civic participation in Fauquier County, Virginia. Latimore is the founder and chief executive officer of D.B. Latimore Professional Services Group, LLC, a firm specializing in human resource management consulting, professional coaching and workforce seminars. She holds
Janice Schmitt Phillips (1989) is shown with Defense Attache Rear Admiral Gary W. Rosholt during the third anniversary celebration of the opening of Olgoonik Global Security, LLC’s diplomatic support division in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. TROY Magazine · 28
a Master of Public Administration from TROY.
Kimberly Clark (1997) has been appointed as circuit judge for Geneva and Dale counties by Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley. Boyd Busby (1999) has been appointed as the new executive director of the Alabama Board of Public Accountancy, the regulatory board for accounting in Alabama. Greg Mullet (1999) has been named national sales and marketing manager at Mermet USA, a manufacturer of high-performance sun control textiles. He will be responsible for overseeing the North American sales and marketing teams as well as enhancing business development and delivering exception customer service for the company. Elliott Pike (1999), of Vestavia Hills, was named the Home Builders Association of Alabama’s Remodeler of the Year for 2014. Pike, a member of the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders, was recognized for showing outstanding service to his local and state associations, his community and the remodeling industry as a whole. He is employed by ELM Construction and has earned the titles of Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist and Certified Graduate Remodeler and is recognized as a Master Remodeler.
’00
Natalie Rischbieter (2000)
was recently named to the post of director of alumni relations at Middle Georgia State College. A resident of Barnesville, Georgia, Rischbieter previously served as alumni affairs and annual fund administrator at Gordon State College.
Brig. Gen. Edward F. Crowell (2001), a retired member of the
USAF, serves on the Alabama Ethics Commission. Crowell, a Troy University Trustee, retired from the Air Force in 2009, most recently serving as Commandant of the Air War College and Vice Commander of Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base. Crowell holds the Legion of Merit and Distinguished Service Medal among others. 29 · TROY Magazine
Wendy Pitts (2001) has been promoted to chief quality officer at Harbin Cling, the largest, physicianowned, multi-specialty health care group in Georgia. She joined Harbin Clinic in 1987 as an ophthalmology surgical nurse and has served in various leadership positions during her 28 years with the clinic, including cardiac rehab manager, cardiovascular division manager, best practices development director, director of operations of satellite offices, and most recently, senior director of health care processes and outcomes. She holds a Master of Business Administration from TROY. Glenn Irby (2002) was recently named chief administrator in Apopka, Florida. He previously served as city manager for Umatilla, Florida. Jennifer Withrow (2002, 2009), a ninth and tenth grade teacher at Red Level High School, was recently named Secondary Teacher of the Year by the Andalusia Chamber of Commerce. In addition to her work in the classroom, Withrow also serves as sponsor of the school’s freshman and sophomore classes, the student council and founder of the Revelers drama program. Jason Belcher’s (2003) book “Aftermath: Rebuilding Global Security after a Century of Warfare” has been published by Post Hill Press. The book addresses the recent conflicts that have dominated the world stage such as civil war in Ukraine, ISIS in Syria and Iraq and drug wars in Mexico and attempts to shape the next generation’s thinking on global affairs and current events. W. Frank Faust (2003) has been named director of marketing of the Central Florida Health Alliance. He previously served in a similar role with Asante Health System in Medford, Oregon. Veronica Crock (2006) is dean of planning, information services and institutional effectiveness at Enterprise State Community College. She serves on the board of directors of the Enterprise Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise Rotary Club and is a member of the advisory board for the Ozark Technology Center. Crock is a member of the National Council of Professors of Educational
Carter Vaughn, son of TROY grads Judson and Katie Vaughn.
Administration, the Alabama Association for Institutional Research, the Council for Resource Development and the Aviation Council of Alabama.
Anthony Williams (2007), an instructor at Darton State College in Albany, Georgia, has been named a “Top Cardiovascular Technology Instructor” by medicaltechnologyschools.com. Williams serves as the cardiovascular technology program director at Darton and is one of just 20 selected from across the country based on professionalism, commitment to their profession and dedication to student success. Christopher L.C. Duenas (2008)
has been promoted to chief financial officer at Triple J Enterprises, Inc. in Guam. Duenas has been a part of Triple J since 2012 and previously served as corporate controller. Triple J Enterprises is a group of more than 20 companies and subsidiaries throughout Micronesia.
Kelli Roberts (2008, 2010), director of tourism and finance of the Phenix City-Russell County Chamber of Commerce, has been selected to serve as a class advisor at the Institute for Organization Management, an intensive, week-long, nonprofit leadership training program to be held at the University of Georgia. The Institute for Organization Management is the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Inc. Marcus A. Blankenship (2009, 2014) is a social studies instructor
M. Stanton Evans life dedicated to liberty Long-time TROY journalism professor and leader of America’s conservative movement M. Stanton Evans died March 3 in Leesburg, Virginia. He was 80. Evans, the namesake of the Hall School of Journalism’s M. Stanton Evans Symposium on Money, Politics and the Media, had been a visiting scholar for some 30 years, influencing many students both in journalism and the Sorrell College of Business. An early leader of the conservative movement in America, Evans authored “the Sharon Statement,” that ultimately served to unify conservatives nationwide. It was so called because it was drafted at William F. Buckley Jr.’s, home in Sharon, Connecticut, and Evans worked for Buckley’s National Review. He served as editor of The Indianapolis News, chairman of the American Conservative Union, a radio and television Stan Evans commentator and authored a number of books, including his benchmark book on
Sen. Joseph McCarthy and his anti-communism crusade. His latest book was the 2012 “Stalin’s Secret Agents: The Subversion of Roosevelt’s Government,” co-authored with Herbert Romerstein. He led the National Journalism Center in Washington, D.C., which he founded, from 1977 to 2002. Evans, born in Kingsville, Texas, on July 20, 1934, grew up in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and Mount Rainer, Maryland. He graduated from Yale in 1955 and worked both for Buckley’s National Review and Human Events before moving to Indianapolis. “His whole life was dedicated to liberty and speaking truth in its defense,” said long-time friend Ralph Kinney Bennett, a former editor at Reader’s Digest, who eulogized him at a Heritage Foundation memorial service conducted following his Leesburg, Virginia, funeral services. “He understood perfectly how daunting it is to have God’s gift of freedom to be placed at risk in God’s universe and subject to its laws—both physical and moral—and the consequences of contravention or obedience,” Bennett said.
at Thunder Mountain High School in Juneau, Alaska.
and deliver results. Bennett and her husband, Matthew, have one son.
Lucretica Hawkins (2009), a teacher at Pleasant Home Elementary School, has been named Elementary Teacher of the Year by the Andalusia Chamber of Commerce. Hawkins teaches second grade.
Anna M. Dobbins (2014) has been named as the Business Council of Alabama’s meetings/events and communications coordinator. During her time at TROY, Dobbins, a former BCA intern, was a member of the Troy University Broadcasting Club, the Public Relations/Advertising Society and a student member of the Montgomery Chapter of the Public Relations Council of Alabama.
’10
Tanner Megahee (2012) was recently named as a loan officer at the Sylvester Branch of AgGeorgia Farm Credit.
Katie Trice to Kyle Kelley (2007) Ashleigh Paige Reeves (2007) to Paul Foster Haughton, III Sally Sessions to Clay Sutley (2007) Kayla Brooke Homyak to Thomas Aaron Cox (2008) Laura Michelle Stanford to Garreth Layton Griffin (2008) Cortlin Megan Lee to Matthew Ryan Bond (2009) Amanda Lee (2009) to Cody Williams Abby Laura Hudson to Floyd Clayton Massey (2012) Julie Lynn Murphy (2014) to Jerry Ryan Butterworth (2014) Alla Lee Anderson (2015) to Jacob Alexander Smith (2014)
named deputy chief of the Salem (Virginia) Fire and EMS Department. Rickman joined the Salem Fire Department in 2005, was named paramedic and senior firefighter in 2008 and elevated to the rank of captain and named the city’s EMS coordinator in 2011. He holds a Master of Public Administration from TROY. joined Quality Incentive Company as director of sales. QIC designs and administers recognition and incentive programs that motivate people, inspire higher performance
Nancy Joyce Turner (1995, 2006) to Rhett Robert Lee Oliver
Samantha Jean Kleinhanzl to Dylan Reese McCullough (2013)
Matt Rickman (2012) has been
Jacilyn Bennett (2014) has
WEDDINGS AND ENGAGEMENTS Troy University Alumni
Danielle Percival (2014) to Jeff Jenkins (2014)
IN REMEMBRANCE Troy University Alumni 1941, 1946 – Harold R. Collins, Ed.D 1949 – William “Bill” Joiner 1957 – Rev. Marion Elmer Davis 1963 – Edgar Franklin Mote
IN REMEMBRANCE Troy University Friends E. Donald Crapps Margie Wiggins DeBray Stan Evans
1971 – Elaine Davis Engram Jay Stewart Jefcoat Otis Simmons
1974 – Rev. Larry G. Townsend, Sr. 1974 – Lt. Col. W.G. Hale Alderman, USAF (retired) 1978 – Bessie Bradley Carthon 2002 – Nichole Dawkins 2014 – Sean Miller
TROY Magazine · 30
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If your career needs an energy shot, find your warrior spirit at Troy University! Troy University, a prestigious, public university, offers more than 225 undergraduate and graduate options designed with you in mind. Our online and in-class, innovative, one-year graduate programs will put you on the road to success while allowing you to balance work, travel, family and career responsibilities.
Online or in class. TROY FAST TRACK graduate programs: Education Specialist in Community Counseling Education Specialist in Instructional Support Programs (P-12) Teacher Leader Master of Accountancy Master of Business Administration Master of Science in Computer Science Master of Science in Criminal Justice Master of Science in Human Resource Management Master of Science in Management Master of Science in Strategic Communication
Feel it at troy.edu/workingwarrior or call 1-800-586-9771. Š 2015 Troy University Š 2015 Troy University
Founded in 1887