TROY Today - Spring/Summer 2017

S P RI NG /SUMMER 201 7

VISION BECOMES REALITY Janice Hawkins Cultural Arts Park brings unique international experience to Troy Campus

LESSONS FROM ROSA PARKS Museum teaches determination, courage

CELEBRATING 130 YEARS Even after 130 years, TROY’s motto continues to celebrate the student experience

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TROY TODAY

WA R R I O R S A R E B E AU T Y I N M OT I O N TROY can help you succeed in the arts. Whether it’s your dream to dance under bright lights, make your mark on Broadway or showcase your talents in art galleries around the globe, the elite faculty members within our College of Communication and Fine Arts understand the power of creativity and give you the education and personal attention you need to thrive. From our nationally recognized multimedia journalism school to our acclaimed music programs, TROY will help you turn your passion into an exciting career.

That’s the Trojan Warrior Spirit, and it’s alive and well at Troy University. troy.edu/ccfa

T ROY T O DAY

College of

Communication & Fine Arts

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TROY TODAY

TODAY Troy University Marketing and Communication Spring/Summer 2017

Executive Editor Donna Clark Schubert

From the desk of the Chancellor You are holding the inaugural edition of TROY Today Magazine, a new version of our alumni magazine, with more pages and more information about your alma mater. We devised the new format following a communications audit that shows TROY alumni love the magazine and wanted even more news. The printed magazine will be published twice a year and will feature more stories about TROY alumni, students and faculty around the globe.

This inaugural issue of TROY Today Magazine is filled with timely and interesting stories covering all aspects of University life:

Editor Samantha Johnson Art Directors Rob Drinkard (’09) Mark Moseley (’97, ’99) Copy Editors

Vision becomes reality: This piece celebrates the transformation of old Stewart Dining Hall on the Troy Campus into the International Arts Center, which complements Janice Hawkins Cultural Arts Park. At the park, visitors will find a unique international experience through TROY’s exhibit of 200 replica terracotta warriors like the ones unearthed in Xi’an, China. The International Arts Center features galleries honoring renowned artists Fred “NALL” Hollis, a Troy native, and Dr. Huo Bao Zhu of Xi’an, China, a longtime friend of the University who created the terracotta warriors as well as numerous pieces of sculpture displayed on our Alabama campuses. Of particular interest is an interpretive center which tells the fascinating story of the original warriors.

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Lessons from Rosa Parks: This article focuses on the determination and courage exhibited by Rosa Parks and her fellow Civil Rights activists. Dr. Felicia Bell, director of TROY’s Rosa Parks Museum, provided much of the insight and information for this piece.

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A happy accident: This feature spotlights Nick Cervera’s 50-year career as a TROY student, professor and University attorney, all of which were born through chance meetings and conversations.

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In addition, this issue turns the spotlight on a remarkable year in TROY athletics. “A season of firsts” takes a look back at Trojan football’s 10-3 campaign, our best season in our Football Bowl Subdivision history. The year saw the Trojans defeat Ohio in the Dollar General Bowl in Mobile and achieve a Top-25 national ranking, a first for both the University and the Sun Belt Conference.

“Two to tango” celebrates that for the first time in 18 years, a university in the state of Alabama sent both its men’s and women’s basketball teams to their respective NCAA tournaments. A feature titled “Taking shape” gives fans a preview of the new north end zone wing under construction at Veterans Memorial Stadium. This edition also includes coverage of eight new inductees to the Troy University Sports Hall of Fame: Benny Beard, Dr. Doug Hawkins, DeWhitt Betterson, Melanie Davis, Jerrell Jernigan, Dr. Johnny Long, Bubba Marriott and Frank Sadler.

In closing, we hope you are pleased with the new TROY Today magazine format. Our staff has worked hard to create a publication that will keep you up to date on all things Troy University.

Sincerely,

Andy Ellis Emily Price (’09) Contributors Reba Allen (’75) Matt Clower (’04) Tom Davis (’81) Andy Ellis Bill Hopper (’72, ’77) Clif Lusk Jane Martin (’97, ’99) Sam Moody Michael Orlofsky Greg Phillips (’06) Adam Prendergast Emily Price (’09) Jonathan Sellers (’07, ’11) Steve Stewart Savanah Weed Josh Yohn (’07, ’14) Photographers Kevin Glackmeyer Mark Moseley (’97, ’99)

Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. Senior Vice Chancellor, Advancement & Economic Development Maj. Gen. Walter D. Givhan, USAF, Retired (’89) Associate Vice Chancellor, Marketing & Communication

Jack Hawkins, Jr., Ph.D. Chancellor

Donna Clark Schubert Director, Alumni Affairs

TROY Today Magazine welcomes comments, ideas and suggestions from readers. Editors reserve the rights to determine if letters to the editor will be published and to edit submissions for content and length. Copyright 2017

by Troy University, all rights reserved. Troy University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Troy University. The Commission is to be contacted only if there is evidence that appears to support an institution’s significant non-compliance with a requirement or standard.

TROY Today Magazine is published for alumni and friends of Troy University.

For more information, contact the office of Marketing and Communication at: 256 Adams Administration Building Troy, AL 36082 Phone: (334) 670-5830 E-mail: troymagazine@troy.edu Find us on: troy.edu/social and at http://troy.today

Faith Ward (’81, ’87) Director, Communication Andy Ellis Director, Marketing Samantha Johnson Director, University Relations Matt Clower (’04) President, Troy University Alumni Association Bill Hopper (’72, ’77)

CONGRATULATIONS T ROY T O DAY

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2017 Sun Belt Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Champions!

ONE FAMILY. ONE SPIRIT.

ONE TROY.

#OneTROY

TroyTrojans.com

Chase 6 S., Student TROY TODAY

Sport and Fitness Management. Division I Athlete.

S H OW YO U R

T ROJA N WA R R I O R S P I R I T R E F E R A STU D E N T TO T ROY. As a TROY Trojan baseball fan, you know the passion and Warrior Spirit our team brings to the diamond. As an alumnus or friend of the University, you also know about the first-rate academic programs TROY offers.

Show your Trojan Warrior Spirit by referring a student to TROY.

Visit troy.edu/refer or call 1-800-414-5756 to make your referral!

T ROY T O DAY

Spring/Summer 2017

TODAY NEWS

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On The Cover

A sculpture from the native series by the artist NALL

FEATURES

STUDENTS

4 From the desk of the Chancellor

22 Where vision becomes reality

45 A journey home

8 A novel idea

TROY’s Janice Hawkins Cultural Arts Park is not only home to art

46 Effecting change

9 Alpha Omicron Pi joins TROY

from around the globe but also a celebration of new beginnings.

48 Walk this way

Learn more about the park and its offerings!

52 Miss TROY crowned

10 Adams remembered 12 ROTC expands horizons

26 A closer look 14 Riverwalk statue unveiled

Take a look back at the Montgomery Bus Boycott with TROY’s

15 Dothan increases degree options

side of a movement that changed the world.

Rosa Parks Museum Director Dr. Felicia Bell and see a different

54 The tale of two twirlers

ALUMNI 59 Looking back

16 Ringing in a new year

30 Celebrating 130 years

17 Leadership Conference

TROY’s historic motto is just as relevant today as it was 130 years

FACULTY & STAFF

“Educate the mind to think, the heart to feel and the body to act.”

18 Hawkins inducted, Dasinger named dean

34 A happy accident

19 Scout's honor

53 Queen shines

ago. Meet three TROY Trojans who embody what it means to

Find out about the chance encounters that helped shape New

60 Against the odds 62 Message from student alumni president 63 Alum Notes 64 Message from NAA president

ATHLETICS

York-native Nick Cervera’s 50-year career as a TROY student,

PERSPECTIVES

40 A season of firsts

professor and University attorney.

36 Spirit to soar

41 A new class 42 New gameday experience 44 Men, women go dancing

56 Fact from fiction

BE IN THE KNOW. FOLLOW THE BLOG.

http://troy.today

NEWS

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TROY TODAY

A NOVEL

IDEA

Knowledge can be a magical thing, especially if you were one of the lucky students enrolled in this spring’s Harry Potter Selected Topics in Literature course taught by English professor Dr. Noel Harold Kaylor.

Taking a deeper look into the seven-part, young-adult-fiction series, Kaylor set out to guide his students in seeing the popular fantasy story in a new light. “We got into the literary quality of Rowling as a writer, the philosophical issues dealt with in the books, the educational issues and the magic,” Kaylor said.

Kaylor’s class was separated into seven groups—each with its own book to read, study and dissect. As they uncovered new and deeper themes within the assigned book and Rowling’s writing, students within each group presented their findings to

Dr. Harold Kaylor's literature students experienced J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter universe like never before.

their peers.

Dr. Kirk Curnutt, professor and chair of TROY’s Department

about 10 great things to learn from Lord Voldemort,” he said.

of English, said he wasn’t surprised that the new course idea

“If you view morality as subjective, then Lord Voldemort is a

won enthusiastic approval from students. In fact, Curnutt

fantastic leader because everything he did was great in the

maintains that studying contemporary literature is important

sense that he was a great influence on his followers, he was

to fully understand the industry and how readers use books at

very passionate, had a lot of conviction and didn’t let things

this time in our history. “In the case of a ‘Harry Potter’ class,

stand in his way.”

studying Rowling’s books really demonstrates for us how crucial young adult literature is to forming readers’ lifelong relationships with books, the emotional investment they place in sagas and how the use of myths and magic in the books dramatize contemporary attitudes to imagination and creativity,” he said.

Nathan Smith, a senior computer science major from Florala, Alabama, agrees with Kaylor that there are many lessons to be learned from studying the Harry Potter world. Smith, who is minoring in leadership development, pulled a character from the book for an assignment in a class about great leaders; ironically, the leader he chose is the villain of the series. “I chose Lord Voldemort kind of on a whim because we were told we could choose a fictional character if we wanted to.”

The assignment was to decide on a fictional or real person from the past or present, find information written about this leader and present it to the class. “I ended up finding an article

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ALPHA OMICRON PI

WINS COVETED GREEK SPOT As Troy University continues to grow, so does its Greek system. In the fall of 2017, Alpha Omicron Pi will become the first new sorority to join the TROY family in almost 20 years.

As one of three Greek organizations vying for the coveted position on the University’s Troy Campus, AOII stood out to members of the Panhellenic Council and University leadership.

“Greeks not only make up a significant percentage of our campus leaders, but they make important contributions to the community through their philanthropy and outreach,” said Dr.

Alpha Omicron Pi members around the country, such as those pictured above from California Polytechnic University, will soon share a sisterhood with TROY’s first pledging class in the fall of 2017.

Jack Hawkins, Jr. “I believe that Alpha Omicron Pi’s values and mission make them a perfect fit for TROY’s Greek tradition.”

The addition will serve the needs of TROY’s growing student body, according to Barbara Patterson, the director of Student Involvement and Leadership and Panhellenic adviser.

Alpha Omicron Pi International President Gayle Fitzpatrick expressed the organization’s excitement about joining TROY. “We are overjoyed to join the outstanding Greek community at Troy University,” Fitzpatrick said. “Our expectation is to shape a chapter that represents both Alpha Omicron Pi and Troy University’s values to cultivate a strong partnership the campus community will be proud of.”

Alpha Omicron Pi was organized at Barnard College in New York in 1897 by Stella George Stern, Jessie Wallace Hughan, Helen St. Clair and Elizabeth Heywood Wyman.

The organization currently has more than 165,000 initiated members and 209 installed collegiate chapters in its history, with 161 active alumnae chapters across the U.S. and Canada.

“We are overjoyed to join the outstanding Greek community at Troy University.”

Gayle Fitzpatrick AOII International President

TROY TODAY

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ADAMS

REMEMBERED Sitting outside the building that bears his name, the statue of

and an expanded focus on serving adult students at campuses

former Troy State University Chancellor Dr. Ralph W. Adams

and locations outside of Troy. “More importantly, I think, one

can keep a close eye on the campus he led for 25 years.

of the main things Dr. Adams gave us was the ability and the

Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., said Adams’ vision and

encouragement to think outside of the box,” Hawkins said.

leadership laid the foundation for the global Troy University

Adams’ son, Sam Adams, was on hand for the statue’s

of today. “If I’ve ever known a man of vision, that was Dr.

unveiling. He said his father would be delighted to be

Ralph Adams,” Hawkins said. “Much of what we’ve been able

memorialized in a place that was so special to him in life. “This

to accomplish over these last 25 years, really the groundwork

is where he lived, in this area,” Adams said. “He walked back

was laid by Dr. Adams.”

and forth to home every day here, he enjoyed life here… this

Adams served as the University's leader for 25 years, from

will continue that memory and we thank you so much for

1964 to 1989. Under his leadership, the then TSU grew into

allowing us to be a part of it.”

an international university with strong ties to the U.S. military

The statue was designed by Chinese artist Ma Hui.

T ROY T O DAY

The likeness of the late Dr. Ralph Adams now overlooks Troy Campus’ quad and allows students and visitors a chance to know TROY’s seventh chancellor.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: MARK MOSELEY

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TROY TODAY

TROY ROTC

E X PA N D S H O R I ZO N S

TROY EARNS NATIONAL ATTENTION

F O R M I L I TA R Y C O M M I T M E N T Troy University has once again been saluted by two national organizations for its service to the United States military.

“Military Advanced Education and Transition” has named TROY as a “Top School” in its 2017 Guide to Colleges and Universities, an honor awarded to institutions with the very best practices in militaryand veteran-supportive education.

Similarly, "Military Times" has listed TROY in its “Best for Vets: Colleges 2017” rankings. Military Times bases rankings on a survey of services provided to

Since becoming a four-year Air Force ROTC detachment, TROY’s ROTC program is seeing an influx of full-time students.

military-related students by colleges and universities, while also compiling data from the Veterans Affairs and Defense departments, as well as IPEDS Data Center, College Scorecard data and the Cohort

Troy University’s “Det One-Seven” is flying high after its

Default Rate Database.

first semester in more than a decade as a four-year Air Force

TROY’s history of service to the military dates back to

Reserve Officers Training Corps detachment.

the 1950s when it began offering voluntary education

Last summer, the Air Force upgraded the ROTC program at TROY, a move that allowed detachment personnel to more effectively recruit Air Force ROTC students to TROY and provide cadets with expanded training opportunities. The

to soldiers at the Army’s Fort Rucker, and the University has continued to deliver undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate degrees through a variety of on-base, near-base and online programs.

expansion to a four-year program bumped a detachment of 15

“Troy University takes its commitment to educating

students to a high of 65 during the fall semester. “We are now

members of America’s military—and their families—

able to recruit from all levels: freshmen, sophomores, juniors

very seriously,” said Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor.

and even seniors and post-graduates, for a limited time,” said

“Since the 1950s, the University has set the

Lt. Col. Carlos Garcia, the detachment’s commanding officer.

standard of service, and these external rankings and

Another major shift, although time-limited, is a program that allows seniors and graduate students to enter Air Force ROTC, as long as they are enrolled full time. While the changes open additional opportunities for students to enter the Air Force, the required standards including a minimum 2.5 grade point average, passing medical and physical fitness tests, completing the aerospace studies curriculum and completing field training have not changed.

The opportunity comes with a few incentives, too. Now, incoming TROY freshmen may qualify for the Air Force’s High School Scholarship Program that covers tuition, books and pays a monthly stipend that offsets some of the costs of participating in ROTC. Students potentially qualify for the In College Scholarship Program and may qualify for a special TROY ROTC Housing Scholarship.

recognitions validate our efforts. We are proud of the thousands of our students and graduates who are serving in harm’s way, and it’s with pride that we serve them and support them.”

T ROY T O DAY

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Lindsey S., Alumna Journalism. Air Force. Honors.

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

SCH O L A RS H I P

FOR M I LITA RY A N D FAM ILY WA R R I O RS Advance your career with exclusive benefits toward graduate and undergraduate programs. TROY’s Military and Family Scholarship caps the cost of tuition at $250 per credit hour for active military, Reservists and National Guard.

Also, your spouse and dependents receive up to 50% in tuition savings.

TROY is committed to keeping higher education affordable.

That’s the Trojan Warrior Spirit, and it’s alive and well at Troy University. © 2017 Troy University

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

TROY TODAY

RIVERWALK STATUE

UNVEILED

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Along the banks of the Chattahoochee River, a golden phoenix rests as a symbol and a gift of gratitude to the people of the Chattahoochee Valley from Troy University.

Standing 7 feet tall and residing on the Phenix City Riverwalk near the University’s Phenix City Riverfront Campus, the statue is the creation of internationally renowned Chinese sculptor Dr. Huo Bao Zhu. At its November dedication ceremony, TROY Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., and officials from Troy University, Phenix City and Russell County honored area residents with the statue’s installation.

“The phoenix is a symbol of rebirth, and it does reflect what has happened in this community,” Chancellor Hawkins said. “This phoenix is a gift from the artist Huo Bao Zhu and Troy University as a tribute to the people of this community and is a reflection of the rebirth we are seeing here along the river.”

T ROY S U M M E R

CA M PS

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

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

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

◆

Founded in 1887 ◆

troy.edu/camps

T ROY T O DAY

NEWS

DOTHAN INCREASES

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NU RSIN G DEGREE OPTI ONS

A new Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Troy University’s Dothan Campus is bringing the Wiregrass area greater access to nursing education. This BSN degree option, like all of TROY’s nursing programs, is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and has been designed to help students develop the skills and expertise necessary for nurses to possess in today’s rapidly changing health care field.

Students on TROY’s Dothan Campus, such as Cassie Pierce (left) and Alanna Wilson (right), can now pursue their BSN degrees from an accredited program.

“Quality patient care hinges on having a welleducated nursing workforce,” said Dr. Diane Weed, director of TROY’s School of Nursing.

In order to produce top-notch medical professionals, TROY's

comes at a perfect time to respond to the regional and

BSN program helps prepare students for the National Council

national nursing shortage.”

Licensure Examination and pursuit of further nursing studies.

The University offers scholarships for Troy Dothan students

“The program will be able to serve students from Alabama,

pursuing BSN degrees. Students who have been accepted into

Florida and Georgia,” said Brittney Armstrong, assistant

the clinical sequence of the BSN program and have a minimum

coordinator of the BSN program. “The opening of the program

of a 3.0 GPA are eligible to apply for the scholarship.

NURSING BY

THE NUMBERS

98.3%

Employment of registered nurses is projected to grow

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) NCLEX pass rate for Troy Campus students in 2015-16

16%

by 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. This means approximately

439,300 jobs will be created.

- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

© 2016 Troy University

TROY OFFERS the ASN, BSN, MSN and DNP

RINGING IN A NEW YEAR

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TROY TODAY

NEWS

Ringing in the Year of the Rooster in grand fashion, TROY celebrated the impact of its international efforts and highlighted the work of its Confucius Institute at this year’s Chinese New Year Appreciation Banquet on Jan. 26 in Montgomery.

Within the state of Alabama alone, the Confucius Institute is working to create greater cultural understanding for its children and young adults.

Statewide, nearly 6,000 students are learning the Chinese language and culture through the Confucius Institute’s Confucius Classroom program. TROY’s Confucius Institute currently has classroom partnerships with Baldwin Arts and Academic Magnet, Forest Avenue Academic Magnet and L.A.M.P. in Montgomery, along with Pike Road School, Charles Henderson Middle School in Troy and Indian Springs School outside of Birmingham.

“The Confucius Institute at TROY is quite unique in that it has a statewide reach,” said Mary Scott Hunter, a member of the State Board of Education. “We are very fortunate to have Dr. Hawkins, the Board of Trustees and the leadership of the Confucius Institute who are willing to do this vital work.

It is quite important and necessary if our state is going to have exposure to the world outside of Alabama.”

TROY’s international education efforts can also be seen all around its Troy Campus—especially within the Janice Hawkins Cultural Arts Park where the history of the famous Chinese Terracotta Warrior Army can be experienced by visitors of all ages who explore TROY’s “Warriors Unearthed” exhibit.

This interactive, indoor/outdoor display features 200 replica terracotta warriors created by world-renowned sculptor and honorary TROY graduate Dr. Huo Bao Zhu.

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T ROY T O DAY

Comedian, actor, radio personality and television host Rickey Smiley delivers the opening address to this year's Leadership Conference participants.

"BE PREPARED" Life-changing advice and motivation were given at this year’s

During the luncheon, attendees took the time to honor TROY

16 annual Leadership Conference Celebrating African

students Ashley Snell, a senior exercise science major; Rashad

American History Month. With servant leadership as the

Dillard, a senior psychology major; Caitlyn Smith, a senior

th

theme of the two-day event, leaders and keynote

political science major; Jordan Adams, a senior athletic

speakers advised conference goers to be prepared to change the world.

As the first of the conference’s two headlining keynote speakers, Birmingham-based comedian, actor, radio personality and television host Rickey Smiley encouraged those in attendance to equip themselves with the social tools needed to succeed.

The second day of the conference featured breakout sessions tailored to adults and

training major and alumna Dexavia Turner for

“Be prepared.

Know how to meet people. Know how to hold a knife and fork.

Know about etiquette.

When others fly low, you fly high.”

-Smiley

their dedication to leadership and service.

students, followed by a closing luncheon featuring a keynote address from Bishop James L. Davis, presiding prelate of the African American Methodist Episcopal Church’s 2nd District, serving Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Virginia, North Carolina and Western North Carolina. A fifth generation AME preacher, Davis grew up in Alabama and has presided over AME districts in South Africa and Birmingham.

Dexavia Turner

FA CU LT Y / S TA FF

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TROY TODAY

DR. HAWKINS

INDUCTED Troy University Chancellor, Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., was one of two inductees welcomed into the Alabama Academy of Honor in October of 2016. Membership is limited to 100 distinguished Alabamians and all of the state’s living governors. In the course of the Academy’s history, more than 260 members have been elected, recognizing men and women from a wide variety of backgrounds and areas of achievement. Inducted along with Dr. Hawkins during the ceremony was Claude B. Nielsen, chief executive officer of Coca-Cola Bottling Co. UNITED, Inc. “I am truly honored,” Dr. Hawkins said of the induction. “I often tell our faculty and staff at Troy University that the most important thing we do is serve students. We go to work every day trying to add value to their degrees. I’m hopeful that today, after 27 years at TROY that the degree is worth more than it was 27 years ago.

Therein is the benefit—to change lives and to make a difference. I think that is what the Academy of Honor represents.”

Established in 1965, the Academy of Honor bestows honor and recognition upon living Alabamians for their outstanding accomplishments and service to the state and the nation.

DR. HANK DASINGER

N A M E D E D U C AT I O N D E A N Dr. Royce H. “Hank” Dasinger, former president of Ingram State Technical College, has been named dean of TROY's College of Education. “The breadth of Dr. Dasinger’s experience and proven leadership skills make him well equipped to lead our education faculty, staff and students,” said Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. Dasinger has previously served in many capacities at the U.S. Air Force Academy and, following his retirement from active duty Air Force, worked with Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama, a master’s from Auburn University Montgomery, an Ed.S. from Auburn University and a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia. He and his wife, Belinda, have three sons and five grandchildren.

FA CU LT Y / S TA FF

T ROY T O DAY

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SCOUT'S HONOR “Dean Herb Reeves exemplifies the North Star Award as he is a constant to which young people in our region and on our campus can look for solid guidance.”

For more than three decades, Dean of Student Services

supported Scouting through his work at the University. He

Herbert Reeves has been dedicated and willing to help

goes the ‘extra mile’ for Scouting and other organizations that

young people find success. That’s why Reeves has been

fundamentally match the mission of Boy Scouts of America—

honored by the Boy Scouts of America with its highest award

promoting strong character to today’s youth. Dean Reeves

for distinguished service to youths throughout the region.

sets a ‘true course’ for those around him.”

Alabama Florida Council Scout Executive Jerry Freyberg and

Among the Scouting programs Reeves has supported is Troy

Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., presented the National Council’s North Star Award to Reeves during the University’s annual Christmas luncheon in December.

University’s Merit Badge University that brings Scouts from Alabama and the surrounding states to the University each October for a day of intensive merit badge training.

The North Star Award is Scouting’s highest national award that can be given to a non-Scout volunteer for distinguished service to the youth. The award is on level with Scouting’s Silver Beaver Award, given for distinguished service by a registered Scouting member. “Dean Herb Reeves exemplifies the North Star Award as he is a constant to which young people in our region and on our campus can look for solid guidance,” Dr. Hawkins said.

Freyberg said the award was a clear reflection of the person receiving it. “Dean Reeves exemplifies one of Scouting’s most core values: ‘helping others at all times,’” Freyberg said.

“For more than 30 years, he has

North Star Award recipient Herbert Reeves has earned the love and respect of Boy Scout leaders and members across the state because of his dedication to the organization.

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TROY TODAY

OT H E RS HAVE

P RO F ESSO RS. WE HAVE

WARRI O RS .

For Professor Bill Grantham’s students, the path to the future begins in uncovering the past through laboratory research and archaeological digs in the ancient city of Ashkelon, Israel.

That’s the Trojan Warrior Spirit, and it’s alive and well at Troy University.

Founded in 1887

© 2017 Troy University

Feel it at troy.edu/spirit 1-800-586-9771

From The Princeton Review, August 1, 2014 © 2014 TPR Education, LLC. All rights reserved. Used by permission and protected by the Copyright Laws of the United States. The printing, copying, redistribution, or retransmission of this Content without express written permission is prohibited.

T ROY T O DAY

"Troy: A Portrait of the University" Giclée by Elana Hagler Elana Hagler’s “Troy: A Portrait of the University” beautifully captures the essence of TROY by combining elements of the University’s heritage and growing legacy. Crowned with magnolia blossoms, Hagler’s painting is unified by its underlying framework—the 1930s blueprint for Troy State Teachers College originally created by renowned architects the Olmsted Brothers. Painted atop Hagler’s re-creation of the famous blueprint, stylistic cameos feature TROY students around the globe as well as scenes from the Troy Campus.

Display Elana Hagler’s beautiful “Troy: A Portrait of the University” in your own home! Order your poster (19"x13") today for $25 or purchase a giclée for $250. For more information visit, troy.edu/artspark.

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TROY TODAY

F EAT UR E ST O R Y

WHERE VISION BECOMES REALITY

WRITTEN BY: GREG PHILLIPS & EMILY PRICE PHOTOGRAPH BY: MARK MOSELEY

Hundreds gather to celebrate the dedication of TROY’s Janice Hawkins Cultural Arts Park and International Arts Center.

A

s a clear, bright November sky overlooked a

gratitude,” said Janice Hawkins, First Lady of Troy University.

sea of excited smiles and stoic, terracotta faces,

“This was truly a University project. My prayer is this place

TROY ushered in a new season of progress with

enriches and blesses its students and visitors the way it has

the grand dedication of the Janice Hawkins

already enriched and blessed me.”

Cultural Arts Park and International Arts Center.

Today, the park consists of an amphitheater, walking trails,

Featuring works of art by Troy’s native son Fred “Nall” Hollis

the Daniel Foundation of Alabama Plaza featuring Nall’s

and Chinese sculptor Dr. Huo Bao Zhu, both world-renowned

celebrated “Violata Pax Dove,” a lagoon and the International

artists, TROY’s latest addition to its Troy Campus is poised

Arts Center. The center showcases two art galleries and an

to become one of the region’s most important centers for

interpretive center known as "Warriors Unearthed" that

study and appreciation of global arts. “I am overcome with

features an interactive and compelling history of the creation

T ROY T O DAY

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The Huo Bao Zhu Gallery houses a revolving exhibit of faculty and student art as well as works from visiting artists.

"Untitled" by former art professor Woodi Ishmael

of China’s Terracotta Warrior Army. The International Arts Center also serves as the new home of TROY’s graphic design department, complete with classrooms and offices.

Chancellor Jack Hawkins, Jr., said it has been amazing to watch what was Stewart Dining Hall and an undeveloped area of the campus develop into a project that now represents the University’s continued commitment to its students, the city of Troy and the arts community worldwide. “Instead of tearing down what was an aging building, it’s been remodeled into an art center,” Chancellor Hawkins said. “And now, not only

“I don’t believe in tearing buildings down if there’s any way to save them. I am so thankful.

It’s far beyond my expectations.”

-Janice Hawkins

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TROY TODAY

“My prayer is this place enriches and blesses you the way it has already enriched and blessed me.�

-Janice Hawkins

The dream of the International Arts Center began while Chancellor and Mrs. Hawkins dined in the former Stewart Hall.

T ROY T O DAY

25

has that aging building been renovated and updated beyond recognition, but it’s also been given a new purpose—one that will serve generations of students, faculty and visitors for years to come. And a kudzu-covered ravine has been transformed into a beautiful park. Projects like this are proof that at TROY, we believe preserving the past is progress.”

For senior graphic design major Kellen Crookham, the International Arts Center means more than access to impressive, state-of-the-art classrooms and art galleries—it means new opportunities for art students and faculty members to shine.“This is incredible for the art department,” Crookham said. “It’s like we’re creeping out of the shadows and being able to show what we’re capable of and all the great art our faculty and students are able to produce. It’s incredible.”

The Fred “NALL” Hollis Gallery features the artist’s work spanning from the 1960s to present day.

Nall’s “Violata Pax Dove” stands in a place of honor in the Daniel Foundation of Alabama Plaza.

Crookham was one of a select group of students recruited to

development of such a dynamic and diverse addition to the

help create the IAC’s "Warriors Unearthed" exhibit found on

University’s Troy Campus. “I had lunch with my husband in

the lower level of the new facility. Her involvement in creating

(the International Arts Center) when it was a dining hall, and

an animated, short film led to her having the opportunity to

he made the statement, ‘This would make a great building for

learn the ins and outs of a new animation software not taught

the arts.’ And that’s all it took, because I have, since we came

within her classes.

here to TROY, wanted to upgrade our facilities for the arts,”

Like Crookham, when senior fine arts major Jamall Holmes

she said. “I don’t believe in tearing buildings down if there’s

surveys the hand-drawn signage within the IAC’s "Warriors Unearthed" exhibit, he sees a permanent display of his hard

any way to save them. I am so thankful. It’s far beyond my expectations.”

work and talents. “It was a big honor for me to be a part of this,” he said. “Coming from the school back when it had the old dining hall to where we are now, it’s impressive to see the final product. As far as art students are concerned, this is a good place to see the artwork of others. The inspiration that you get to see and constantly be around in our new space is going to be very beneficial to the students.”

Reflecting on the park in its entirety, Mrs. Hawkins said it is surreal to think a simple lunchtime conversation led to the

"Tove's Morning Glory" by NALL

TROY TODAY

FEATU R E S TOR Y

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L E SSON S F ROM R OS A PARKS T R OY ’s R osa Parks Museum te ach e s det er minat io n, cou rage

WRITTEN BY: ANDY ELLIS

T

ILLUSTRATION BY: MARK MOSELEY

he Dec. 1, 1955, arrest of Rosa Parks for failure to

or be acquitted by the jury after only a few minutes. As a field

relinquish her seat on a Montgomery city bus to a

secretary for the NAACP at the time, Mrs. Parks was active

white male is often thought of as the spark for the

in seeking justice for these women, even to the point of

Montgomery Bus Boycott. However, what took

petitioning the governor.”

place that day at the intersections of Lee and Montgomery streets in Alabama’s capital city was likely the tipping point that brought to life an already-brewing effort to bring about long-overdue and lasting change.

Considering all that was occurring at the time, Dr. Bell says it becomes easier to understand not only Parks’ arrest but also what came next. “I think a lot of times people get caught up in the simplicity of the arrest, but there are many layers

Dr. Felicia Bell, director of Troy University’s Rosa Parks

to it,” Dr. Bell said. “After she was arrested, she was quickly

Museum, says it is important to put Mrs. Parks’ arrest in

bailed out by Fred Gray and E.D. Nixon. They began to meet

context of the bigger picture of African American life in the

to determine what action could be taken to turn this situation

South during the 1950s when contemplating the motives and

around, and the Montgomery Improvement Association

methods of the 381-day boycott, which began 61 years ago.

was formed. It is important to understand that they didn’t

“There had been several incidents leading up to Mrs. Parks’

necessarily want an integrated bus; they just wanted to be

arrest, so you really have to look at it beyond her arrest to fully

treated fairly. They wanted black bus drivers, first-come,

understand what took place,” Bell said. “There were several

first-serve seating and to be treated with courtesy. Their list of

other black women who had been harassed by the bus drivers,

demands didn’t include integration.”

and months before Mrs. Parks’ arrest, Claudette Colvin had

Dr. Bell calls the idea of the boycott “brilliant.” "They knew

been arrested for not giving up her seat. Mrs. Parks, herself, had previously been harassed by the bus driver with whom she had the run in on Dec. 1 that led to her arrest. These women were taking the bus because a lot of the people in the African American community didn’t own cars, and thus, were dependent on public transportation to get around and get to and from work.”

The harassment didn’t begin or end with the Montgomery city buses. “I think you also have to look at the plight of black women in the South at this time,” Dr. Bell said. “We know from Mrs. Parks that in the 1940s she was involved in the case of a black woman in Abbeville who was sexually assaulted by six white men. This was an epidemic going on throughout the South at the time. These men would either not face charges

that there were policies in place that violated civil rights, but they also knew there was a system of capitalism in place,” Dr. Bell said. “You have the right and the power to stop paying for a product or service and it is a right that no one can take from you. They also knew that in order to have impact, there had to be full cooperation among the African American community; there had to be a complete withdrawal from riding the buses.”

Bringing together the African American community behind this common cause was made easier given Rosa Parks’ arrest. “Mrs. Parks was gainfully employed as a skilled worker. She was married and her husband was gainfully employed as a skilled worker,” Dr. Bell said.

T ROY T O DAY

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Rosa Parks Library and Museum

“She was involved in her church to the point that she held

presented by the boycott was a strength and perseverance

the highest office available to a woman, a deaconess. She

Dr. Bell fears is far less common today. “I often wonder

was a law-abiding adult who in appearance was thought to

if we have the bravery, courage and strength today to do

be of pleasant countenance. It was shocking news within

what they did so many years ago,” Dr. Bell said. “And they

the African-American community to hear that Mrs. Parks

had far less resources than we commonly have today.

had been arrested. There was the sense of ‘if this can

Still, they had that motivation and drive for freedom

happen to Rosa Parks, this can happen to anyone.’”

that led them to unite behind a common cause. Today,

All of the behind-the-scenes work to arrange transportation

we can’t imagine being without an item we consider a

and notify the community of drop-off and pick-up locations

necessity, such as our cell phones. There is a lesson in their

and times required a great deal of coordination and

determination and courage that is still important today.”

helped to ensure that the boycott was successful. The U.S. Supreme Court ultimately ordered the integration of Montgomery buses, delivering a court order to city officials on Dec. 20, 1956, and the boycott ended the following day.

The Rev. Glenn Smiley, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the Rev. Ralph Abernathy and attorney Fred Gray provided reassurance to the local African-American community by boarding a city bus for a “Victory Ride.”

While the Montgomery Bus Boycott marked a pivotal point in the American Civil Rights Movement and brought rise to other efforts throughout the South, Dr. Bell noted that change continued to come about gradually. Within the coordinated efforts and willingness to face hardships

“I think a lot of times people get caught up in the simplicity of the arrest, but there are many layers to it.”

- Dr. Felicia Bell

T ROY T O DAY

A Rosa Parks Museum exhibit tells the story of how Montgomery Improvement Association leaders’ “Victory Ride” aboard a city bus in December 1955 signaled the end of the 381-day Montgomery Bus Boycott.

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TROY TODAY

CELEBRATING

13OYEARS WRITTEN BY: EMILY PRICE

C

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: MARK MOSELEY

reated in 1887 as State Normal School, today’s Troy University has seen incredible changes in its 130 years. From a teacher’s college set in the middle of Pike County, Alabama, to an accredited,

historical, international university offering a wide variety of

“Educate the mind to think” Stepping onto the Troy Campus in 1987 as an excited college freshman, Dr. Govind Menon (’91) found a home within TROY’s College of Arts and Sciences. There, his love of physics

programs, TROY has remained true to its motto: “Educate the

was cultivated.

mind to think, the heart to feel and the body to act.”

Now serving as the director of the School of Science and

In this inaugural edition of TROY Today Magazine, we

Technology and the chair of the Department of Chemistry and

celebrate the University’s 130 years of excellence by taking a look at what TROY’s motto looks like when applied to the lives of just a few of our amazing TROY Trojans.

Physics, Menon said he’s thankful his department continues to see the importance research plays professionally and academically. “Research is part of teaching, so when you’re able to generate knowledge, you are a better teacher,” he said.

31

FEAT U R E S TO R Y

T ROY T O DAY

In the course of its 130 years, TROY has shaped bright futures for its students and alumni through the addition of courses, degree offerings and the development of its campuses and sites.

“Our faculty is stronger than ever before. Today, students

Menon said as the University continues to grow and provide

demand more… and here, they’re all engaged in research. They

new academic and professional opportunities to students

feel like they are part of the subject when they do research.”

and faculty members, he envisions a future filled with new

According to Menon, TROY helps its faculty pursue their

research facilities and greater recognition for the students

professional and academic passions, and because of that,

graduating from TROY’s College of Arts and Sciences.

positive results can be felt within classrooms throughout his department. “I’ve been asked to do research at my own pace and teach well. I don’t have the unnecessary pressure to produce undue results fast. And, because of that, I’m able to love my subject like I did when I was 18 years old. I am able to maintain a child-like curiosity. I’m not sure I would have had that enthusiasm at another institution.”

“Seeing our students succeed and discover new things… that’s what we live for.”

- Dr. Govind Menon

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TROY TODAY

While TROY has undergone extensive physical changes, the University's commitment to education and personal development remains unwavering.

T ROY T O DAY

33

“The heart to feel”

After a 10-year stint at LSU (1979 to 1989), Anderson

Ask Anita Griffin (’66, ’79) where her heart lies, and she’ll tell

celebrated and accredited athletic training education program

you Troy University. A celebrated educator with 50 years of teaching experience, Griffin said she found her life’s calling soon after stepping foot on the Troy Campus. “After being there for that first week, something just touched my heart, and I went into education… I’ve been teaching since April of 1967," she said.

Griffin later returned to TROY to earn her master’s degree in education in 1979—a decision encouraged by her late husband, James. “The two most important things in my life, I got at TROY—my education and my husband,” she said. “He didn’t go to TROY, but I met him there.”

returned to TROY with a new mission: to help create TROY’s and serve as its curriculum director. “Here, students learn how to deal with human anatomy, and they learn how to prevent injuries,” Anderson said. “Because an athletic trainer is like a generalist, they not only have to learn to deal with orthopedic issues but with all other areas of the body.”

Looking back on the 40-plus years he’s spent at TROY, Anderson said he believes TROY has incredible milestones awaiting it in its next 130 years. “When you’re green, you’re growing, and when you’re ripe, you’re rotting,” he said. “Troy University will continue to grow. But one thing we have to have is quality… But it’s not the ACT scores, it’s the attitude.

Griffin said before her husband passed away 11 years ago, he

If you come here, you’ve got a chance. Grab it and run!...

had one request for her. “He told me ‘don’t sit at home—go

Dividend, to me is what it’s about… The dividend is when

out,’ and after he died, the first place I thought to go was

these young people, male and female, go out in academics and

TROY. So, I started getting involved… I fell in love with TROY

in sports and are successful in life... I enjoy the students. They

all over again. TROY helped me fill the hole in my heart.”

are what we are about. They are the most precious commodity

Today, Griffin is one of TROY’s most enthusiastic alumni and

we have.”

was celebrated in 2015 when she was named a TROY Alumna of the Year.

In TROY’s next 130 years, Griffin said it’s her hope students and alumni experience the same kind of lifechanging moments, relationships and opportunities she has. “Take advantage of everything TROY has to offer,” she said. “…It will make your life and will make you a better person. And when you go out into the real world, you are going to reflect the values of TROY—if you do that, you are doing something spectacular.”

“The body to act” The moment his feet landed at TROY in 1967, John “Doc” Anderson began pushing student athletes and students toward greatness. “My motto with athletics is simple. Athletics makes you strong. Study makes you wise. Character makes you great,” he said.

Within his first 10 years at TROY, Anderson served as athletic trainer and track coach and witnessed some of the greatest sporting moments in the University’s history beginning in 1968 with a National Championship win and leading to world records being set in track and field by future Olympians and professional athletes.

Students have called TROY home since 1887.

FEATU R E S TOR Y

34

TROY TODAY

A HAPPY ACCIDENT

N i ck Cer ver a re cogni zed for 5 0 year s of s erv i ce

WRITTEN BY: ANDY ELLIS ILLUSTRATION BY: MARK MOSELEY

N

ick Cervera’s formula for longevity in the

my mind. It wasn’t even a consideration until I bumped into Dr.

workplace is simple. “You have to have three

Howell in that department store.”

things. You have to like what you do and where

Chance not only played a role in Cervera’s employment, but

you do it, you have to do your job so that they

don’t get rid of you, and you have to live long enough.”

also in his coming to TROY as a student. Cervera was raised in Brooklyn, New York. “That’s about as far removed from Troy,

Cervera was recognized in the fall for 50 years of service to

Alabama, as you could probably get,” he said. “At that time,

Troy University—first, as an assistant professor of business law

I might as well have been living on the moon.” He recalled

and then, starting in the ‘90s as the University’s attorney.

standing on the corner with a friend, talking about what their

Fifty years is impressive for someone who says his

futures would hold and deciding they needed to go to college.

employment with TROY came about “by accident” through a

After finding the colleges in the Northeast out of reach in

chance meeting with his former professor, Dr. D.L. Howell.

terms of tuition and living expenses, it was through another

“I graduated from law school in January and was studying

high school friend that Cervera learned of what was then Troy

to take the bar exam,” Cervera said. “One Saturday morning

State Teachers College. “We had a friend that went to high

in late January, I was in a department store in downtown

school with us who played basketball, and he was hoping to

Birmingham and, lo and behold, who do I bump into but Dr.

get a basketball scholarship to play at a Jesuit college in New

Howell, chairman of the business department. He asked me

Jersey,” Cervera said. “He couldn’t get into the school, but

what my future plans were. I told him that I was studying for

they told him about a small Jesuit college in south Alabama—

the bar exam, and I had three job offers at that point. He asked

Spring Hill in Mobile—that he might qualify for. He went to

me if I would consider teaching at TROY. I told him I wanted

Spring Hill and played basketball. That Christmas, we all got

to practice law, and he said ‘what if you could do both?’ We

together when he came home for the holidays, and he was

ended our conversation, went our separate ways, and I really

telling us that there was this state school called Troy State

didn’t think any more about it.”

Teachers College. So, we wrote to them.”

That March, opportunity knocked once more thanks to Dr.

What Cervera received in response to his letter—the 1959-

Howell’s persistence. “Middle of March, I got a phone call

1960 Bulletin—quickly put him on the road to TROY. “It

from Dr. Howell, and he invited me to TROY for an interview,”

looked pretty good. Tuition was $1.50 a credit hour. Room

Cervera said. “He told me they had a new president who

and board was $126-$132 a quarter, and it talked about all

was a lawyer, and of course that was Dr. Ralph Adams. The

kinds of employment opportunities working for the school,”

law courses had been taught adjunct by lawyers in town, but

Cervera said, flipping through the pages of a copy he keeps

they wanted to bring someone on full time. I went with my

in his bookcase. “We drove down in my friend’s 1954 Pontiac

fiancée—whom I later married—to TROY for the interview.

that burned more oil than it did gasoline. We both graduated,

Then the number hit. The offer was twice as much as the

and, in fact, my friend Al went on and got a master’s degree

best offer I had. I signed the contract right then and there. I

from TROY.”

passed the bar exam in April, practiced law in Birmingham until

Through his years with the University, Cervera has witnessed

August and then moved to Troy, started a law practice and began teaching. Teaching at TROY was the furthest thing from

a tremendous amount of change. One memory that quickly rises to the forefront is the day TROY received university

T ROY T O DAY

status—Dec. 14, 1967. “I remember it vividly,” he said. “We got

Council, a founding member of the TROY Shield Society,

a memo that classes from 12 o’clock on would be suspended

a scholarship donor and a member of the University’s Pike

that day and that we were to meet at Sartain Hall. They

County Alumni Chapter. “Look at the opportunity this

made the announcement that the Legislature had granted us

institution gave me,” he said. “I feel like I owe this institution

university status. That was through the efforts of Dr. Adams.”

all that I can give it. The people have been so gracious to me.”

Cervera’s continued support for TROY is evident in many ways. He is a member of the University’s Planned Giving

TROY TODAY

P ER S P ECTIV E S

36

SPIRIT TO SOAR Professor proposes an addition to TROY’s motto

WRITTEN BY: MICHAEL ORLOFSKY Professor of English and director of TROY's Creative Writing Program

S

ome of the most enduring lessons of my life I

The exhilaration and fear one experiences on a football

learned at the 50-yard line of a football field.

kickoff is nigh, I imagine, to the adrenaline rush of the French

In high school, I played sports for the Boiling

cavalry charge at Agincourt in Henry V, or perhaps it’s akin

Springs Bubblers in Pennsylvania. That’s right

to the Greek phalanxes crashing into the Persian infantry

. . . we were the Bubblers—unabashedly, our mascot was a

at Marathon. I heaved my 145-pound self into No. 57. A

bubble. Our school colors were purple and gold. As I look

collision of worlds…

back, my primary role on the team was to hold the tackling

When the white light cleared, I found myself still upright in

dummy. But there came a game day when I got Coach’s nod to line up for the kickoff.

my cleats—as was No. 57. The progress of the scrimmage had passed us by. My foe and I stood poised seemingly alone

In the locker room, Coach gave us the obligatory pre-game

in the stadium at the 50-yard line. “Go ahead,” No. 57 jeered.

pep talk: knock somebody down… the game of life… school

“Hit me again.”

tradition… we were gods among men. We were breathing

It was in those moments that I learned a great truth: never

fire when we hit the field.

We lined up for the kick—to the left were my purple and gold brothers; to my right the long Bubbler line. Before us the foe. I picked the opponent I was to obliterate, No. 57.

My mouthpiece, I clenched into my bicuspids. The whistle trilled. We sprinted to the melee.

underestimate your opponent.

I attend many of the games, matches and meets here at TROY. As a result of my own experiences on the playing fields of Boiling Springs, I can relate to the thrills and heartbreaks of TROY Trojan athletes. I watch the athletic

T ROY T O DAY

“GO AHEAD,” NO. 57 JEERED. “HIT ME AGAIN.”

37

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TROY TODAY

contests, and I reminisce about my own youth, and I enjoy seeing mentors “coaching up” players, but most of all, I enjoy watching my classroom students in their other capacity at TROY—as student-athletes. They are, every one of them, a better athlete than I ever hoped to be.

In truth, some of the best students I’ve taught were athletes; on the other hand, some of my biggest disappointments were jocks. It begs the question: why do we as a University invest in athletics? An even broader question is why do we invest in anything outside of the classroom, library or laboratory? The answers are easier to sustain when we’re winning, but no team wins all the time, and sometimes a fan can get downright dejected.

But I think the best explanation I’ve heard is contained in the TROY motto, which was resurrected by a faculty member during the university’s 125th anniversary timeline project and actually dates back to the school’s founding in 1887: “To educate the mind to think, the heart to feel and the body to act.”

In track and field there is a term called “personal best” or PB. Even when one doesn’t win the race or throw the farthest, one can strive for a personal best. In a sense, the athlete is in competition with herself—and remember, never underestimate an opponent.

To extrapolate to other areas of student activity, I want all of our students to experience their PB at TROY. And for the same reasons why I go to the athletic contests, I like to attend the University’s plays, dances, shows, recitals, concerts and displays. My amazement at our students’ talent, grace and commitment is replenished every time I watch or listen to them. I like to see them at their PB… I like to see their spirits soar.

I wish that state legislators could see what I see. Year after year, funding for higher education in the State House is a struggle; year after year, students and their families assume more loan debt; year after year, universities have to do more with less. The current catchphrase in legislatures is “return on investment” or ROI. University programs are evaluated on criteria such as how many of their graduates are employed in their fields a certain number of years after

Students from all walks of life with all areas of interests find their callings and passions while studying at TROY.

they've earned their degrees.

However, many of the benefits that accrue to students at a university are intangible . . . the ROI may involve deeper changes in how they think, feel and act. One observer put it this way to students: “A good job is important… But you

T ROY T O DAY

39

“The good jobs of the future will go to those who can collaborate widely—think teammates or dance troupes, think broadly—think acting Shakespeare or becoming a conversation partner and challenge conventional wisdom—think creative writing— precisely the capacities that a liberal arts education is meant to develop.”

-Steven Pearlstein

Whether on the field or in the classroom, students are inspired to persevere and develop life-skills that will benefit them throughout their careers.

are not just a job. And for all of the stress we put on college,

succeed—I daresay to soar. There have been some soaring

we almost never ask how it can help us achieve not just a good

times over the years: Junior Louisant’s fumble recovery and

job, but a good life” (www.college-choice.org).

touchdown against Missouri; every time the Sound of the

And speaking of jobs, Steven Pearlstein, a business and economics writer for The Washington Post, notes, “The good jobs of the future will go to those who can collaborate

South and the massed bands play “My Home’s in Alabama;” or the Concert Chorale’s premiering “Confessions,” based on text from St. Augustine.

widely—think teammates or dance troupes, think broadly—

In consideration of all that the University offers its students, I

think acting Shakespeare or becoming a conversation partner

would humbly submit that we expand the school motto:

and challenge conventional wisdom—think creative writing—

To educate the mind to think,

precisely the capacities that a liberal arts education is meant to develop.”

As a faculty member at TROY for 28 years, I’ve seen my job here as one of challenging, guiding, correcting and supporting young people. All of my colleagues want our students to

the heart to feel, the body to act… and the spirit to soar.

TROY TODAY

ATH LE TICS

40

A SEASON OF FIRSTS

WRITTEN BY: ADAM PRENDERGAST

After leading TROY's football team to its first bowl game since 2010, Head Coach Neal Brown has signed a 4-year extension.

Playing under the mantra of “Rebuild The Wall,” the TROY

Additionally, it was TROY’s first 10-win season at the Football

football team might not have completely rebuilt its fortress in

Bowl Subdivision level and featured a victory in the “Battle for

2016, but the Trojans came extremely close.

the Belt” over South Alabama in front of a pro-TROY crowd in

Under second-year head football coach Neal Brown, TROY

the Jaguars’ home stadium.

finished the season 10-3. The men of TROY capped off their

The Trojans were led by a number of outstanding individual

season with a victory over Ohio in the Dollar General Bowl

performances as six players were named to seven first-team,

in front of a large contingent of TROY fans in Ladd-Peebles

all-conference slots—a league high. These players include

Stadium and more than 2 million viewers on ESPN.

quarterback Brandon Silvers, running back/all-purpose Jordan

That alone would be fine for most teams to hang their hats

Chunn, offensive lineman Antonio Garcia, wide receiver

on, but there was more for the Trojans. TROY became the

Emanuel Thompson, defensive lineman Rashad Dillard and

first school in Sun Belt Conference history to earn a national

return specialist Jabir Frye.

ranking in both the Associated Press and USA Today/Coaches

Dillard became the first Trojan since DeMarcus Ware (2004)

Top 25 polls; the Trojans were ranked No. 25 in the country

to be named the Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the

after their victory over Appalachian State.

Year. He is the first TROY player to win a Sun Belt individual

The win against Appalachian State pushed TROY’s season

award since Corey Robinson's Freshman of the Year honor

record to 8-1, which was another first for a team in the Sun

(2010) and the first Offensive or Defensive Player of the Year

Belt Conference. TROY’s six-win turnaround from the team’s

since Omar Haugabook (2007).

2015 season was tied for the best in the nation, while TROY

As the Trojans look toward the future and the 2017 season,

and Colorado were the lone teams—each celebrating an eight-

15 starters return on both sides of the ball, including all but

win improvement from last season—to win at least 10 games.

one player who touched the football on offense this past season plus four of the six first team All-Sun Belt selections.

A NEW CLASS

8 JOIN SPORTS HALL OF FAME

41

ATH LE TICS

T ROY T O DAY

Every spring, Troy University Sports Hall of Fame inductees are honored with a five-star event and reception.

Exceptional athletes, record-setting coaches, lifelong TROY supporters—these are the people who make up the Troy University Sports Hall of Fame’s sixth induction class. Selected for their support of TROY Athletics, this year’s class of eight honors TROY Trojans Benny Beard (supporter), DeWhitt Betterson (football), Melanie Davis (softball coach), Dr. Doug Hawkins (administrator), Jerrell Jernigan (football), Dr. Johnny Long (band director), Bubba Marriott (football) and Frank Sadler (football).

• Benny Beard and Dr.

Doug Hawkins

• Dr.

Johnny Long built the Sound of the South

were instrumental leaders in TROY’s move to Division I

into one of the premier marching bands in the country.

and served as long time TROY Athletics supporters.

• Bubba

• DeWhitt Betterson is the all-time leading rusher

Marriott is the pioneer of TROY’s long

lineage of strong quarterbacks as he became the fifth

in TROY history with 3,441 yards in four years, which is

All-American in TROY’s football history his senior year

515 yards more than anyone else in school history.

when he was tapped to the Associated Press' Little

• Melanie Davis was the face of TROY softball for

All-American Team in addition to earning All-Alabama

21 years and is the all-time winningest coach in any sport

Collegiate Conference honors in TROY’s first season

in Troy University history.

in the conference.

• Jerrell

Jernigan was one of the most dynamic

• Frank Sadler was a four-sport star for the Trojans,

players in Troy University and Sun Belt Conference

where he earned all-conference honors both on the

history. A seven-time All-Sun Belt selection, including five

football field and baseball diamond in addition to playing

first-team honors, Jernigan ranks in the top five in Sun

one season of basketball and competing in track and field

Belt history in four career categories while holding five

for one season.

TROY career records.

TROY TODAY

ATH LETICS

42

I

TAKING SHAPE A NEW GAMEDAY EXPERIENCE

f all goes to plan, 2017 will mark the last TROY football

The new facility will reinforce Veterans Memorial Stadium’s

season fans will see north end zone football facility

positioning as the premier venue in the Sun Belt Conference

construction. The highly anticipated addition to Veterans

by providing state-of-the-art amenities for student-athletes,

Memorial Stadium is slated to be completed in the spring of

staff and fans.

2018—just in time for TROY’s 2018-19 football season opener

Student-athletes:

against Boise State on September 1, 2018.

Once completed, the $24 million facility will provide the TROY football program with more than 70,000 square feet of space for student-athletes, staff and fans. Additionally, a 35-by-90foot video board and 402 new club seats will be included in the project. The facility will be located 30 feet off the backline

The north end zone football facility will feature a new locker room, strength and conditioning center, athletic training facility, nutritional "fueling station," mud room with cooldown plunge pool and team lounge.

Football staff:

in the north end zone of Veterans Memorial Stadium and will

The new addition will feature offices for the football staff

stand three floors tall.

and meeting rooms with sophisticated video technology.

With all the activity going on in the north end zone, the

Fans:

Tine Davis Fieldhouse will continue to house the athletics

Fans will find that the building features an excellent vantage

department administrative staff in addition to a renovated

point of the game. They will also have access to exclusive

team meeting room and visiting locker room.

concession and parking areas.

T ROY T O DAY

The new 35-by-90-foot video board will give fans a closer look at field action.

Fans will enjoy exclusive concessions in the North End Zone Pavilion.

43

ATH LETICS

44

TROY TODAY

TWO TO TANGO MEN'S, WOMEN'S TEAMS GO DANCING

For the first time in the University's history, TROY sent both of its basketball teams to the NCAA Tournament.

For the first time in 18 years, a university in the state of

The TROY men’s team drew a No. 15 seed in the NCAA

Alabama sent both its men’s and women’s basketball teams to

Tournament and squared off against No. 2 Duke in the

their respective NCAA tournaments—and that university just

opening round in North Carolina.

happens to be TROY.

The TROY women’s team shattered the Sun Belt record

The TROY women’s basketball team repeated as Sun Belt

book en route to their second straight title. The Trojans

Conference champions after a dominating run through the

pulled down 86 rebounds—the second most in NCAA

Conference tournament, while the TROY men’s basketball

history—in their 105-72 semifinal victory over Arkansas

team won four games in five days to claim its first league title

State. Overall, TROY won its three Sun Belt Tournament

and NCAA berth since 2003.

games by an average of 24.7 points.

TROY’s Wesley Person was named MVP of the Sun Belt

TROY’s Caitlyn Ramirez was named the Sun Belt MVP after

Tournament after he averaged 21.8 points per game, including

she averaged 15 points and 15.7 rebounds in TROY’s three

totals of 29 and 26 points in TROY’s first two games of

victories as the Trojans worked together to set a Sun Belt

the tournament. Jordon Varnado also had an outstanding

Tournament record with 208 total rebounds.

tournament for the Trojans by averaging 19 points and 8.5

The TROY women, who made their second straight NCAA

rebounds per game.

Tournament appearance, were seeded No. 15 in their region and traveled to Starkville, Mississippi, to take on secondseeded Mississippi State.

S TU D EN T S

T ROY T O DAY

45

A JOURNEY

HOME

TROY sophomore Kaitlin Beyler, who was born in Vietnam, recently returned to the city of her birth for the first time.

A

dopted at just 6 months old, Kaitlin Beyler

where I’m from and helped me connect to who I am,” Beyler

had never seen her homeland. In August, the

said. “I was born in Hanoi, so not only did I get to see my home

sophomore biomedical sciences major stepped

country, but I got to see the city in which I was born.”

foot in the city of her birth for the first time, as

The conference focused on humanitarian efforts as well as

part of a week-long leadership conference in Hanoi, Vietnam.

“I never got the chance to go back, just because it was so expensive,” said Beyler, who was one of three students representing Troy University at the University Scholars Leadership Symposium. “My mom always wanted to take me back, but we never had the opportunity to because she’s a single parent.”

For Beyler and her mother, who made the trip with her, it was an eye-opening experience. “Having the opportunity to go to Vietnam not only gave me a new experience, it let me see

teaching leadership qualities.

Beyler, who serves as director of Freshman Forum and a Trojan Ambassador, plans to make a return trip to Vietnam one day and spend more time helping local residents. “The conference took a lot of my time,” she said. “I would like to go back and try to volunteer a little more—that was my favorite part of the conference."

TROY TODAY

S T U D ENT S

46

EFFECTING

C H ANG E

MBA course empowers mother to petition for adult-friendly changing stations

WRITTEN BY: SAVANAH WEED

A

t TROY, one course can change your life. Little

on the toilet, in the trunks of our cars or leave them soiled

did Lakisha Smith know when she signed up

and not change them at all,” she said. “This is undignified,

for Dr. Paula Gibson’s graduate-level public

unsanitary, increases risk of bodily injury to both parties and

policy course that she would be given the tools

ultimately violates their civil rights, as persons with disabilities

to help change the lives of countless Atlanta-area adults with

are not afforded equal treatment in terms of public restroom

disabilities.

accessibility.”

Smith, a graduate student pursuing a Master of Public

The need for equality and accessibility, and her education

Administration through TROY Online and the holder of a

at TROY, spurred Smith to explore other options. She has

Master of Business Administration from TROY, is the mother

been an advocate for the special needs community since

of 13-year-old Tyree who was diagnosed with spastic

her son was first diagnosed, but she said it was not until she

quadriplegia, the most severe form of cerebral palsy. “Ty was

took Dr. Gibson’s public policy course that she decided to

born severely premature at just 24-weeks gestation,” she

take real action. “The major assignment of the course is the

said. “He only weighed 1 pound 3.5 ounces at birth. Spastic

construction of a policy analysis in which a public problem is

quadriplegia is severely disabling and deprives those who

defined in such a way as to garner sufficient public interest,”

battle with it of their independence.”

Gibson said. “Each phase of the process could be considered

As Tyree grew and got older, the standard height and weight

instrumental in [Smith’s] work.”

measurements for changing tables in public restrooms could

Smith recorded videos of her changing her son in public

no longer accommodate him, and the struggles of caring for

restrooms, posted on social media sites and contacted local

him while in public became even greater. “The only options

news stations to make connections with those outside of

that I, along with many other families, have are to change our

and within the community. Through Facebook, she met

loved ones on public restroom floors, on our laps while sitting

Candice Aaron and Libra Hicks, two mothers who also became

T ROY T O DAY

47

“It is my duty to stand alongside the special needs community and speak out on their behalf.”

- Lakisha Smith

outspoken activists because they faced the same challenges

policy course, I have taken an interest in becoming a policy

with their disabled children. “Candice had recently founded

analyst to further my efforts of influencing real change in the

Changing Spaces Georgia in May of this year,” she said. “We

special needs community,” she said. “It is my duty to stand

quickly realized what we all had in common and decided to

alongside the special needs community and speak out on their

embark on this journey together.”

behalf.”

Changing Spaces Georgia advocates for adult-sized changing tables and lifts in public facilities and has already found success at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) at Egleston Children’s Hospital. After changing her son on the ground of the CHOA parking deck, Aaron connected with the patient services department to come up with a solution: the adult-sized changing table. “CHOA was very receptive and proceeded promptly with getting a height adjustable adultsized changing table installed in their family restroom. This process took about one year from beginning to end,” she said.

Changing Spaces Georgia has even gained legislative support from Georgia Senator Valencia Seay of District 34 who offered to sponsor a bill for the cause in January 2017.

Smith said her time at TROY equipped her with the knowledge she needed to be successful in advocating for those with special needs. “Thanks to Dr. Pamela Gibson and her public

#changingspaces

48

TROY TODAY

WA L K T H I S WAY

S TU D E N T S

T ROY T O DAY

49

W i th 1 23 miles trav e l e d on foot for ch a r it y, t he broth e rs of TROY’s Al pha Tau O mega don ’t j ust tal k th e tal k— th e y walk t he wal k.

Walk Hard 2017 participants: Nathan Gilbert, Jones Manning, Joseph Carpenter, Cameron Lewis, Isaac Green, Dakota Morris, Colton Woodham, Walter Young, Jakey Carter, Taylor Edwards, Casey Ballenger, Jay Spivey, Corey Dodson, Joshua Bryant, Jacob Bryant, Matthew Welch, Zack Hall, Kyle Shook, Matthew Sullivan, Daniel Bass, Grant Kinsaul, Christian Peters, Alex Rodriguez, Gus Mckenzie, Coale Jordan, Tanner Sallas, Drew Kitch, Blake Matthews, Gray Gilmore, Jake Brown, Douglas Dick, Kevin Leonard, Jonas Marquez, Matthew Trest, Stone Collins, Garrett Mingus and Drew Owen.

N

oticeably limping and fatigued, the members of

only reach that goal but exceed it and write a $43,000 check,

Troy University’s Alpha Tau Omega fraternity

that’s encouraging.”

suddenly found a renewed vigor as they

Looking back on the event’s success, Merritt said he was

rounded the corner in Panama City Beach’s

Pier Park after walking 123 miles from Troy, Alabama, to their beach-side destination. Joining hands and breaking into song, the fraternity members celebrated the end of their six-day Walk Hard for Heroes journey from Troy with friends and family members who gathered at the pier to support them.

This was the fraternity’s ninth Walk Hard and, by a wide margin, the most successful, with the largest group of walkers in the event’s history and $43,000 raised for Jeep Sullivan’s Wounded Warrior Outdoor Adventures, a nonprofit organization that takes wounded veterans on hunting, fishing and other outdoor trips.

proud of the group’s achievements. “Our guys got after it,” he said. “They’re passionate about it; they know they’re walking for a purpose, and I think outside people saw that. Passion is contagious. Every bit of the money we raise, we see the impact it has on these military men and women.”

For TROY junior Jake Brown, this event marked his first Walk Hard experience, and through the blisters and sore muscles, every step was worth the pain. “It’s been heartwarming,” he said. “Every day is tough, but you get to hear such positive words about what you’re doing, and people thank you from the bottoms of their hearts. We heard every day and night how thankful they were, and that was cool.” Still, it was a

“It went great and was everything we could have dreamed

tough journey. “For me it was very hard. It was tough,” Brown

for,” said Dash Merritt, a TROY senior and the director of the

said. “I was limping like an 80-year-old grandpa. But my

walk. “We had perfect weather for these guys, we received

brother is in the military and I couldn’t let him down. It’s the

great hospitality, but the biggest thing is reaching that goal.

hardest thing I’ve ever done for sure.”

We set a $40,000 goal, double our goal last year, and to not

"We se t a $ 4 0 ,000 goa l, dou ble ou r goa l l a s t y ear, and t o not only rea ch that goa l bu t exc e e d it and wr it e a $43,000 check, that ’s encou ra g i n g .”

- D a sh M e rri tt

52

S TU DENTS

TROY TODAY

MISSTROY CROW NED

S

tanding center stage in TROY’s Claudia Crosby Theatre, Mary Beth Moore smiled in

amazement as she was crowned Miss Troy University 2017 during the 46th annual pageant on the Troy Campus.

One of 12 contestants to grace the stage in this year’s competition, Moore—a sophomore dance major from Alabaster—will represent TROY this summer in the Miss America organization’s Miss Alabama Pageant.

“I am so excited and honored to be representing my university as Miss Troy University for the next year,” Moore said. “I’m really enjoying getting to know people on campus and in the community and seeing what this journey has to offer me.”

Every year, talented, young women such as Moore take the stage on the University’s Troy Campus to compete in the areas of style, scholarship, service and success—the four points of the Miss America crown.

Moore and her fellow contestants prepared for months leading up to TROY’s annual pageant, which consists of choreographed musical numbers, a private interview, an on-stage question and swimsuit, talent and evening gown competitions. “I want to make my TROY family proud as I continue on to the Miss Alabama Pageant,” Moore said. “It

still hasn’t fully set in that I’ve been given such an amazing still hasn’t fully set in that I’ve been given such an amazing opportunity. I plan to make the most of every moment.” opportunity. I plan to make the most of every moment.”

Also receiving honors at this year’s Miss TROY pageant were: Also receiving honors at this year’s Miss TROY pageant were: first runner-up Bridgette Howell, a sophomore broadcast first runner-up Bridgette Howell, a sophomore broadcast journalism major from Dothan; second runner-up Angelene journalism major from Dothan; second runner-up Angelene Kendall, a senior dance major from Hershey, Pennsylvania; Kendall, a senior dance major from Hershey, Pennsylvania; third runner-up Ashli Morris, a junior international politics third runner-up Ashli Morris, a junior international politics major from Athens, and fourth runner-up Carlie Spencer, a major from Athens, and fourth runner-up Carlie Spencer, a senior mathematics major from Montgomery. senior mathematics major from Montgomery.

S TU D E N T S

HOMECOMING QUEEN SHINES

W

T ROY T O DAY

hen Destiny Oliver, Troy University’s 2016

own perspective on race with people who look like us, but not

homecoming queen, thinks about her

so much with people who don’t look like us.”

opportunity to bring change to the world

Oliver said she wants to “be a light to people” for those she

around her, her passion lies in shedding a

light on volunteer work and open communication.

53

meets on and off campus, whether by giving a smile, a wave or just being kind. “Don’t be afraid to be in the background of

Oliver, a senior global marketing major from Dothan, was

things,” she said. “That’s the true meaning of the Trojan Spirit.

crowned during halftime of the football game on Oct. 15 and

People who come here always say, ‘Y’all are really friendly,’

chose the Boys & Girls Club of Pike County as her platform

and we're like, ‘Yeah, we really are.’ I like to show all aspects of

for the year. Oliver attended the Wiregrass Boys & Girls Club

TROY, not just the aspect of getting a good education.”

when she was younger and began volunteering at the Pike County location during her sophomore year of college. “It’s so cool to go hang out with the kids throughout the week while you’re here in Troy, rather than just donating money, because you get the experience with the (kids),” she said. “You get to help them with their spelling tests and homework and just play games with them.”

As part of her platform, she pledged to help the club raise money for uniforms for its first flag football team and cheerleading squad. Now that the money has been raised, she is continuing to work with the club on other needs. “ “It’s been really exciting to see the kids get ready and get excited about this,” she said.

Oliver said she was inspired by her sorority, Phi Mu, to run for homecoming queen and to promote the Boys & Girls Club. She and her sorority sisters volunteered last summer by cleaning and getting the building ready for the school year and helping pick vegetables from the garden. “It’s just the little things to go and help,” she said. “I feel like if we’re here for four years, we might as well help out locally because this is your home while you’re here.”

Oliver is also heavily involved in other areas of Trojan life. She is the Phi Mu Panhellenic delegate, a Trojan ambassador and a senator-at-large in the Student Government Association.

She also helped organize the “Breaking down Barriers” event in September, after attending a similar event on the Dothan Campus, to help students understand the struggles people of other races experience.

“I was inspired to do one here at TROY because I feel like we are the next generation, and no one wants to get out of their comfort zone,” she said. “I felt it was needed to allow people an open comfort zone to let people talk about their experiences with race because we very freely talk about our

During her year as queen, Oliver said she wants to continue to break down barriers, persuade new students to choose TROY, and encourage others to volunteer.

TROY TODAY

S T U D ENT S

54

2

THE TALE OF

TWIR LE R S

TROY senior Clair Harrison and alumna Helen Long both battled back from injuries as Sound of the South majorettes.

C

lair Harrison and Helen Long are Troy University

under Professor Gene Hanson,” Long said. “On the trampoline,

majorettes separated by decades but joined by

I tried a backward flip and landed on my head! Dr. Hanson

one common thread—both are examples of the

knew something was terribly wrong and would not move me. I

Trojan Warrior Spirit.

remember in a nanosecond, it seemed like, my sister Julie was

Harrison, a senior graphic design major from Gadsden, Alabama, suffered severe burns while assisting with a high school band camp in July of 2016. She battled back from the

there beside me. I look back and realize, God actually placed her there in that minute. That terrible day became even worse as I heard the doctors say, “If Helen lives, she will be paralyzed

injury to twirl again with the Sound of the South this past fall.

from the neck down for the rest of her life.”

When Long, who twirled in the '70s under legendary

What followed was four long months of hospitalization and

bandmaster John M. Long, heard of Harrison’s story, she

recovery, but despite the grim initial prognosis, Long was able

immediately recalled her own life-changing injury that

to return to the field and twirl later that same fall.

occurred in college. “It immediately took me back to spring of

Inspired by the similarities in their stories, Long reached out

1975, stunts and tumbling class for physical education majors

to Harrison, and a meeting between the two was arranged

T ROY T O DAY

55

"The Sound of the South gave me confidence, drive, organizational skills, tolerance and patience that have followed me for the last 41 years.”

- HE L EN L O N G during a home football game. “When I met Helen it was such a

Long said she encouraged Harrison to draw strength and

relief to me,” Harrison said. “I always enjoy meeting someone

motivation from her accident. “As unfortunate as the accident

[who] went through a similar obstacle as me; it makes me feel

was, it will move and motivate you for the rest of your life. It

[understood] and not alone. When Helen told me her story, I

will drive you to push forward in everything you do and follow

felt like we were the same person and that I have someone I

your every dream, no matter how crazy that dream might be.

can talk to about what I'm going through. She was so sweet

For me, I came to realize that life can be taken away in one

and welcoming to me.”

single moment.”

Harrison’s injury occurred while conducting a fire baton

Harrison said she would encourage anyone with an injury or

demonstration at New Brockton High School. “When I was in

obstacle to have courage and believe in themselves. “Never

the ICU, I honestly didn't know what was going on because I

tell yourself you can't do anything because if you think

was highly sedated,” Harrison said. “After I was removed from

that, then you won't accomplish anything,” Harrison said.

the ICU and taken to acute care, that's when I realized I was

“But if you tell yourself you can do something, then you will

probably not going to be able to twirl, and I started debating

accomplish it. Don't think that an injury is in the way of you

on what to do. However, my family kept me motivated and

doing what you love; be fearless and try it anyway.”

kept telling me that they were going to find a way to get me back out on that field.”

Long said she was immediately impressed upon meeting Harrison and hearing her story first hand.

“My first reaction was, ‘Wow, what a beautiful young lady! And what a trooper she is to bounce back from a terrible accident,” Long said. “An accident that most people would be left afraid to twirl again, not to mention march in front of thousands of spectators only weeks after the accident.”

Looking back on her own recovery, Long said she remained focused on her dream of being a TROY majorette. “Seriously, all I thought about every day for four long months, laying on that striker frame staring at the ceiling, then the floor was, “One day, I will march with the Sound of the South band,” Long said.

“I had and still do have a passion for the TROY band organization and my hero Dr. John Long. The Sound of the South gave me confidence, drive, organizational skills, tolerance and patience that have followed me for the last 41 years.”

Annette Owen (left), sister of Long, played an instrumental role in facilitating the meeting between Harrison (center) and Long (right).

FACT FROM TROY TODAY

F ICTI O N

P E R S P E CT IV E S

56

One TROY professor shares tips to help identify factual news in a world of fast-moving digital information.

WRITTEN BY: STEVE STEWART Assistant professor in the Hall School of Journalism and Communication

“

Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts,” said Daniel Patrick Moynihan, a professor, politician and statesman who advised four presidents of both parties.

His statement reminds us that we should seek the facts and base our opinions on them. But that’s not as simple as it seems today, when we have plenty of sources of alleged facts, but they often contradict one another.

Sometimes we readers and viewers get the idea that news media are being selective or even deceptive about the facts and are timing disclosures to fit their agendas. Sometimes we are right. But some media are reliable, while others are, dare I say, masquerading as journalists in order to advance their own points of view.

So, how can you tell whether a particular journalist, newspaper, website or broadcaster is giving you information you can rely on to form your opinions? My suggestion is to examine how they cover the news. Ask yourself some questions:

T ROY T O DAY

• Is there a thorough effort to obtain all sides of a story,

57

• Is the timing of the story reasonable, or does it seem

giving everyone a chance to comment and provide

that the story was published at a particular time in order

information?

to influence events? If the story is about a past event, it

• Beyond that superficial fairness, is there an effort to determine what the actual truth is? In other words,

should make clear why the information is coming out at this time.

are the statements that source makes checked against

• Does the journalist or news organization have a history

widely known or scientifically proven facts? (If a source

of promoting a particular point of view or of seeking

contends that the Earth is flat, that statement should not

the truth?

go unchallenged.)

If a reader or viewer wants to form opinions based on facts,

• Did the reporter go straight to the best sources for the

these questions are relevant. But let’s face it: some people

story or rely on secondhand reports, perhaps from other

form their opinions first and then look for facts to support

news media?

those opinions (it’s called wishful thinking or confirmation

• Does the reporter acknowledge significant questions that

bias). That’s one reason even good journalists receive criticism.

he or she couldn’t answer, while telling you how he or she

I have worked as a journalist and know hundreds of them,

tried to answer them?

and rarely have I met one who set out to mislead readers or

• Are the sources identified well enough for a reader to evaluate their credibility? In almost all cases, the people

promote his or her own opinions. Of course, some journalists are more adept at finding and presenting the facts than others.

and documents that provided information should be

And all of us make mistakes.

named in the story. Occasionally reporters rely on

Anyone can call himself a journalist, but good ones pride

anonymous sources for good reasons, but they explain

themselves in digging for the truth, come what may. Their

those reasons to readers and give as much information

standards are summarized well in the Code of Ethics of the

as they can about how the sources know what they are

Society of Professional Journalists, which covers four precepts:

talking about and what their biases might be.

seek truth and report it; minimize harm; act independently; be

• Does the story provide detailed evidence supporting the

accountable and transparent.

factual assertions it makes? Does this evidence support

Journalism educators are drilling those precepts into the

those assertions? Is there another reasonable explanation

newest generation of journalists, which is why most of my

of the evidence?

students can provide a quick, correct answer to this question:

• Is the information consistent with what you’ve learned

Where’s the best place to put your own opinion when you

elsewhere from reputable news media and other sources?

write a news story?

You could consult a fact-checking website such as

Their answer is one word: nowhere.

politifact.com or snopes.com.

“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.”

Daniel Patrick Moynihan

58

TROY TODAY

Troy University has provided highly respected academic degree programs to the nation’s military and their families for more than 60 years. Many of our University’s leaders have worn the uniform, too, so we understand your needs for excellence, affordability and flexibility.

troy.edu/troyfortroops

Caroline C., Student Exercise Science. Greek.

Earn your degree online with TROY, a distinguished state university. With a proud history of helping students achieve their career goals, TROY was one of the first universities to offer online learning. Whether you’re learning online, in class or a blend of both, Troy University gives you the education, flexibility and personal attention you need to succeed. Do what you love, and be great at it.

That’s the Trojan Warrior Spirit, and it’s alive and well at Troy University.

WARRIORS T H R I V E

ONLINE

◆

Founded in 1887 ◆

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

©2017 Troy University

T ROY T O DAY

59

LOOKING

BACK

A LUM NI

TROY alumni from the 1940s reunited for a dinner on the Troy Campus the day before Homecoming.

A

s the refrains of “It Had to Be You” filled the

Francis Grouby, a former cheerleader, also met her husband at

air courtesy of TROY’s jazz ensemble, happy

TROY. “I had the room over the door in Shackelford Hall, and

memories of days gone by filled the minds

he saw me coming in one Sunday afternoon, so he asked me

of Troy State Teachers College graduates in

for a date. I didn’t want to go, but my friend Virginia Bush said,

attendance at October’s World War II-era Alumni Reunion.

‘Go on with him, he looks like a nice guy,’ so we went to dinner

Alumni members at the reunion represented a time when

downtown.”

veterans from World War II came back from service and

Attendees said they remember TROY as a special place that

entered college, said Virginia Bush, TROY alumna and co-chair of the event. Bush said her favorite memory of TROY was meeting her husband. “It was the day I registered,” she said. “It was in front of Bibb Graves, and he was waiting to meet me.”

has given them life-long friends and memories. “What stuck with me the most are the friends that I made during that time and the fellowship that we enjoyed,” said Dr. Lacey Powell, co-chair of the event.

AGAINST THE ODDS

TROY TODAY

A LU M N I

60

TROY Trojan overcomes obstacles to find success

WRITTEN BY: SAVANAH WEED

T

he lyrics “To grow in knowledge, truth and strength, our journey never ends” in Troy

“Upon the mighty walls of TROY, we meet our life-long friends.”

University’s Alma Mater have a special meaning

When Horton started his college career at TROY in the

to one recent TROY alumnus who had three

fall of 2011, those feelings followed him until he met the

major surgeries before he was 4 months old. Jon Logan

brothers of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity.

Horton, an alumnus from Grove Hill, was born four months premature, weighing just 1 pound 11 ounces with translucent skin, a grade-one cranial bleed, a cleft palate, mild cerebral palsy on the left side of his body and bronchopulmonary dysplasia—a condition where the air sacs in the lungs are not fully developed. He spent the next four months in the hospital fighting for his life.

Horton’s struggles continued through infancy to adolescence.

During his elementary and middle school years, he went to physical therapy, speech therapy and special education math classes and never really felt like he fit in.

Horton in the hospital after being born four months premature. (Photo courtesy Logan Horton)

T ROY T O DAY

61

“I was always concerned that people were going to view me differently, but they treated me like I was family.”

“To grow in knowledge, truth and strength, our journey never ends.”

It didn’t take long for Horton to find his niche at TROY. As a student, he excelled in the classroom by earning a 3.08 GPA during his first semester, developing close relationships with faculty members Dr. John Kline, Joe McCall and Dr. Aaron Hagler and being accepted into Phi Alpha Theta, a national history honor society.

Since becoming a TROY Trojan, Horton has found a supportive family with his Lambda Chi Alpha brothers.

(Photo courtesy Logan Horton)

“I first met Logan in 2010 when he was a candidate at the

He plans to attend graduate school for his master’s in teaching

Youth Leadership Forum for high school students with

in 2017 and is currently substitute teaching for Clarke and

disabilities,” Kline said. “The amazing thing about him is his

Washington County schools while planning a wedding with his

disability did not hinder him.”

fiancé, Kelsey Reynolds. He also plans to return to TROY to

“With the promise of the future, and the guidance of the past…”

Even though he was finding success, Horton worried about

pursue a second master’s degree in history.

“So raise our mighty Trojan sword, a beacon to the world!”

how professors would react to his accommodation letters, if

Horton has become an advocate for those with learning or

they would be able to read his handwriting, how he would

physical disabilities.

handle living on his own for the first time and even about how his body would cope with walking across campus all day.

“If you’re in college and have a disability, focus on your character traits—the things that make you blossom—and

“My professors were very understanding and worked with

surround yourself with people you trust,” he said. “People

me,” he said.

who have disabilities may look or act or seem different, but

“We pledge our solemn vow to thee, loyal everlast.”

Horton graduated from TROY last July with a 3.27 GPA, a plan for his life and a confidence he had never experienced before.

all of us are the same. We’re human beings who are trying to accomplish the same goals.”

“Throughout the ages brightly shines, the guiding light of TROY.”

“If you’re in college and have a disability, focus on your character traits—the things that make you blossom— and surround yourself with people you trust. ” -Jon Logan Horton

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TROY TODAY

SA A: G ET I N VO LV ED

M I ZE LL MISSE D B Y T ROY FA M I LY

Eric Mizell (’93) always possessed the true spirit of a TROY Trojan.

So much so that his death was greatly felt when he passed away at the age of 46 in

As TROY’s Student Alumni president, I’m excited to unite TROY alumni with members of today’s student body.

his Troy home.

Mizell was serving on the Board of Directors of the National Alumni Association and led the Letterwinners “T-Club” alumni chapter. He had been an Alumni Board member since 2012 and was on the Trojan Warrior Council. “Eric was an outstanding

A few years ago, a mentorship

student-athlete,” said Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. “As an alumnus, Eric became the catalyst

program was started that paired

for former athletes in the “T-Club,” and he was respected by all those who have worn

members of the Student Alumni

the Trojan uniform.”

Association (SAA) with members of TROY’s Alumni Association.

This year, we are going to create a database of student hometowns, majors and classifications, and we

A Lucedale, Mississippi, native, Eric was the wealth manager for Henderson Wealth Management at Troy Bank & Trust for 15 years and was active in many facets in the Troy community. He was president of the University’s “T-Club” and had been an officer of the Letterman’s Club since its creation in 2006.

are going to pair these students

He is survived by his wife, Tiffaney, twin

with Alumni Association members

sons Bryson and Beaux, twin daughters

who have things in common.

Kaylee and Kassidy; his parents and

This summer, we’ll be contacting alumni chapters across the southeast to schedule meet and greets for the year to come. As we begin planning, we want you to know two things: 1.) You are important! The lives and careers of present and future TROY Trojans are shaped by your

brothers and a sister. A scholarship has been established to honor and memorialize Mizell. Those wishing to make a donation to the Eric Mizell Scholarship may direct their donations to: “T-Club” – Eric Mizell Scholarship Alumni House 100 Highland Ave. Troy, AL 36082

influence. You can help set the

Checks should be made payable to the Troy University Foundation, and in the memo

stage for a student’s success.

line noted as “Eric Mizell Scholarship.”

2.) We need your investment— your time, wisdom, guidance and

A FA MILIA R FACE

success. Mentoring turns students

G A RDNE R ATTE NDS 5 2 HO ME CO MIN G S

into engaged alumni in the future

Though there has been a lot of change around campus over the last 52 years, each

and it also fosters a pay-it-forward

fall has had one constant—Daphne resident Ken Gardner.

spirit within a new generation of

At last fall’s game against Georgia State, Gardner (‘68) was honored for attending his

TROY Trojans.

52nd consecutive homecoming game, a feat he never consciously sought to achieve.

We’re excited for these new

“I just love TROY,” Gardner said. “I’ve loved it since the day I stepped foot on

opportunities ahead, and we can’t

campus. It’s very humbling, surprising and almost embarrassing (to be honored),

wait to meet you!

because I don’t think I’ve done anything to deserve it. I come back because I want to

With Trojan Pride,

come back—not for any kind of recognition.”

influence create the currency of

Gardner attended his first homecoming game as a freshman escort to the homecoming court. He is a charter member of Theta Chi Fraternity, was charter Sam Moody, SAA President

president of the Southwest Alabama Alumni Chapter and served several terms on the National Alumni Association Board of Directors.

ALUMNI NOTES ’60 Horace H. Horn, Jr. (’68) was named chairman of the Alabama State Port Authority last fall. Horn was initially appointed to the board in 2014. Horn is vice president of external affairs for PowerSouth Energy where he oversees the daily operations of governmental and public affairs in Alabama, Florida and Washington, D.C. He is a past state director of the Farmers Home Administration and serves on several national and regional boards, including the Energy Council, the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce and the Business Council of Alabama.

’70 Sarah Clemmons (’75) was recently named president of Chipola College.

Clemmons previously served as senior vice president of instruction and had served as interim president since October 2016. She serves on the board of trustees of Jackson Hospital, is active in the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and was named Citizen of the Year by the chamber in 2015.

Dr. Mary R. Massey (’77) recently published her first children’s book, “Ellie Rae Discovers Eight Ways to be SMART.” The book is about Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences, written on a children’s level, and seeks to strengthen children’s sense of self by helping them understand they are all smart, just in different ways. She currently serves as an adjunct professor at Saint Leo University.

James “Radar” Brantley (’79) was recently inducted into the Coweta County (Georgia) Sports Hall of Fame.

Brantley spent 35 years as an athletic

T ROY T O DAY

trainer at Newnan High School. In 2011, he was honored for working 350 straight football games on the Newnan sidelines, and in 2013, he was inducted into the Georgia Athletic Trainers Association Hall of Fame.

’80 Tommie Robinson (’87) has been named running backs coach and run game coordinator on the football coaching staff at Louisiana State University. Robinson spent the 2016 season on the coaching staff at the University of Southern California where he was named Pac-12 Recruiter of the Year. He also previously served as running backs coach at the University of Texas and as an assistant coach with the Arizona Cardinals of the NFL. C. Gibson Vance (’87) was recently elected as a fellow of the Alabama Law Foundation. Vance, a member of the Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis and Miles, P.C. law firm, joined the fellows membership that is limited to just 1 percent of bar membership. To be considered for the honor, the fellow must have been a member of the bar association for at least 10 years and must have demonstrated outstanding dedication to the profession and the community. Vance has been a member of the Troy University Board of Trustees since 2012.

F. Erik Brooks F. Erik Brooks (’89, ’92) has been named associate director of Western

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Illinois University’s Centennial Honors College. He formerly chaired the University’s Department of African American Studies. Before joining the faculty at Western Illinois, Brooks served as assistant to the dean and director of the Master of Public Administration program at Georgia Southern University.

’90 Jeff Adams (’90) recently published the book “7 Essential Skills of Leadership, How to Lead Your Organization to Operational Excellence.” The book is oriented toward management and is for organizations that are working toward implementation of continuous improvement methodologies.

Adams holds multiple certifications in continuous improvement methodologies including Lean, Six Sigma and QRM. Col. Glen L. Goss (’94) retired from the U.S. Air Force in January after 25 years of active service. A command pilot with more than 3,300 flying hours in the C-17A Globemaster and KC-10 Extender aircraft, Goss served as a theater airlift liaison officer for the Army’s Third Infantry Division in 2003 during the initial combat phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom and commanded the 6th Air Refueling Squadron at Travis Air Force Base, California. Prior to retirement, he was assigned at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, where he served as the operations plans division chief at U.S. Strategic Command.

Sandy Atkins (’95) was recently inducted into the Marengo County Sports Hall of Fame. The Sweet Water native serves as the senior associate director of athletics and senior woman administrator and has been a member of the TROY Athletics staff since 2001. Atkins played two seasons on the Trojans softball team, earning AllConference honors both years.

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TROY TODAY

B IG PL A N S

FOR ALUMNI As president of TROY’s Alumni Association, I get a front row seat to the amazing accomplishments made by alumni and student alumni members.

With a network of 64 alumni chapters and 152,000 alumni around the globe, TROY Trojans are working together to strengthen our beloved alma mater.

At its core, the success and growth of TROY is built on relationships made with people, cities, countries and institutions worldwide. This year, TROY’s Alumni Association will focus on building and strengthening relationships with graduates and alumni by creating stronger systems of communication and easier methods of joining the association.

The association also plans to research fundraising for a new alumni house next to Veterans Memorial Stadium. We take pride in your achievements, and we want to honor you with the best.

This year, we’re also focusing on

Eddie Tyner (’96) has been named USA Today Network’s Ohio regional president. As president, he will lead Enquirer Media, which publishes “The Enquirer,” Cincinnati.com and the Community Press group of weekly newspapers, as well as the Media Network of Central Ohio, which publishes print and digital across the state of Ohio. He has more than 20 years of experience in the media industry and holds a master’s degree in management from TROY. Rear Adm. Babette “Bete” Bolivar (’97) has assumed command of United States Navy Region of the Southeast. Bolivar’s decorations include the Legion of Merit Medal with gold star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with three gold stars, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with four gold stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star and various campaign, unit and service awards including recognition as the Chief and Naval Operations’ Pacific Fleet finalist for the Vice Adm. James Bond Stockdale Leadership Award.

She was also inducted into the Women Divers Hall of Fame.

Salvatore Vinciguerra (’97), director of music at Doctors Charter School of Miami Shores, recently earned his

creating new scholarship opportunities for TROY students in an effort to prepare them for future successes. Our hope is rather than paying back student loans, scholarship recipients will pay it forward to new generations of Trojans.

Come join us as we continue to build a better TROY. GO TROJANS!

Bill Hopper

Doctorate of Musical Arts in Music Education from Boston University.

His dissertation, “Lived Experiences

of Secondary Instrumental Music Teachers Who Teach Students with Learning Disabilities,” employed phenomenological inquiry to understand instrumental music for students with learning disabilities. At Doctors Charter School, Vinciguerra teaches band, orchestra and chorus to middle and high school students.

Ragan Fretwell (’97) was recently named a relationship manager at Southwest Georgia Farm Credit in the Dawson, Georgia, office. Fretwell works with clients and prospects to finance farms, ranches, recreational properties, timberland and real estate.

She also will continue to manage Farm Credit EXPRESS, the point-of-sale financing program available through dealerships for the financing of new and used equipment. She joined Farm Credit in 2003 and is a board member of the SOWEGA Council for the Aging.

Sarah Gambles ('99, '04), a teacher based in Banks, Alabama, has written and directed her first feature-length documentary, “Armor.” Inspired by her life’s events, “Armor” highlights Gambles’ experiences and those of three other biracial women living in the South and the struggles they have faced with being viewed as “different.”

The film’s premiere was held on the Troy Campus in November.

’00 Wes Rhea (’00) serves as chief compliance officer for BioIQ, a company working with most of the top healthcare systems in the nation to better engage patient populations through technology. He also serves as a professor of information systems at Kennesaw State University. In addition to a Master of Business Administration from TROY, Rhea also holds a Juris Doctorate degree from Taft University School of Law. Katrina Collier-Long (’06, ’07) was recently appointed as principal of Reese Road Leadership Academy by the Muscogee (Georgia) County School Board. An educator for nine years,

Collier-Long has served as a special education teacher and secretary/ bookkeeper in the Phenix City Schools.

Bryan Maynor (’07) was recently promoted to president and chief operating officer of Lumbee Guaranty Bank in Lumberton, North Carolina.

Maynor has 28 years of banking experience—18 of which have been with Lumbee Guaranty. He most recently served as the company’s executive vice president and chief operations officer. He resides with his family in Pembroke, North Carolina.

Jason Faulk (’08) has been named the dean of admissions at Longwood University. He previously served as director of the University of North Texas’ Dallas location. He holds a master’s degree in instructional technology/design from TROY. Luke Smith (’08) recently opened BluePoint Financial, an accounting firm in Destin. He earned a Master of Business Administration from TROY and has more than 11 years of experience as a CPA. Smith is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, a past member of the Niceville Military Affairs Committee and a graduate of the Destin Chamber of Commerce’s 2015 Forward Class.

’10 Patrick K. Greene (’10), a registered nurse anesthetist, has accepted a position with the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Greene earned a master’s degree in nursing as a certified registered nurse anesthetist from the Medical University of South Carolina.

Scott Gray (’11) is the new police chief in Fayetteville, Georgia. He formerly served as the commander of the Henry County Police’s North Precinct.

Beth Hyatt (’14, ’15) has been named associate editor of Total Landscape Care. She previously served as editor of The Luverne Journal and as special projects coordinator for The Greenville Advocate. Hyatt holds a bachelor’s

degree in English and a master’s degree in strategic communication from TROY. Mandy McQueen (’15) joined the staff of WDHN in Dothan in November.

She previously served as a content specialist at WSFA in Montgomery.

Shayla Terry (’16) has been named editorial coordinator for The Luverne Journal. Terry previously served as an intern with the newspaper.

T ROY T O DAY

IN REMEMBRANCE Troy University Alumni Jerry G. Beasley (’56) Patsy T. Brackin (’72) Leo H. Brooks (’59) Charles S. Casey (’57) Christopher Caton (’66) Richard F. Daniels (’87) Rodney S. Davis (’77) James A. Fix (’99 & ’00) Raford B. Furlow (’39) Will O. Green (’95) Patricia A. Henley (’98) Hilmon Delane Logue (’76) Maxie R. Luker (’84) Robert H. Lynn (’72) Jesse M. McLeod (’74 & ’76) Byron W. Mixson (’77) Eric Mizell (’93)

Jonathan (’07) and Kim Till Sellers (’10) welcomed Nolan Dean Sellers into the world on March 14. Nolan was 9 pounds, 1 ounce and 21 inches long.

Nolan's birth was also celebrated by his big sister, Maddie, age 4.

Phillip G. Moore (’75) Felix Norman (’69 & ’73) Charles W. Norris (’49) Dr. Lacey E. Powell, Jr. (’50) Riley E. Reed (’82) Lisa T. Rogers (’82) Billy Thompson (’61) Janice B. Tillman (’58) James R. Whitman (’79) Dale E. Wilkinson (’70, ’72) Paul Word (’62)

IN REMEMBRANCE Troy University Friends Thomas J. McClain

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TROY TODAY

More than 60 years ago, Rosa Parks’ simple act of bravery became an impor tant symbol of the Civil Right s Movement. Today, you can step back in time and experience the sight s and sounds that forever changed our countr y. Troy Universit y’s Rosa Parks Museum is a state-ofthe-ar t, interac tive facilit y that honors one of America’s most beloved women. Visit today and learn all about this freedom warrior firsthand.

T ROY T O DAY

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