Troy Today 2023

2023 EDITION

TROY UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE ALUMNI AFFAIRS OFFICE TROY, AL 36082

20 23 ED ITION A YEAR IN REVIEW

MAKING

TROY UNIVERSITY RESEARCH IS

WAV E S

M A K I N G A W O R L D W I D E I M PA C T.

TROY UNIVERSITY

IT’S YOUR TIME TO TAKE THE LEAD

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troy.edu | 1-800-586-9771

www.troy.today

TROY’s top-ranked programs will prepare you to be a leader in your field. At Troy University, we offer up to 50% tuition scholarships for military and their families. Our Military and Family Scholarships cap the cost of tuition at $250 per credit hour for active-duty military, Reservists and National Guard for both undergraduate and graduate programs. Be part of a family of leaders with more than 175,000 alumni worldwide. It’s your time to lead.

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TROY UNIVERSITY

PODCAST NETWORK • • • • • •

The Talk of TROY In Focus with Carolyn Hutcheson Clarinet Corner Econversations from Troy University Speaking Globally The Double Dome

• • • • •

It Came from The Archives Mad Melodies Culture and Belonging Alabama Aloud with Don Noble On Leadership with Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr.

AVAILABLE WHEREVER YOU GET YOUR PODCASTS. TODAY.TROY.EDU/PODCAST

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Troy University Marketing and Communication 2023 Edition Executive Editor

From the desk of the Chancellor The cover story for this issue of TROY Today includes lots of information on our increased activity in the research field. Original research is the last great frontier, as well as a natural evolution, for TROY. Our first 135 years focused on teaching and service with a limited amount of research activity.

This fits with our original normal school mission, but it’s time to take bold steps toward the ultimate goal of achieving designation as a research university. We are setting the stage for this transition, as research grants awarded have more than doubled in the last two years. Further, our Center for Materials and Manufacturing Sciences, currently scheduled to go online in spring of 2024, is our first facility devoted entirely to research.

This edition’s theme of “Making Waves” extends beyond the research aspect of our University to include excellence across our academic colleges, including a look at how the College of Education is working to address the critical shortage of mental health counseling in schools, and a new apprenticeship program that is giving TROY student nurses hands-on experience.

Student excellence is also covered in this issue as we report on Trojans who have won major awards in journalism and a look back at the more than 300 students who participated in study-abroad trips this summer. We also update you on a group of students who annually give up their spring break to “march to the sea.” In 2023, they raised more than $125,000 in support of wounded military veterans.

Finally, this edition recaps one of the most successful periods in Trojan athletics. In 2022-2023, 10 of TROY’s 11 sports that compete in head-to-head competitions posted winning records.

Our Trojan football team won 23 games during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, claimed a pair of Sun Belt Conference titles, and played in the Cure Bowl and the Birmingham Bowl. And, we witnessed one of our most famous football alumni achieve the ultimate honor as DeMarcus Ware was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This edition also looks ahead to the 2024 baseball season as the Trojans look to build on last year’s success.

In closing, I invite you to stay in touch with your alma mater by submitting your information for the Alum Notes section of the magazine by emailing troymagazine@troy.edu. We look forward to hearing from you!

Samantha Johnson Editor Rob Drinkard (’09) Art Directors Madelyn Flanagan (’19) Mark Moseley (’97, ’99) Copy Editors Andy Ellis Abby Heard Contributors Faith West Byrd (’81, ’87) Matt Clower (’04) Tom Davis (’81) Andy Ellis Kyle George Anna Gooden (’06) Abby Heard Katie Hoppenjan (’18) Carrie Jaxon Brent Jones Laken Lee Payton Linder Clif Lusk Jane Martin (’97, ’99) Adam Prendergast Jonathan Sellers (’07, ’11) Savanah Weed (’17) Meredith Welch (’19) Photographers Joey Meredith (’16) Mark Moseley (’97, ’99)

Chancellor Jack Hawkins, Jr., Ph.D.

Sincerely,

Senior Vice Chancellor, Student Services and Administration Sohail Agboatwala (’91, ’93) Chief Marketing Officer

Jack Hawkins, Jr., Ph.D. Chancellor

Samantha Johnson Associate Vice Chancellor of Development Greg Knedler Senior Director, Communications Matt Clower (’04)

TROY Today Magazine welcomes comments, ideas and suggestions from readers. Editors reserve the right to determine if letters to the editor will be published and to edit submissions for content and length. Copyright 2024

by Troy University, all rights reserved. Troy University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist and doctoral degrees. Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Troy University.

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TROY Today Magazine is published for alumni members, donors, students, parents 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 Email: marketing@troy.edu

Director, Advertising Rob Drinkard (’09) Director, Alumni Affairs Faith West Byrd (’81, ’87) President, Troy University Alumni Association Rosemary Elebash (’76)

Find us on: troy.edu/social and at www.troy.today Advertising: Contact Marketing at 334-670-5830.

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2023 EDITION A YEAR IN REVIEW

ON THE COVER

24 MAKING WAVES Could some forms of cancer be cured by nanotechnology and advanced genetic engineering? Can music therapy help patients undergoing cancer treatment manage pain?

How is gambling affecting high school athletics? Can a kid-friendly mascot help improve literacy levels in Alabama school children? These are just some of the many tough questions Troy University faculty are trying to answer in research projects underway now in fields as diverse as economics, world affairs, material science and medicine.

IN THE KNOW

STUDENTS

ALUMNI

2 From the desk of the Chancellor

30 Grad student describes & names new species

46 Alumni Director letter

4 Remembering Composer & Educator Robert W. Smith

31 TROY student opens dog kennel business

6 SBDC assists local grocery store

32 Study-abroad summer recap

47 Dr. Brenda Coley recognized for her leadership

7 John Lewis Legacy Institute honors Dr. Hawkins & Reeves

34 HSJC students win at journalism conference 35 ATO Walk Hard 2023

8 TROY dedicates NPHC Plaza

GIVING

10 TROYventure

36 Sarah Betterton Memorial Scholarship

12 TROY, Duy Tan University focus of documentary

ACADEMICS

37 Betty Floyd Vance Endowed Nursing Scholarship

46 Alum Notes

48 Alumni of the Year 50 Travis Perry innovates guitar teaching tool 51 Wesley Swanzy appointed to USDA post 52 TROY Alumni Board welcomes new officers 53 Jamie Graham honors family legacy 54 Amy Gilbert’s book recounts experience reuniting with Korean birth family

13 Community Health Care Worker Certificate program

38 Scholarship in honor of Jeff Taylor supports technical theatre students

14 Kids dig archaeology at TROY Arboretum

39 Fred B. Davis Scholarship Brunch

15 Inaugural student nurse apprenticeship program

56 Matthew Fulton combines love of music & practicing law

ATHLETICS

16 Grant addresses counseling shortage in schools

41 TROY Athletics Hall of Fame

57 Julie Whatley represents TROY in Ecuador

42 Athletics Year in Review

17 Professor creates historical board game

44 DeMarcus Ware selected to Pro Football Hall of Fame

18 University recognitions & awards 20 Dr. Lance Tatum retires and starts dream job 22 Dr. Kerry Palmer named SVC for Academic Affairs

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58 Alumna Star Hy evacuates thousands amid Kabul crisis 61 Alumna Leslie Black gives back to TROY 63 Broadcast journalism alumna Amanda Dukes wins regional Emmy 64 In remembrance

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REMEMBERING DISTINGUISHED COMPOSER AND BELOVED MUSIC EDUCATOR ROBERT W. SMITH

Troy University mourns the death of renowned composer, music educator and friend Robert W. Smith.

Troy University and the world of music has lost one of its

by Dr. John M. Long, who would later become ABA

greatest stars.

President Emeritus.

Robert W. Smith, Professor of Music and coordinator of the

As an educator, Smith returned to his alma mater in 2006

John M. Long School of Music’s Music Industry Program,

to teach in the Music Industry Program, which launched a

passed away Thursday, September 21. Services were held in

Master of Business Administration degree last year and its

his honor at Claudia Crosby Theater on the Troy University

undergraduate degree, Bachelor of Business Administration

Troy Campus.

in Music Industry, this fall. This followed his full-time stint

Known as one of the most popular and prolific composers

with Warner Brothers that took him all over the world as a

of concert band and orchestral literature in America today,

guest conductor and clinician.

Smith had more than 600 compositions in print, with

Dr. Larry Blocher, past Dean of the College of

the majority composed and arranged through his long

Communication and Fine Arts (CCFA) and Director of the

association with Warner Bros. Publications.

John M. Long School of Music, was able to lure him back to

This fall, he was elected Vice-President of the American

TROY more than 16 years ago.

Bandmaster’s Association, the organization comprised of

“Robert was a friend for more than 30 years. It was

the nation’s most distinguished musicians. He would have

Robert who told me that the Director of the School of

become the third TROY faculty member to serve as ABA

Music position would be open at Troy University and he

president. He was nominated for membership in 1996

encouraged me to apply,” Blocher continued.

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“It was an honor for me, as Director of the John M. Long School of Music, to recommend that Troy University hire Robert as the first Coordinator of the Music Industry program. We worked together as colleagues for 16 years. He was genuinely excited to be working at ‘the school he loved’.”

Smith, who owned RWS Music and was a vice-president for the C.L. Barnhouse Company and Walking Frog Records, was a product of Daleville and then-Troy State University, where he played lead trumpet for Dr. Johnny Long’s

Robert W. Smith cuts the ribbon on the John M. Long School of Music’s newest recording studio in 2022.

Sound of the South Marching Band. While at TROY he studied composition under Paul Yoder. After graduating, he completed a master’s at the University of Miami, returning to TROY in 1997 to become the Director of Bands following Dr. Long’s retirement.

Director of Bands Dr. Mark Walker said while many will speak of his music and influence in the industry, he would always have a special place for Smith’s memory.

“Robert W. Smith was a close family friend and wonderful colleague,” he said. “He was loyal, and put others, especially his students, first at all times. He loved his family more than anything and was so proud of his wife Susan, and his daughters Madison and Savannah. I will miss him terribly and

Robert W. Smith announces the opening of a cutting-edge studio in the John M. Long School of Music.

cherish his memory.”

Smith’s reach within the music and entertainment industries was wide, and he often collaborated with major musicians and tied TROY students to the business through student groups such as the performance group POPulus and student-run Illium Records. He routinely put his associations

leader and influencer in the profession, and yet he was

with professional music to work for the growth of

always warm, personable and welcoming. He always had

his students, sometimes turning those associates into

time for a stimulating and thoughtful conversation,” said

students themselves.

CCFA Dean Dr. Michael Thrasher.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member and Grammy Award-

It was those friendships amongst his peers that helped make

winning artist Chris Vrenna is one of those associations.

the Long School a dynamic educational force where musical

Vrenna was one of the very first Music Industry MBA

creativity could be fostered by all.

students. He teaches music technology at Calhoun

“Robert was a dear colleague and friend to me,” said

Community College.

Hui-Ting Yang, the Long School’s interim Director and the

“I am heartbroken to hear of Robert’s passing. He became

University’s Steinway Artist.

a mentor to me when I moved here to Alabama and

“The energy, caring and passion that he has devoted to

introduced me to other music industry educators,” he said. “I

our students and the world of the music industry are

feel so fortunate to have known Robert over the years and

unforgettable,” she said. “While it is difficult for our students,

to be able to participate in a couple of TROY’s music events

faculty and staff in the School of Music, we will continue to

like ‘Mic Check,’ watching him work and absorbing

carry his legacy and to bring our Music Industry program to

his boundless energy and passion for all things music and

the next level.”

music education.”

That “boundless energy” for music education was appreciated among his colleagues in the Long School as well.

“Robert was a brilliantly creative musician. He was a major

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SUPPORTING LOCAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP

TROY SBDC ASSISTS MEXICAN GROCERY STORE EXPANSION

Laura Flores at the Troy location of Mexicana San Juditas

A weekend visit to a Mexican grocery store in Ariton,

Mexicana San Juditas, Laura Flores’ grocery store, had

Alabama, garnered a new client for the Troy University Small

locations in Ariton and Eufaula, Alabama, already in

Business Development Center (SBDC) and resulted in the

operation but wanted to move into a larger municipality.

expansion of the operation into Troy, Alabama.

The Troy University SBDC staff was able to help the family

TROY SBDC Director Juliana Bolivar said she wanted to

navigate compliance issues and required health permits

check out what the store offered and started a conversation

— with Bolivar serving as an interpreter during health

about the great products — especially the made-in-store

inspections and paperwork completion.

fruit popsicles. “I was able to drop a Spanish-language

“Their digital marketing strategy still needed some work,

brochure and have a great conversation with the staff there,”

and Laura wanted to keep growing to attract not only

she said.

Hispanic customers but be a convenient grocery store for all

Last summer, TROY SBDC and the Alabama SBDC

community members,” Bolivar said.

Network began developing Spanish-language educational

Bolivar brought on Yadira “Yari” Colon-Lopez, the center’s

opportunities and materials to support the creation of

Marketing Advisor, who provided support, created separate

legal business entities across Alabama. In the Wiregrass,

“Google My Business” listings, and trained managers on

Bolivar has been able to deliver presentations and marketing

creating separate but uniform tones and identities among

materials that support the growth of the Spanish-speaking

different social media platforms.

community in business and commerce.

The Troy location is now open and is located on U.S.

The support doesn’t stop with Hispanic outreach, however.

Highway 231 near Publix.

In 2022, 66% of the clients served through one-on-one services were women, and 62% of the training attendees were female.

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T RO Y T O DAY

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7

JOHN LEWIS LEGACY INSTITUTE HONORS DR. HAWKINS & REEVES

Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr.

Mayor Jason Reeves

Troy University Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. and city

Mayor Reeves, a 2001 TROY graduate, and former President

of Troy Mayor Jason Reeves (’01), a TROY alumnus, were

of the Student Government Association, has served as Troy’s

among the six honorees recognized during the inaugural

Mayor since 2012. Prior to becoming Mayor, he served for

John R. Lewis (JRL) Legacy Institute gala held in February of

16 years on the Troy City Council.

2023 at Atlanta’s Porsche Experience Center.

“I am incredibly humbled and honored to have enjoyed a

During the gala, themed “The Legacy Continues,” the

long friendship with the Lewis family, and I am appreciative

honorees were recognized for embodying the highest

of the impact and influence they and Congressman Lewis

values of the late Congressman Lewis and for continuing to

have had on my life and the lives of so many,” Reeves said.

represent his legacy of leadership.

“I consider this a tremendous honor and was very grateful to

“I am truly honored to accept this award, and I am grateful

be included in the company of some outstanding people. I

to the Lewis family and the Board of the John R. Lewis

look forward to all of the things that the JRL Legacy Institute

Legacy Institute for this recognition,” Dr. Hawkins said.

will be doing in the future, and I appreciate Jerrick Lewis’

“I met Congressman Lewis more than 30 years ago and

leadership and his commitment to carrying on the legacy of

frequently thereafter, and it was truly an honor to meet the

his uncle, Congressman John Robert Lewis.”

man that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. called ‘The Boy from

Founded in 2021, the JRL Legacy Institute works to

Troy.’ John Robert Lewis believed that true leadership lies

strengthen communities through initiatives centered around

in bringing people together, and I receive this award in that

voting rights and reform, social justice, equity in education,

same sense of unity and purpose.”

and health awareness, access and wellness.

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8

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I N THE K N OW

LANDMARK FOR LEADERSHIP TROY DEDICATES NPHC PLAZA

(from left) DeJah White, Jayla Sutton, Chelsea Blunt (’20), Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Donna Brewton, Kennedi Crosby, Danielle Skinner and Janyriah Lampley

Troy University officially dedicated the National Pan-Hellenic

“This is the transformation of the vision that was had by the

Council Plaza on April 15, which recognizes and honors the

late Lamar Higgins,” said Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor.

historically African American Greek-letter organizations.

“He always saw coming together as a natural product of real

The plaza is comprised of nine markers, one for each

leadership. I think that is what this plaza represents. It was

organization: Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, Iota Phi Theta,

the late Dr. Martin Luther King, who was a Greek himself,

Kappa Alpha Psi, Alpha Phi Alpha, Sigma Gamma Rho,

who said, ‘The essence of a real education is intelligence and

Delta Sigma Theta, Alpha Kappa Alpha and Zeta Phi Beta.

character.’ That is the essence of this place. It is the right

Located at the entrance to the walkway that leads to Trojan

place at the right time, and we are very grateful to be able to

Arena, the plaza grew out of the vision of the late Lamar P.

dedicate it today.”

Higgins, the first African American to serve as TROY SGA

Brig. Gen. Edward Crowell (USAF, Ret.) (’01), current Vice

President and later as a member of the University’s Board of

President Pro Tempore of the Troy University Board of

Trustees. Higgins passed away April 15, 2021, exactly two

Trustees, said the plaza celebrates the legacy of those who

years prior to the plaza’s dedication ceremony.

have come before, as well as future generations.

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T RO Y T O DAY

9

Brig. Gen. Edward Crowell, Vice President Pro Tempore of the Troy University Board of Trustees

Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha unveil a plaza marker.

“The mottos of NPHC fraternities and sororities are filled

TROY alumna Col. Felicia Burks (’99, ’02), an Alpha Kappa

with words such as merit, wisdom, friendship, achievement

Alpha sorority member, said the day marked history, legacy,

and service. I know from experience these are not merely

culture, honor and reflection.

words on a page but words to live by,” Brig. Gen. Crowell

“We thank Troy University for providing this opportunity,”

said. “My lifelong affiliation with Omega Psi Phi fraternity,

Col. Burks said. “For some, this plaza will be a place where

coupled with my service in the United States Air Force,

new memories are made. For others, it will be a place where

have shaped my life in ways I never thought possible

they come to reflect. There’s an African proverb that says,

when I was growing up in rural Russell County, Alabama.

‘If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far,

My fraternity introduced me to the power of brotherhood

go together.’ Today, in this place, I see togetherness. I see

and the satisfaction of serving others. In similar fashion,

one voice, one heart, one TROY. I envision this as a place

thousands of Troy University students have benefited from

of the present and the future. It will be a place that marks

their affiliation with an NPHC organization over the last five

leadership, value, meaning and purpose.”

decades. It will serve as a symbol to future students that NPHC fraternities and sororities hold a place of honor and respect at Troy University.”

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I N T HE KNO W

AN IMMERSIVE, EXPERIENTIAL EVENT FOR INCOMING STUDENTS

Troy University took a step forward in expanding the

spent the next couple of days experiencing campus life and

University’s Social Media Ambassador program during the

meeting University alumni and faculty members.

first-ever TROYventure event held earlier last summer.

After a hair and makeup session with Iconic Upgrades owner

Ten incoming freshmen women were invited to participate

and TROY alumna Conleigh Gilmore (’16), alumna Stephanie

in a two-day glamping-style event where they got to spend

Carter Campbell (’04), owner of Judith March, helped the

the night on the Quad and experience what it’s like to be on

students pick out an outfit for their evening of fun at a band

campus before classes start in the fall. The students were

party downtown.

selected to participate based on their College Decision

After the evening of fun on the Square, the group returned

Day choice to attend TROY, their resumes and academic

to campus to enjoy s’mores and a campfire on the Quad

achievements, and their public presence on social media.

before turning in for the evening in a “glamping” setup

The goal of the program was to immerse the students in all

provided by To Go Box Camper Company, owned by TROY

things TROY so they could tell the University’s story through

alumna Becky Stewart (’95, ’97).

their own eyes. In addition, they got a taste of what it will

On Saturday, the students got to experience a yoga class on

be like to live in the city of Troy by dining and shopping

the Quad and meet faculty members who counseled them

downtown. Coinciding with the weekend event was a TROY

on their chosen majors. They also enjoyed shopping and

video shoot where the students were featured in content

lunch in downtown Troy.

for future TROY commercials, online videos and social media

The students described the overall event as an amazing

content to enhance University marketing efforts.

opportunity to meet new friends and get to know more

The students arrived the morning of June 9 to a red carpet

about the campus and the city of Troy. “My experience with

treatment and welcome from TROY’s mascot, T-Roy. They

TROYventure was nothing short of amazing,” said Emma

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T RO Y T O DAY

11

Darling, who plans to major in education. “I got to meet so

on campus and in town. I’m looking forward to getting

many smiling faces while on campus and create so many

involved on campus. Serving my community is something

new friendships. Seeing all the wonderful setups and photo-

that has always been extremely important to me.”

ops was truly something I wasn’t expecting. My favorite part

TROYventure not only allowed the students to get

of TROYventure was going to the band party on the Square

acquainted with the campus and the town, but it also served

and dancing with new friends.”

to stir excitement for beginning their TROY journeys this fall.

Hannah Claire Ketchum, who plans to major in elementary

McKay Yountz, who plans to major in rehabilitation services,

education, said the TROYventure experience provided a

said “I’m ready to move in and make new friends, and I

great opportunity to meet new friends before the school

am excited for Rush. I haven’t even moved to Troy yet, but

year started. “It was so much fun getting to know new

everyone is so kind — the community feels like home.”

people and seeing what all Troy has to offer,” she said.

TROYventure also showed those who participated that they,

For Sarah Morgan, one of the biggest takeaways from the

indeed, had made the right college choice. “I would describe

TROYventure experience was that the University and city

TROY as a smaller school with the big-school experience,”

both provide wonderful environments, and she is excited

said Haley O’Brien, who plans to pursue a nursing degree.

to begin her journey. “From the pool party to the academic

“You have smaller classes, which help you get to know your

spotlights and everything in between, I am so grateful for

professors better, but TROY has all the organizations that

the best University allowing me to experience this event,”

a bigger school would have. To me, TROY was a no-brainer

said Morgan, who plans to major in cyber security. “Each

because my whole family has gone to TROY and absolutely

event was a reminder of the wonderful community at TROY,

loved it. I always knew I would come here from a young age.”

(top left photo, from left) Sarah Morgan, Haley O’Brien, Kathryn Baxter, Kamden Eady, Alexandria Brantley, Anna Glynn Lott, Hannah Claire Ketchum, Emma Darling, McKay Yountz and Naomi Leon

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TRO Y TOD AY

IN T H E KNOW

12

Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., TROY Chancellor, is shown with Bao Le and Dr. Hang Lé, son and daughter of the founder of Duy Tan University.

VIETNAM: FROM WAR TO PARTNERSHIP

TROY, DUY TAN UNIVERSITY FOCUS OF DOCUMENTARY More than 50 years ago, Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., and Lê Công

“While we came from different backgrounds and certainly

Cơ were on opposite sides of the Vietnam War. Dr. Hawkins

different sides of the war, our goal now is unity and a

fought as a U.S. Marine; Lê Công Cơ fought as a member of

common focus on students. He is committed to building a

the Viet Cong. Today, they lead Troy University and Duy Tan

great university, and that is exactly what we are committed

University, respectively, and are working together to ensure

to doing at TROY.”

a brighter future for students in both the U.S. and Vietnam.

TROY officials first visited Vietnam in 2002 and began

TROY’s formal partnership with Duy Tan began in 2017,

offering courses at partner institutions in Hanoi and Ho

based on a connection Dr. Hawkins and Lê forged years

Chi Minh City in 2004. The first students graduated in

earlier. “More than six years ago, we met for dinner and had

2008, making TROY the first U.S. university to award the

our first dialogue. That was a fascinating conversation! That

baccalaureate degree in Vietnam. Today, there are about

meeting led to the partnership with Duy Tan University.

1,100 currently enrolled students and almost 2,000 TROY

Now we are actively engaged in offering academic programs

alumni in Vietnam.

and working together to help build the future of Vietnam,”

Dr. Hang Lê, Vice Provost of Duy Tan and daughter of the

Dr. Hawkins said.

university’s founder, said the idea for the documentary grew

The partnership between TROY and Duy Tan — and the

out of her admiration for Troy University and the relationship

leaders who are using education to bring two worlds

she saw between Dr. Hawkins and her father.

together — are the focus of a documentary, currently

“When I learned more about Dr. Hawkins’ life, I could relate

airing in Vietnam. Representatives from Duy Tan, located

that to my father’s life. I think this documentary is about

in Danang, Vietnam, visited the Troy Campus last spring to

two great men who are prominent educational leaders in

meet with Dr. Hawkins and other campus leaders.

Vietnam and America. I wanted the younger generations in

“What excites me about the documentary is it shows the

Vietnam to learn about these great men because they stand

transformation of the relationships between two countries

for and provide examples of strong discipline, great ethics

that a half-century ago were at war,” Dr. Hawkins said.

and perseverance.”

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T RO Y T O DAY

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A CADEM ICS

MEETING COMMUNITY NEEDS TROY RECEIVES $3 MILLION TO PREPARE COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS

A Troy University certificate program launched earlier this

Tawanna Robinson, Project Manager for Regions 5 and 6

year has become the state’s first apprenticeship program for

for the Alabama Office of Apprenticeships, said the CHW

Community Health Workers (CHW).

apprenticeship program is truly a win for all involved.

The University’s College of Health and Human Services

“Apprenticeships help to meet the needs of business and

received a $3-million grant from the Health Resources and

industry, as well as our communities,” Robinson said. “By

Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health

providing opportunities for apprentices to earn while they

and Human Services in fall 2022 to develop and administer

learn, we are meeting needs so that individuals will be

the certificate program to train and place Community Health

able to get their health care needs met. Apprentices get to

Workers. The three-year grant is being administered through

participate in a career pathway that allows them to receive

the University’s School of Nursing and School of Social Work

an educational opportunity at no cost to them and receive

and Human Services.

mentorship from employers who are participating in our

Community Health Workers are trusted members of their

programs, all while they are actually employees of the

communities who empower their peers through education,

companies they are participating with in this program.”

helping to connect residents with available healthcare

Robinson said partnerships with community agencies and

resources. Becoming an approved apprenticeship program

universities are a vital part of the apprenticeship process.

provides a key element to the effort.

“It is important to have these different dynamics come

The free online training program, which consists of 10

together to know what kind of training opportunities are

modules that must be completed along with a 60-hour

available and what is needed in our communities,” she

field experience component, spans about 12 weeks and

said. “Instead of building cookie-cutter programs, these

is delivered online through the University’s Continuing

relationships enable us to build programs that are truly

Education and Outreach Department.

facilitating a need within our communities.”

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14

TRO Y TOD AY

A CADEM ICS

UNCOVERING INTERESTS JUNIOR ARCHAEOLOGY DAY EVENT HELD AT TROY ARBORETUM

Nearly 50 budding young archaeologists excavated

incisions on

plant and pottery materials, learned how to read dirt and

pottery. “I love

found out how our ancestors hunted during the Junior

working with

Archaeology Day event held by the Troy University

kids, and it’s so

Anthropology Club and the Alabama Archaeological Society

fun to get to show

at the TROY Arboretum in February.

them what we do and

The event was designed to give children in kindergarten

get them interested in it,”

through sixth grade interested in archaeology and

she said. “I hope they learned how

anthropology a glimpse into the work these scientists do.

patterns have evolved over time and the different ways

TROY professors, students from across the program and

people have used things and made things, the way people

other industry professionals taught the children excavation,

before us operated.”

stratigraphy, flotation, lithics, ceramics, paleoethnobotany,

At the end of the day, students who completed all eight

zooarchaeology and atlatl throwing.

stations earned their Junior Archaeologist Certificate. Niki,

Dr. Stephen Carmody, Associate Chair of the Anthropology,

8, of Troy, and Thomas, 8, of Auburn, both said they enjoyed

Sociology and Criminology Department and Assistant

learning new things. “I learned that you can dig things up

Professor of Anthropology, said the event was a great

from under the ground and find new things. My favorite

success. “Our goal was to introduce elementary school

part was where we went to see the rocks and used the light

children to archaeology and to teach them

where you can see through the rocks,” Niki said.

how and why we do what we do,” he

Thomas said his favorite part of the day

said. “We started with an excavation

was learning how to make weapons

station where children got to get their hands dirty and practice

and digging for artifacts.

Junior Archaeology Day was

the art of systematic

part of the 2023 Alabama

excavation. We hope that

Archaeological Society

all who attended left with

Winter Conference held

a better understanding of

on the Troy Campus by

what we hope to achieve

the TROY Chapter of the

as archaeologists and

Alabama Archaeological

how we tell meaningful

Society and the Troy

stories of the past.”

University Anthropology

Cayla Schofield, a

Club, where archaeology

freshman anthropology

professionals and students

major from Montgomery,

from major universities and

Alabama, taught students at the ceramics station about the different designs, tempers and

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businesses across the state presented current research and findings in Alabama.

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T RO Y T O DAY

ACADEMICS

15

BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS NEW APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM PROVIDES FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR NURSING STUDENTS

The newly minted nurse apprentices are second-semester students.

A new State of Alabama program is opening doors for select

“We chose to do this event because these students went

Troy University School of Nursing students to earn money

through a grueling day of interviews to be selected as

while in school.

student nurse apprentices,” Law said. “We hope it makes our

The inaugural Nursing Student Apprenticeship Program, a

students feel very honored ... and it sets a high bar for them

collaboration between the School of Nursing, the Alabama

to achieve great things during their apprenticeship time.”

Office of Apprenticeship and the Alabama Board of Nursing,

Law said the state recognized the need to help address

placed 28 Bachelor of Science in Nursing students on a two-

nursing workforce barriers to nursing students, including

year apprenticeship program at Flowers Hospital in Dothan

the financial barrier created through the traditional practice

and the Baptist Health system earlier this year.

of clinical rotations that are at the student’s expense. On

“This was a very select group of students that was evaluated

the employer side, the program addresses a critical need for

by the clinical agencies that applied through our program,”

recruiting more nurses to work in Alabama hospitals. For

said Teresa Law, an Assistant Professor and the BSN Program

the University, the creation of new clinical partnerships will

Coordinator for the School of Nursing.

further enhance student learning.

The School of Nursing welcomed the student nurses, hospitals, families and representatives from the state agencies at a signing event in January on the Troy Campus.

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TROY TOD AY

ACADEMICS

MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVE $1.13 MILLION GRANT ADDRESSES COUNSELING SHORTAGE IN AREA SCHOOLS

A $1.132-million grant from the U.S. Department of

three years of employment to that specific LEA, so not only

Education will help TROY’s Department of Counseling,

do they earn a master’s degree in school counseling, become

Rehabilitation and Interpreter Training address the critical

a certified school counselor and apply for licensure as a

shortage of mental health counseling services in area school

professional counselor, they will also have employment for

systems. The five-year award from the U.S. Department

the next three years.”

of Education’s Office of Safe and Supportive Schools will

Dr. Samantha Booker, Assistant Chair of the Counseling

provide scholarship funds for graduate students from

Department and Coordinator for both the School Counseling

five partner local education agencies (LEAs) interested

and Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Certificate

in pursuing careers in school counseling. Those partners

programs at TROY, stated. “We wanted to be very particular

include school systems in Montgomery, Crenshaw, Coffee,

to partner with systems that identified as Title I schools,

Geneva and Macon counties in Alabama.

had larger numbers of minority students, had large numbers

“The Trojan School-Based Mental Health Counselors

of students with identified disabilities, students with

Initiative will allow graduate students to earn master’s

limited English proficiency, homelessness and a current

degrees in school counseling at no cost,” said Dr. Kerry

school-counselor-to-student ratio that did not meet the

Palmer, then-Dean of TROY’s College of Education. “Access

recommended criteria,”

and costs are two of the primary barriers to advanced

Dr. Booker said. “The American School Counselor

degree obtainment.”

Association believes that we should have a 1-to-250

Dr. Sherrionda Crawford, Chair of TROY’s Counseling

ratio of school counselors to students. In the LEAs that

Department, said the grant team will work collaboratively

were selected, the lowest ratio was 1-to-365, with the

with the school systems to identify scholarship recipients,

highest system having a ratio of one counselor to more

who will commit to working within the system for three

than 670 students.”

years. “We are thrilled to be able to offer this scholarship

Scholarship recipients will be enrolled in TROY’s master’s

opportunity to at least 30 school counseling students,” Dr.

degree program in school counseling while also receiving

Crawford said. “These students will come from the five local

additional training with regard to mental health counseling.

education agencies. Those individuals will, in turn, provide

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A CA D EM ICS

17

RISING WATERS

TROY PROFESSOR CREATES BOARD GAME TO PROMOTE UNDERSTANDING OF HISTORY

Troy University History Professor Dr. Scout Blum has

“As I started studying, I thought it would make an interesting

merged game playing and academics with her newest

board game since I had just started using those in the

creation, a board game called Rising Waters, which aims to

classroom, and there really were very few board games that

give students a better understanding of one of the most

dealt with these issues,” she said.

destructive disasters in U.S. history amid the themes of

The board of Rising Waters is a map of the area around

racism and perseverance.

Vicksburg, Mississippi, with the river splitting the board in half. Players also set up towns and characters around the map with the goal of avoiding the rising waters.

The game has a vast card system with cards representing more flooding and the ability to build levees to protect their towns, along with level-up cards that allow players to move around the board

Rising Waters is

faster and become

centered around the

more skilled.

Great Mississippi Flood of 1927, which killed hundreds and displaced around 700,000 people. The disaster disproportionately affected African Americans who lived in communities among the Delta lowlands, who were mostly excluded from government relief programs and who continued to experience vigilante violence from white landowners who also lived in the area.

Players are also playing from the

Dr. Blum first began using gameplay in the classroom after

perspective of an African American.

connecting with Reacting to the Past, a group of professors

“Through these cards, the players have power and

who produce historical roleplaying games for classrooms.

control and agency in what’s happening to them because

“The games worked really well with the students by

there’s also a very bad side,” she said. “What we also have

engaging them and getting them to think in different ways

happening, which is realistic to the historical side, is a

rather than just me lecturing them,” she said. “It’s a very

tremendous amount of racism. So, we have cards that

engaging way to get people into history. Playing games gets

come up like ‘threats,’ ‘force’ and ‘race hatred’ that basically

you to think about things very, very differently.”

indicate racist actions have happened.”

An environmental historian, Dr. Blum said she wanted to

The game was published by Central Michigan University

create a game that dealt more with her field of expertise but

Press, and Dr. Blum credits much of her success to their

still covered the historical aspects of racism, justice and how

guidance and assistance.

people dealt with environmental disasters.

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A CADEM ICS

TROY UNIVERSITY RECOGNITIONS & AWARDS

(from left) Dr. Lance Tatum, James L. Boyd, III and Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr.

INGALLS AWARD - JAMES L. BOYD, III

James L. Boyd, III, Lecturer in the Department of Theatre and Dance, received TROY’s 2023 Ingalls Award for Excellence in Classroom Teaching during the annual Honors Convocation in April.

The Ingalls Award, which consists of a statue of Socrates, a plaque and a check for $1,000, is given annually to the teacher on the Troy Campus who has “most diligently, effectively and cheerfully conducted his or her classes during the current academic year.”

Boyd has toured and entertained the world with the knowledge of 10 professional styles of dance under his belt and has performed with artists such as Elton John, Lady Gaga, Mary J. Blige and Bruce Springsteen. A graduate of the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, Boyd received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from SUNY Purchase College in 2010 in Dance and Choreography.

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(from left) Dr. Robert Gibson and Dr. Scott Nokes

KRUCKEBERG FACULTY EXCELLENCE AWARD - DR. ROBERT GIBSON Dr. Robert Gibson, Lecturer in the John M. Long School of Music, was awarded the Dr. Robert Kruckeberg Faculty Excellence Award, presented by the University’s Faculty Senate during the annual Honors Convocation in April.

The award honors the memory of Dr. Robert Kruckeberg, an Associate Professor of History who passed away in December 2020 at the age of 43 after a courageous battle with cancer and recognizes an outstanding lecturer or adjunct faculty member who demonstrates excellence in the areas of teaching, research and service.

Dr. Gibson, who has been a faculty member of the John M. Long School of Music since 2008, has been a featured artist with several orchestras and has toured as both a soloist and chamber musician around the United States, Mexico, Spain and Italy.

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T RO Y T O DAY

19

(from left) TROY First Lady Mrs. Janice Hawkins, Cathy Lott, Alexandra Scarber, Josh Dawsey and Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr.

(from left) Vice Chancellor of the TROY Montgomery Campus Ray White and Dr. Amanda Dunagan

(from left) Cathy Lott and Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr.

TEACHER OF THE YEAR, MONTGOMERY CAMPUS - DR. AMANDA DUNAGAN

Dr. Amanda Dunagan (’97), Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the Associate Degree Program SULLIVAN AWARD - CATHY LOTT

in Nursing, was awarded the Troy University

Cathy Lott (’96, ’99), Lecturer and Assistant Chair in

Montgomery Gamma Beta Phi’s 2023 Teacher

the Department of Teacher Education, was honored

of the Year Award during the campus’ spring

with the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award.

commencement ceremony.

The award recognizes recipients for their excellence

The annual award is presented to an outstanding

of character, humanitarian service and spiritual

faculty member on the University’s Montgomery

qualities. Along with Lott, Alexandra Scarber and

Campus by the chapter of the National Honors and

Josh Dawsey were the student recipients.

Service Society.

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20

TRO Y TOD AY

A CA DE M ICS

STORIED CAREER AT TROY DR. LANCE TATUM RETIRES AFTER 25 YEARS, STARTS DREAM JOB AS A UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT

After serving his alma mater for 25 years, Dr. Lance Tatum,

said. “He has done some remarkable things over time, and

a two-time TROY graduate, is realizing another dream in his

we are extremely grateful for him and all that he has done

professional life. On June 1, Dr. Tatum took over the position

for Troy University.”

of President of Northwest Missouri State University.

As a student, Dr. Tatum came to TROY following two years

“It’s been a career goal of mine for the past 15 years to

attending Wallace Community College, where he played

reach a university president’s position,” said Dr. Tatum (’88,

baseball. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in

’89). “I am excited about this new role. Northwest Missouri

physical education/recreation and then a master’s degree in

is an incredible university, and serving as its President is an

foundations of education from TROY.

opportunity to continue my growth professionally.”

While completing his master’s degree, Dr. Tatum was

Troy University Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. said

encouraged to pursue a Ph.D. Because of the strong

Dr. Tatum has played key roles in many remarkable

connection Dr. Don Jeffrey had with the sport management

achievements in the life of the University, including the

faculty at Florida State, Dr. Tatum was directed to

establishment of the Ph.D. in Global Leadership, leading

Tallahassee, Florida.

TROY to become the first university in the state to focus

During his time at FSU, Dr. Tatum received a Graduate

on the Alabama Reading Initiative and the forging of

Teaching position and found a love for teaching that drew

partnerships such as the one the University enjoys with

him away from a career in athletics and into the classroom.

Montgomery’s Valiant Cross Academy.

“I ended up really enjoying the idea of teaching,” he said. “I

“Dr. Tatum has done so well in everything we’ve asked him

just felt comfortable in front of a classroom. Somewhere

to do since he came home to TROY in 1998,” Dr. Hawkins

along the way, God decided that maybe athletics wasn’t

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T R O Y T O DAY

21

(from left) Dr. Judson Edwards, Dr. Lance Tatum and Sohail Agboatwala

Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. and Dr. Lance Tatum at the reception in honor of his retirement

Dr. Lance Tatum with his wife, Jill (’90, ’94) (center), and daughter, Zoe (left)

going to be my destination, but that education was where I

Cathy Flynn (’75), Tony Adcock — these were all people I had

would have my greatest opportunity to impact others.”

taken classes with as an undergraduate student. They were

It was a message on an answering machine from Dr. Jeffrey

very encouraging and supportive.”

that would lead Dr. Tatum back to his alma mater, where he

Dr. Tatum would go on to serve the University as Dean of

would enjoy a 25-year career both in the classroom and in

the College of Education, Vice Chancellor of Global Campus

administration. At the time, Dr. Tatum was working at a small

and Vice Chancellor of the Montgomery Campus before

two-year school in Georgia.

becoming Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the

“I hit the button to listen to the message and it was Don

position he held upon his retirement from TROY.

Jeffrey,” Dr. Tatum recalled. “TROY had started a sport

And while he said he feels blessed to have served his alma

management program, and he wanted me to come talk to

mater in so many different roles, it is the University’s people

him about a job. That was on a Sunday. I was on campus

he will miss the most. “My success has come because of

Wednesday, interviewed and was lucky enough to get a call

relationships that I have built at TROY. Jill and I will miss the

back telling me I was hired and needed to be in Troy Sept. 1.”

people. We will miss the deep friendships,” he said. “There

In his first role at TROY, Dr. Tatum got the opportunity to

have been so many colleagues who have poured into me

embrace his love of teaching. Later, when Dr. Jeffrey became

over the years. They helped me to grow professionally and

Dean of the College of Health and Human Services,

personally. I leave here full. I’m happy about the work I’ve

Dr. Tatum saw the next door in his TROY career swing open

done, I’m pleased with the people I have worked with, and I

— the role of department chair.

know there is a great future ahead for Troy University.”

“I worked in a department where most of the faculty were the faculty I had for classes as a student,” he said. “So, it was easy in one respect and terrifying in another. Joyce Sorrell,

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TRO Y TOD AY

A CA DE M ICS

COMMITTED TO TROY’S SUCCESS DR. KERRY PALMER NAMED SVC FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

Dr. Kerry Palmer (’95) was named as Troy University’s Senior

alongside such outstanding professionals. I am thankful

Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs in May. He fills the

to Chancellor Hawkins and the search committee for this

position left vacant by the retirement of Dr. Lance Tatum.

opportunity, and I look forward to getting to work.”

Dr. Palmer has served as Dean of the University’s College of

Prior to joining the TROY faculty, Dr. Palmer served in

Education since 2020 and previously served as the college’s

administrative leadership roles at Montgomery’s Trinity

Associate Dean since January 2019.

Presbyterian School for more than 10 years, including nearly

“As a TROY alumnus and a TROY parent, Dr. Palmer brings

six years as Head of School. He also previously taught band

a tremendous sense of passion and dedication to his new

and served as a K-12 school administrator for 13 years.

role,” Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. said. “Dr. Palmer’s

Dr. Palmer earned his bachelor’s degree in music education

proven track record of leadership and vision will serve Troy

from TROY in 1995. As a student at TROY, he was active

University well now and into the future.”

in the University’s band program, serving four years as a

Dr. Palmer said he is grateful for the opportunity and

section leader in the Symphony Band and three years as

considers it an honor to work with such a dedicated faculty.

drum major in the Sound of the South Marching Band. He

“Troy University holds a special place in my heart. As an

earned his master’s degree in educational leadership from

alumnus, I am deeply committed to the success of this great

Auburn University at Montgomery and a Ph.D. in Education

institution,” Dr. Palmer said. “A large part of that success is

from Auburn University.

due to the professionalism and commitment of our faculty,

Dr. Palmer and his wife, Robyn, have two children, LeeAnn

who are second to none. They understand our students,

and Benton.

and they work hard each day to provide them with the best educational experience possible. It is an honor to work

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Learn about the woman who led a movement.

On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks’ simple act of bravery helped inspire and lead the Civil Rights Movement. Today, visitors can step back in time and experience the sights and sounds that forever changed our country. Troy University’s Rosa Parks Museum honors one of America’s most beloved women who helped lead by her actions.

Plan your visit and learn all about the life and legacy of Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

For ticket information and hours, visit troy.edu/rosaparks or call 334-241-8615.

© 2023 Troy University

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24

TRO Y TOD AY

TROY RESEARCHERS ARE

OONNTHE THE CO VER CO VE R

MAKING WAVES Research grants awarded have more than doubled in the last two years, and submissions have more than QUadrupled

Could some forms of cancer be cured by nanotechnology and advanced genetic engineering? Can music therapy help patients undergoing cancer treatment manage pain? How is gambling affecting high school athletics? Can a kid-friendly mascot improve literacy levels in Alabama school children?

How can we reduce global plastic waste?

These are just some of the many tough questions Troy University faculty are trying to answer in research projects underway now in fields as diverse as economics, world affairs, material science and medicine. It’s part of an explosion in research projects over the last two years, as Troy University emerges as an institution well known not only for its outstanding learning opportunities for students but also for world-class research.

According to the Office of Sponsored Programs, TROY faculty submitted 30 research grants as of May this year.

That’s up from a total of 24 for all of 2022 and more than quadrupled the total submissions from 2021. Of grants submitted, 11 were awarded as of May, more than double the awards from 2021.

The upward trend in research grant submissions and awards

“Troy University has served the Wiregrass and the world with quality teaching and public service since our doors opened in 1887,” Dr. Palmer said. “The logical next step in our evolution is expanded research activity. Our state-of-the-art facilities, coupled with the vision of our Chancellor, will pave the way for our faculty to break new ground in a variety of disciplines.

Great days are ahead for TROY!” Leigh Ann Paramore (’95), Director of Sponsored Programs, describes research as a spark that inspires the entire University community. “I have been fortunate enough to be able to talk with a lot of our faculty and learn what drives them,” Paramore said. “The spark they have when they talk about their research is contagious. It has been fun to help them search for grant opportunities to help grow their spark.

Each and every time I speak with faculty, they relay how they would like to be able to expand the research services they are providing to our students. They want to make sure their spark stays lit for the next generation, and that’s incredible.”

Here is a look at just some of the research underway in each academic college.

shows that research is becoming an even more vital part of the faculty experience at TROY, said Dr. Kerry Palmer (’95), TROY’s Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.

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T R O Y T O DAY

College of Arts and Sciences At the Troy Campus, work continues on the new building to house the Center for Materials and Manufacturing Science (CMMS), the first building in TROY’s history dedicated to research.

“This is the first time we’ll be dedicating a building at Troy University exclusively for research,” said Dr. Steven Taylor, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “This is a huge opportunity to have a state-of-the-art facility and faculty who are focused specifically on scientific discovery, to pursue funding from outside sources to help achieve these goals and to work with industry partners to help solve serious problems we have around the world, as it pertains to plastic in particular.”

The CMMS was established in 2018 with help from a $3.2 million grant from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and has since received two additional grants from NIST, totaling more than $5 million.

Dr. Alexander Kofman, Assistant Professor of Biology, is researching computational genomics of microRNA molecules with the assistance of faculty from the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, the Department of Computer Sciences and the Department of Mathematics, as well as the RNA Biology Laboratory, the U.S. National Cancer Institute and the U.S. National Institute of Diabetes.

The project is a key component of a broader research program focused on human variation biology, initiated by Dr. Sig Harden, Chair of the Biology Department. To explore the potential effects of genetic polymorphisms on microRNAs, the TROY scientists, including a group of both graduate and undergraduate students, are working on the design of unique software tools. Graduate students Miruna

25

Dr. Jones is also in the beginning stages of working on a collaboration with Dr. Baher Daihom, a Fulbright Scholar from Cairo, Egypt, who studies pharmaceutics, drug delivery and nanotechnology, to study the effects of the gene knockout technique on cancer cells. She was also recently awarded an Elsa Pardee Grant for her project, “Foxi3 Regulation of Prostate Cancer Metastasis within the Tumor Microenvironment.”

A longitudinal study on incarcerated women and food security, the TROY-Tutwiler Garden Program aims to bring better fresh-food access and educational opportunities to incarcerated women to improve their overall well-being.

Dr. Sharon Everhardt, Associate Professor of Sociology, said the program provides a supportive structure for these women to nurture their interests and passions while teaching them how to grow food, work in a group and express themselves through art.

“The initial signs are trending in a positive direction,” she said. “We’ve had eight women released out of the 68 women who’ve graduated from the program in the last four years, and not one has gone back. Our hope is we see our programming not only impact food insecurity in our partner institution but that we also see a reduction in women who return to prison after they have graduated from our program. From a research standpoint, once we get past the five-year mark, we’ll really have a sense of what the program can do regarding recidivism.”

In addition to the gardening component, Dr. Kelly Berwager, a Lecturer in the Art and Design Department in the College of Communication and Fine Arts, teaches a semesterlong art course that has become a form of therapy for the women. “It’s become an incredibly important part of what we do,” Dr. Everhardt said, “It’s an outlet for them.”

Giurgiu (’00) and Franziska Ahrend continued their research at the National Research Center for Energy, Environment and Technology in Madrid, Spain, and the U.S. National Institute of Health, respectively.

Dr. Jacqueline Jones (’13, ’17), Associate Professor of

iL C MM S BU

D I N G C ONS

T R U CT I O N P R

O GRES S

Biology, is working to help find a cure for prostate and breast cancer. Using cloning and gene knockouts, which is a widely used genetic engineering technique that involves the targeted removal or inactivation of a specific gene within an organism’s genome, Dr. Jones uses human cells to identify ways researchers can understand the molecular cues that help drive cancer. “TROY is participating in groundbreaking, worldwide research,” Dr Jones said.

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TRO Y TOD AY

College of Education Improving online teaching using a behavioral teaching method, interteaching, and measuring the impacts of different methods for improving literacy among Alabama elementary students are among the research projects currently being undertaken by faculty

C Dr.

at h eri n e g

within the University’s College of Education.

ay m an

Dr. Catherine Gayman, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology,

is seeking to evaluate the impact of interteaching on students’ long-term retention of knowledge. Interteaching is a method of instruction derived from the empirical history of behavioral sciences. It creates a learning environment that includes guided instruction, study guides, peer-topeer interactions and instructor feedback. “My general research area is on methods to improve online education,” Dr. Gayman said. “The grant I submitted this year aims to expand the knowledge we have about a behavioral teaching method called interteaching that has been shown to be effective in online asynchronous teaching formats, like what we have at TROY. I’m going to replicate a study I published on the topic in 2018, which found that interteaching increased student exam scores on weekly and cumulative final exams. I’d like to follow up with students and have them take the final exam again 6 and 12 months later to evaluate whether the method also increases long-term retention of the knowledge they learned in the class.”

Dr. Gayman also has two papers on the topic currently

Rachael Davis (’21), the first thesis-track student in the Master of Science program in Applied Behavior Analysis, is also examining interteaching, a project that has netted her Troy University’s Best Graduate Research Award in February and the College of Education’s Graduate Student Research Award in April.

Davis’ study evaluates the discussion component of interteaching synchronous format using video conferencing versus the asynchronous format of written discussion boards. While several studies have shown that interteaching can be effective in both synchronous and asynchronous online formats, no study has been published comparing the effectiveness of each format. Davis’ study will compare the impact each has on student learning outcomes.

Other faculty within the College of Education are conducting research aimed at improving literacy levels of Alabama students with the help of Alabama’s reading mascot SHORT the Squirrel. The mascot was developed in 2020 by Dr. Dee Bennett (’93, ’97), an Assistant Professor of Instructional Leadership and Administration, and her fellow TROY alumna Monica Anderson Young (’88).

Dr. Bennett, Dr. Paige Paquette, Associate Professor in the Department of Teacher Education, and TROY alumnus Dr. Jason C. Bryant (’97, ’99 and ’09), an Auburn University professor, conducted a study to see if using a mascot has an impact on second graders’ motivation and excitement to read. The duo partnered with two elementary schools in east Alabama for the study, which included surveys and comparing the impacts on students who didn’t have access to the mascot versus those who did.

“Post-pandemic, over half of Alabama’s students are not hitting their grade level in terms of reading,” Dr. Bennett said. “Literacy is the foundation for success. Focusing on how best to motivate, encourage and build excitement about reading is vitally important.”

under review — one on a study conducted at TROY and the other a technical tutorial that she co-authored explaining how instructors can implement the method of interteaching in their own classrooms. In addition, she is in the process of running or writing up three other studies on the topic.

Mon ic a

e an d

rs o n y oun

g&

troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 26

dr. de

en eb

n et t

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T R O Y T O DAY

27

at tm

h n er

D r . R o b er

Sorrell College of Business Curbing high school athletics gambling, editorship of a new academic journal and high-quality faculty publishing are among the research initiatives in the Sorrell College of Business.

Dr. Robert Mathner and Dr. Christina Martin, Professors of Hospitality, Sport and Tourism Management, expanded

largest and most

their regional research nationwide with a grant from the

respected academic

International Center for Gaming Regulation to go beyond

publishers in the

NCAA student-athlete gambling habits into sports wagering

world, it will be

and point shaving among high school athletes.

available to a vast

“It raises awareness that high school athletes are

network of virtual

participating in sports wagering, how that involvement

databases, maximizing its

potentially threatens the integrity of high school athletic

reach and impact.”

contests, and what the long-term repercussions of the

Other Sorrell College

behavior and its potential impact is on the mental health of

faculty members have

high school athletes,” Dr. Mathner said.

continued to have their

The School of Hospitality, Sport and Tourism Management

research published in national and

is also awaiting a funding decision from the NCAA on

international academic journals. Over the past five years,

a student-led research project by Karina Jolly entitled

more than 200 articles by Sorrell faculty have appeared

“Cultivating Leaders Beyond Sport: Athletes’ Perceptions of

in A- or B-level journals. In the past academic year, eight

Student-Athlete Advisory Committees.”

members of the faculty have had their work accepted in the

The college’s research endeavors have extended into

top academic journals (A-level) in the world.

the housing of a new academic journal. Sorrell Dean and

Dr. Joohan Lee: “Turnover intentions: the roles of job

Economics Professor, Dr. Judson Edwards, is the Editor-

satisfaction and family support” — Personnel Review

in-Chief of the Journal of Blood Service Economics (JBSE),

Dr. Ying Schwarte: “Passion as process: Three perspectives

published by the Emerald Group, UK. The JBSE is an open-

on entrepreneurial passion and an integrated path forward”

source journal and publishes double-blind, peer-reviewed

— Journal of Business Research

research in blood system-relevant business disciplines

Dr. John Dove: “One Size Fits All? The Differential Impact

such as economics, finance, management, marketing,

of Federal Regulation on Entrepreneurial Activity Across US

Dr

. C h r i st

m i na

a rt i n

entrepreneurship, logistics and supply chain, and data

States” — Journal of Regulatory Economics

analytics. JBSE also accepts health and public policy-related

Dr. Shen Zhang: “TAXI! Do Mutual Funds Pursue and Exploit

research relevant to the blood and biotherapy industry.

Information on Local Companies?” — Journal of Financial

“It is my hope that the JBSE will become an important

and Quantitative Analysis

conduit between blood industry professionals and academic

Dr. Courtney Baggett (’12): “Insurance Groups, Product

research from across the globe,” Dr. Edwards said. “My

Diversification, and the Role of Surplus Lines” — Risk

research and consultancy within this industry is a passion for

Management and Insurance Review

me, and being trusted with JBSE is an honor. None of this

Dr. Can Trinh: “More Than Shapes: The Silhouette Effect in

would be possible without the generous financial support

Advertising” — Journal of Advertising

of the Commonwealth Transfusion Foundation, which

Dr. Ayesha Tariq and Dr. Frank Thompson: “Too real?

supports the advancement of research and education in the blood industry. Also, with the JBSE being housed with the Emerald Group, one of the

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The conflicting roles of adaptation and authenticity in intercultural service encounters” — Journal of Services Marketing

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TROY TOD AY

College of Communication and Fine Arts This year, the College of Communication and Fine Arts secured a Fulbright Outreach Lecturing Fund (OLF) grant courtesy of Dr. Priya Menon (’05), a TROY English Professor, a 2018 Fulbright Fellow and a current Fulbright Scholar Alumni Ambassador.

OLF grants are designed to advance knowledge, enhance teaching and bring international perspectives to the selected university and its surrounding community. As part of receiving the OLF grant, the University hosted Dr. Baher A. Daihom from May 1-4. Originally from Cairo, Egypt, Dr. Daihom is currently a Fulbright Postdoctoral Scholar at the University of Texas at Austin and an Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy in the faculty of pharmacy at Cairo University. He is a scholar with demonstrated skills in pharmaceutics, drug delivery and nanotechnology.

During his time at TROY, Dr. Daihom gave several lectures detailing his research, his life in Cairo and his experiences in the United States.

He also visited TROY classrooms as well as the Charles Henderson Child Health Center to engage with the wider Troy community.

“The Fulbright award is one of the most prestigious merit scholarships in the world,” Dr. Menon said. “Troy University is a Fulbright-priority institution. Besides the discipline-based engagements that Dr. Daihom offered us, participating in Fulbright OLF enhances our University’s commitment to international education and cultural exchange through its inclusive, impactful and innovative global engagements. As a cultural ambassador, Dr. Daihom gave our Troy community an opportunity to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and his country of origin, Egypt, through dialogue and discussions.”

Established by Congress in 1946, the Fulbright Program is the United States’ flagship international educational and cultural exchange program, fostering a relationship between more than 160 partner countries.

DR.

BA

H ER

A. DA

I HOM

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&

D R . P RIY A

ME

NON

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College of Health and Human Services A proposed collaborative research project to study the impact of music intervention on adult cancer patients is in the works in the College of Health and Human Services.

Dr. Shellye Vardaman (’03), Professor in TROY’s Master of Science in Nursing program, is seeking grant opportunities for a project called “Exploring the Use of Nurse-led Music Modalities to Improve Coping and Pain Control Strategies among Cancer Patients in the Rural South.”

Dr. Vardaman said that while music interventions have been studied in the past, the impact on rural patients with varying types of cancer diagnoses and length of infusion therapy has not been widely addressed. The lack of data on rural patients, coupled with other challenges dealt with by rural residents, adds to the importance of such research.

According to Dr. Vardaman, rural residents diagnosed with cancer are more likely to be diagnosed at later stages, receive inappropriate or underused treatment and, as a result, have poorer survival rates than their urban counterparts.

The goals of the research are to identify music modalities that demonstrate an improvement in patients’ coping strategies, as well as to identify if music assists with pain control, physical comfort and relaxation. The study will also examine the impacts of patient demographics in those areas.

The treatment center at Troy Regional Medical Center will

The proposed study would also involve student participation, first by undergraduate and graduate students from TROY’s School of Nursing and later by students from TROY’s John M. Long School of Music. “A second phase of this research will involve our music students who will perform live music for patients to determine impacts,” Dr. Vardaman said.

For Dr. Vardaman, the research also takes on a personal tone. “I began my career as an oncology nurse, so this research brings it full circle for me,” she said.

Collaborating with Dr. Vardaman on the research are Felicia Renales (’14, ’18), Jennifer Wilson (’12), Gypsy Glover and Latonda Paymon (’92, ’00, ’03, ’17), all members of TROY’s MSN faculty.

be utilized for the study, which will examine the impacts on 129 racially diverse cancer patients over the age of 18 who receive cancer infusion treatments at the center.

The proposal calls for the first group of patients to be given EarPods, enabling them to listen to streamed music, to examine if the music helps to decrease stress and anxiety of those receiving chemotherapy.

D r . S h e ll ye

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v ar

d am an

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TRO Y TOD AY

S TU DENTS

Madison Kennedy holding a photo of the species of mud dragon, Echinoderes zacharyi

A BROTHER’S LEGACY GRAD STUDENT NAMES NEW SPECIES IN MEMORY OF HER BROTHER

While conducting research for her master’s thesis, TROY

Zachary passed away from Ewing sarcoma, a rare form

graduate student Madison Kennedy (’21) found a new kind

of bone cancer, when Kennedy started her first semester

of mud dragon and named it in memory of her late brother.

of graduate school. “He had the most infectious and

A mud dragon is a microscopic creature in the phylum

charismatic personality. He was basically my twin even

Kinorhyncha that lives on the bottom of the ocean. She saw

though he was two years younger than me,” Kennedy said. “I

that a few of the mud dragons she studied looked different

want to carry on his legacy. I want to continue talking about

from others she had observed.

him, so what better way to keep his memory alive than

They resembled a photo that her Marine Biology Professor,

naming something that will go far beyond our lives,” she said.

Dr. Stephen Landers, had on the lab wall. It was a new

Dr. Landers, the third author of Kennedy’s taxonomy paper

species that had been spotted earlier, but there were not

explained that he found four of these creatures before

enough animals collected to formally describe it. Her new

Kennedy began her thesis. However, he lacked the evidence

specimens made that description and publication possible.

to prove that it was a new species.

Mud dragons move by extending and retracting the

“You have to have good specimens,” Dr. Landers said. “This

segments that make up their bodies. These animals are

one is so unique in its anatomy that we only needed eight to

recognizable due to the spines that cover their bodies.

get this published.”

Echinoderes zacharyi, Kennedy’s new species, is different

The study of mud dragons is relatively new. “Because of the

from other mud dragons because its body has a smooth

studies out of this lab since 2013, we are getting a better

appearance. The word Echinoderes is the genus that

understanding of their role in the ocean,” Kennedy said.

this mud dragon belongs to and zacharyi is derived from Kennedy’s late brother, Zachary.

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S TU DENTS

Sarah Snyder, owner of Countryside Kennels in Roeton

IT’S A DOGGONE GOOD LIFE AT STUDENT-OWNED COUNTRYSIDE KENNELS

What started out for Sarah Snyder as part-time high school

presentation. Final scores were calculated by taking an

job has gone to the dogs, literally.

average of each judge’s score.

The sophomore business major from Roeton, Alabama, has

“I was excited to learn that I had won the competition.

created Countryside Kennels and was the winner of the

Winning makes an important impact on getting the word out

IDEA Bank’s Student Entrepreneur Marketing Competition.

about Countryside Kennels,” Snyder said.

Up for grabs was a marketing package worth $2,000.

Snyder developed a deep love of dogs early in life — largely

Students were required to set up a creative display to

thanks to her loved Jethro — and said it just seemed natural

promote the business and provide visitors with a call to

to get into dog care to earn extra money. “I started out dog-

action, provide a one-page information sheet that detailed

sitting, and the business just started growing to the point

the business’ mission statement, marketing strategy and

where we needed to think about kennel space,” she said.

target audience, and create an original business card and

Enlisting the aid of her father, Snyder constructed a 20-plus

promotional flier.

dog kennel and exercise yard on the family’s property on

“The student-owned businesses were incredible,” said IDEA

County Road 3327, south of Brundidge, Alabama.

Bank Director Lynne George. “We wanted to motivate

Each kennel consists of an indoor and outdoor portion that

students to work on their marketing strategies and give

opens into a fenced exercise and play yard. In addition to

them a chance to win extra advertising for their business.”

boarding, she also offers baths and nail clipping services.

Snyder’s Countryside Kennels was one of 14 student

And, new this year, Doggy Daycare.

businesses to enter the competition, which was judged

“Our mission is to provide a safe, convenient and loving

by 10 judges scoring each submission on communication,

environment for pups when they aren’t able to be with their

functionality, originality, emotional connectivity and

owners,” Snyder said.

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SUMMER TRAVELS TROY STUDENTS STUDY ABROAD

The choral group performing in a Toronto church

More than 300 Troy University students seized one of

Pietrasanta and the Digging Vada Volaterrana archaeological

many opportunities to study abroad during the 2022-2023

site in Tuscany.

academic year, thanks in large part to the Chancellor’s

In June, Dr. Hui-Ting Yang, Interim Director and Professor

Award for Global Competitiveness.

for the School of Music, and Dr. Scott Sexton took 19

The Chancellor’s Award aims to foster international

choral students to Toronto, Canada, to participate in a

awareness and better assimilation of Troy University

choral festival.

students in the worldwide workplace while providing the

Over six days, the group worked directly with a guest

financial assistance to make that goal a reality. It is open to

composer and two high school choral programs from

all TROY students who meet the listed criteria.

Colorado. The TROY group also performed two solo

Over the 2022-2023 academic year, 301 students took

concerts, one at an outdoor festival in a Toronto suburb that

advantage of the 15 faculty-led trips to 16 different

attracted nearly 100,000 people and another in a church.

locations, with 15 students participating in an exchange

When not collaborating with other music-minded students,

program in six locations.

the group had the opportunity to visit the CN Tower and

Travel spots included Cuba, Costa Rica, Spain, South Africa,

Niagara Falls.

Benelux, London, Paris, the Dominican Republic, Italy,

Mia Sanchez, a junior music education major from

Greece, Canada, England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany,

Panama City, Florida, said “Performing in spaces that were

Belgium, South Korea, Austria, the United Kingdom,

completely different, performing with different people

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Students were able to visit several hospitals and clinics in Ocoa.

Nursing students in San Jose de Ocoa

and getting to work with a composer was an incredible

The group was housed in the upper living quarters of a

experience.”

schoolhouse that was also home to an English immersion

Dr. Yang said she was proud of how the students conducted

program. Dr. Wilburn said this was an incredible exposure

themselves and that she hopes they’ll continue to have open

for her and her students, despite living without the

minds and pursue a deeper understanding of music from

amenities many Americans have become accustomed to like

other cultures.

air conditioning, hot water and stoves.

From May 22-29, Dr. Shunda Wilburn, Assistant Professor of

“Our resources are different from their resources, but

Nursing, led a group of seven students to San Jose de Ocoa,

they’re still able to maintain,” she said. “They still have

Dominican Republic.

healthy children, they’re able to get assistance and supplies.

The trip had a heavy focus on community-based health care

We saw a totally different way of living, and these people

and coincided with a course on nursing in the international

are content.”

community. The students visited a school for special needs

Kaylee Ludlum, a junior nursing major from Headland,

children, several local hospitals and community clinics.

Alabama, said she was grateful for the chance to bond with

Students were able to perform blood pressure checks, height

her classmates. “It’s made me more appreciative of what we

and weight checks and blood sugar checks, and they also

have here. I don’t think I really would have ever noticed that

assisted nurses at a nearby nursing home with mealtimes

if I didn’t get that experience,” she said.

and changing bed linens.

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34

TROY students (from left) Cailey Wright, Emmaleigh Clegg, Emma Ellis and Kris Harrell

REWARDING EXCELLENCE TROY STUDENTS RECOGNIZED AT JOURNALISM CONFERENCE Hall School of Journalism and Communication (HSJC) students earned more than a dozen awards at the 2023 Southeast Journalism Conference (SEJC), including four first-place honors. TROY students participated in two competitions, the “Best of the South” featuring submissions from work done for the Tropolitan, TrojanVision and TROY Public Radio, and an on-site competition where students compete live on deadline.

More than 20 schools were represented at this year’s event, and TROY took home 13 awards with Talk of TROY winning second place for Best Audio News Program and TROY TrojanVision winning second place for Best Television Station and third place for Best Video Newscast.

“Our J-School students continue to perform well year after year, and this validation through these awards shows that our students are part of one of the best journalism programs

BEST OF THE SOUTH Kris Harrell | 1st Place

TROY TrojanVision | 2nd Place

Best Arts & Entertainment Writer

Best Television Station

Caleb Thomas | 3rd Place

Kameron Banks | 2nd Place

Best Sports Writer

Best Radio News Reporter

Georgia Clark | 1 Place

Jaelanne Thomas | 2nd Place

Best Television Journalist

Best Radio Feature Reporter

Cailey Wright | 2 Place

Marissa Lacey | 1st Place

Best Feature Television Reporter

Best Radio Journalist

Claudia Peppenhorst | 3 Place

Talk of TROY | 2nd Place

Best News Reporter

Best Audio News Program

st

nd

rd

TROY TrojanVision | 3 Place rd

Best Video Newscast

ON-SITE COMPETITION Emma Ellis | 1st Place

Cailey Wright | 2nd Place

TV Anchoring

TV Reporting

in the country,” said Dr. Robbyn Taylor, Director of the HSJC. Dr. Taylor was elected to serve as the 2023-2024 SEJC President, meaning TROY will host the 2024 conference event. The conference will bring around 500 students, professors and journalists to the campus to see how TROY’s nationally ranked program operates.

SEJC is an organization composed of more than 35 member colleges and universities created to encourage greater interest in student journalism and form closer ties among journalism schools in the Southeast.

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S TU DENTS

Members of Alpha Tau Omega in Panama City Beach at the end of their Walk Hard journey

BROTHERHOOD & PHILANTHROPY ATO RAISES MORE THAN $125,000 TO SUPPORT WOUNDED VETERANS

Less-than-ideal hiking conditions were dished out to the

physical endurance, but even that is a very small price in

36 brothers of Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) as they began Walk

comparison to what our veterans have done for us. To be

Hard 2023 from the Quad on the Troy Campus in March.

able to help those who have sacrificed so much is truly an

They would not let cold, wet weather deter them on their

honor,” he said.

“march to the sea,” nor keep the brothers from raising

The Kappa Beta Chapter explains their motivation for Walk

$125,500 for an area Christian mission.

Hard on its website: “In the United States, statistics cite that

Walk Hard, begun by four ATO brothers in 2009, has

22 veterans die each day by suicide alone. Jeep Sullivan,

become the annual philanthropy fundraiser for TROY’s

our initiated brother, gives veterans an avenue of release

chapter and raises funds for wounded veterans through Jeep

and expression through hunting excursions, fishing trips

Sullivan’s Wounded Warrior Outdoor Adventures based in

and more. Many who Jeep has connected with are healed

Bonifay, Florida. The brothers hike 128.3 miles from the

exponentially through his love, friendship and his grace to

Quad to Panama City Beach’s Pier Park over six days of their

share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As a brotherhood based on

spring break. Along the way, they traverse the cities of Troy,

Christian teachings, we see the Gospel as healing that can

Enterprise and Hartford in Alabama, and Bonifay, Vernon,

happen in any soul — veteran, or not. We walk 128.3 miles

Ebro and Panama City Beach in Florida.

every spring break so that the Gospel can continue to live

“This is not ‘walk easy,’” said ATO alumnus Gus McKenzie

through Jeep’s ministry in order that our veterans may know

(’19), who himself served as Walk Hard Director in 2019.

and feel the love of Jesus Christ.”

Now an Admissions Counselor for TROY, McKenzie said the

Including the 2023 grand total, the fraternity has raised

fraternity members would endure a lot of pain and suffering

more than $650,000. In addition to individuals supporting

along the way, but that it was all worth it for a good cause.

the effort, several corporate sponsors have helped to bolster

“It’s called ‘Walk Hard’ for a reason. It is a real test of their

the gift to Jeep Sullivan.

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TROY TOD AY

GIVING

A ‘SPIRIT OF CHARITY’ SARAH BETTERTON HONORED WITH MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Sarah Betterton (’13) had a “big heart” and a “spirit of

Bookout recalled how Betterton would visit an arcade, win a

charity” — and could light up any room she walked into. Her

handful of tickets, and then just hand them to a child.

compassion for others was real; her life was centered on

“She just wanted to watch the joy that ensued,” he said. “She

helping others, a mission her family continues in her name.

was always doing little things for other people to make their

The Sarah Rebecca Betterton Memorial Scholarship will

day happier.”

assist students pursuing a hospitality, sport and tourism

To be able to help a student at TROY would have made

management degree on the Troy Campus.

her smile, as well. “This scholarship was created because

“Sarah was a hard worker, dependable, cheerful and

it is important to her family that she continues to make

encouraging to everyone she met — especially her

a positive impact at Troy University by helping deserving

co-workers,” said Ibrahim Yildirim, General Manager of

students achieve their goals,” Bookout said. “Helping a

Sodexo Dining Services at TROY. “I miss her so much.”

student at TROY is exactly what she would have wanted.

Sarah graduated in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in

Sarah deserves to have her name live on at Troy University,

hospitality and was employed by Sodexo in catering before

where she shared so much kindness and love for almost

moving to Florida to be closer to family and to take a

a decade.”

position with the Sheraton Panama City Beach Golf and Spa

For Sarah’s father, Steve Betterton, the establishment of the

Resort. She passed away July 20, 2021, from a brief illness.

endowed scholarship is about keeping Sarah’s memory alive

“Sarah was a kind, genuine person who made friends with

on the Troy Campus. “The way I feel about it is that you’re

everyone she met. With her role in the catering department

not really gone if you have something still calling your name

at TROY, she knew almost everyone on campus and built

out,” he said. “If they’re talking about you, you are pretty

many great working and personal relationships,” said Brent

much still there. She was a great girl.”

Bookout, Sarah’s boyfriend. “Sarah had a big heart and a spirit of charity. She was always talking about ways she could help others because she genuinely cared.”

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FOR MORE INFORMATION ON WAYS TO GIVE CONTACT THE OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT AT ANNUALFUND@TROY.EDU OR 334-670-5924.

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GIVING

BELOVED PIKE COUNTY NURSE BETTY VANCE HONORED WITH ENDOWED NURSING SCHOLARSHIP

A new endowed scholarship will provide opportunities for

Betty Floyd Vance pictured following her nursing pinning ceremony at TROY.

future Troy University students from Pike County who want to earn a nursing degree.

The Betty Floyd Vance Endowed Nursing Scholarship was established by Stewart and Piper Vance in memory of Stewart’s mother, who passed away in October.

After her husband’s death in 1974, Betty Vance, the mother of two sons, enrolled at then Troy State University, earned her nursing degree and launched a long, successful nursing career. It was that commitment to her family and her passion for nursing that led Stewart and Piper to continue her legacy through this scholarship.

Standards and Quality Assurance Committee, and the Alabama Organization of Nurse Executives, among others.

“I grew up in Troy and my mom did as well,” Stewart said.

“Troy is special to me and my family. My brother went to school here. My dad had been in education and taught at Pike County High School. We just have a strong lineage in Pike County and thought this scholarship was a great opportunity to remember my mom and help others in a place

“At my mom’s funeral, so many nurses that I didn’t even

that has always been so special to my family.”

know came up to me and said that my mom was such a

The scholarship will assist students majoring in nursing on

positive influence on their lives and careers,” Stewart said.

“We found that nursing touched so many lives that maybe more people needed to have that opportunity.”

the Troy Campus. The recipients must be students from Pike County in need of financial assistance who will or are pursuing a nursing degree and have and maintain a minimum

After graduation, Betty worked as a surgical and emergency

grade-point average of 3.0.

room nurse for several years before being named the

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ESTABLISHING A SCHOLARSHIP AT TROY UNIVERSITY, PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT AT (334) 670-3297.

Director of Nursing for what was then Edge Regional Medical Center in Troy. She completed her career as a school nurse in the Pike County School System. Her passion for the field was evident throughout her career, as she served as a member of Southeast Alabama Council of Nurses, the Pike County Nurses Association, the Alabama State Nurses Association, the Alabama Hospital Association’s Professional

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38

(from left) Tom Smiley, Doc Kirby and Dr. Phil Kelley continuing their tradition of lunch at Half Shell in Troy every Tuesday.

SCHOLARSHIP IN HONOR OF JEFF TAYLOR SUPPORTS TECHNICAL THEATRE STUDENTS Friends for nearly 50 years, a group of former and current

Over his 27 years at TROY, Taylor was Dr. Kelley’s lighting

Troy University faculty members have created the Jeff

and sound guy on every production. He also completely

Taylor Endowed Scholarship for students interested in the

rewired the sound and lighting booth at the Smith Hall

technical side of theater in memory of the longtime lighting

Auditorium.

and sound technician.

Taylor retired from TROY in 1998 and immediately started

Since the summer of 2021, Taylor; Doc Kirby (’75, ’81),

his next venture — opening the Continental Cinema 5 movie

a Lecturer in the Hall School of Journalism and

theater with his son and business partner, Chase. He was

Communication and a familiar WTBF Radio personality;

also the mastermind behind the much-beloved Dollar Movie

retired faculty member Tom Smiley, Theatre Lecturer and

Night on Wednesdays for TROY students.

Scenic Designer; and Dr. Phil Kelley, Director of Musical

The idea for the scholarship was born last year when Smiley

Theatre and Opera Workshop, could be found at their usual

saw the newly named TrojanVision studio and had the

table at Half Shell at 11 a.m. every Tuesday.

thought to donate a scholarship in his own name. While at

After Taylor passed in June 2022, his usual order of Diet

dinner with Kirby and Dr. Kelley, he had the idea to make it

Coke remained in front of his seat at the table.

in memory of their friend instead.

Taylor was hired at then-named Troy State University in the

“Phil was talking about the Marge and Wright Kelley

early 1970s while he was still a student. His first job was

Scholarship and all of a sudden it came to me, what about

with the Physical Plant, setting every clock on campus each

the Jeff Taylor Scholarship?” he said. “It wasn’t about me

morning, but he soon worked his way into becoming the

anymore. It was about my friend.”

Technical Director of the auditorium at Smith Hall before it

The scholarship is available to students enrolled in theatre

became Claudia Crosby Theater.

who have a special interest in technical theatre, particularly

“With no formal training in electrical wiring, theater design

lighting and sound.

or sound design, Jeff patiently taught himself to become an expert in theatrical sound and lighting design,” Kirby said.

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TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE JEFF TAYLOR ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FOR THEATRE LIGHTING & SOUND, PLEASE CALL 334-670-5924.

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IMPACTING STUDENTS DONORS RECOGNIZED DURING 2023 FRED B. DAVIS SCHOLARSHIP BRUNCH

The Fred B. Davis Scholarship Brunch is named in honor of Dr. Davis, who climbed the ranks from Assistant Professor of English to the Office of Provost during his 33-plus-year tenure at TROY, touching many lives along the way and inspiring all those who crossed his path.

TROY scholarship donors were recognized and thanked at

This year, the alumni chapters banded together and raised

the annual Fred B. Davis Scholarship Brunch April 1.

$50,000 in support of scholarships and academic initiatives.

There are currently more than 350 active named scholarship

“Witnessing countless alumni and friends coming together

funds for the TROY Foundation, with some scholarships

to strengthen the TROY legacy is truly inspiring,” said

being awarded to multiple students each year. In 2022,

Faith West Byrd, Director of Alumni Affairs. “Your gifts are

TROY was able to award more than $1 million in Foundation

enabling students to pursue their passions and to create

Scholarships for the first time annually, like the Lance Robert

opportunities they may not otherwise have. Thank you.”

McLendon Scholarship for students in the Sorrell College

Students who received specific Foundation Scholarships

of Business or the Judy and Robert Cary Nursing Endowed

through the University write thank-you cards to the donors

Scholarship for nursing and education majors. Nearly 1,200

when they receive the scholarship initially, but the brunch

individual scholarships were awarded in 2022.

allows donors to put a face with a name and see the impact

Dr. Judson Edwards (’96), Dean of the Sorrell College of

their scholarships make firsthand.

Business, expressed his thanks to the McLendon family and

Davis Humphrey, a senior sport management major from

to all the donors for what they do for TROY’s students.

Helena, Alabama, and two-time recipient of the Lance

“Everything that you’re doing here makes a difference in the

Robert McLendon Scholarship, said receiving this scholarship

lives of students,” he said. “Speaking for all the Deans and

has allowed him to be on track to graduate early.

Academic Divisions, we truly appreciate everything that

“Being a two-time recipient, I’m very blessed,” he said. “It’s

you do for us. Thirty-two years ago, I was fortunate enough

helped me and my family a great deal because college is

to get a George Wallace Leadership Scholarship. TROY has

expensive, so this scholarship and the generosity from the

made a difference in my life, so thank you all.”

McLendon family has helped us tremendously. It’s paved

Another large supporter of the TROY Foundation is the

the way for me to take more classes and to even graduate in

Alumni Association, made up of 65 chapters. Nine chapters

three and a half years.”

have established endowed scholarships, with six additional

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON WAYS TO ASSIST STUDENTS THROUGH SCHOLARSHIPS OR OTHER ACADEMIC SUPPORT, CONTACT THE OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT AT ANNUALFUND@TROY.EDU.

chapters in progress of establishing scholarships.

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TRO Y TOD AY

CREATE SCHOLARSHIPS WITH A TROY TAG TROY Trojans don’t just drive in style — they drive with purpose.

For more than 20 years, TROY fans like you have supported students by purchasing TROY license plates at their local DMVs. By adding approximately $50 worth of cardinal and TROY spirit to the cost of your regular car or motorcycle tag, you’re giving $48.75 of that amount to fund scholarships to help students reach their educational dreams.

Fans can also support their Trojans by showing team spirit on the water with a TROY distinctive vessel identification sticker for their boats!

To learn more, visit troy.edu/tag or call the TROY Foundation at 334-670-3608.

GET YOUR TROY TAG! troy.edu/tag

© 2023 Troy University

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AT HLE TICS

TROY ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME TROY Athletics welcomed the 11th class of the Troy University Hall of Fame in Trojan Arena in April. The seven-member class includes: Mike Amos (’70) (Supporter), Sherill Busby (’39) (Football), Rhodney Donaldson (Men’s Basketball), Chris Force (Women’s Golf), Carl Hollis (’77, ’83) (Men’s Basketball), Barbara Sherwood (’99, ’00) (Softball) and Mark Smartt (’88, ’89) (Baseball). Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr., Troy University Board of Trustees Member Gerald O. Dial and TROY Director of Athletics Brent Jones presented inductees with their rings, medals and Hall of Fame plaques. (above photo, from left) Trustee Gerald Dial, Mike Amos, Trustee Brig. Gen. Edward Crowell, Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Rhodney Donaldson, Carl Hollis, Barbara Sherwood, Mark Smartt and Brent Jones.

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TROY TOD AY

ATHLE TICS

SUCCESS IN THE SUN BELT Conference titles, postseason appearances, Sun Belt Players of the Year, record-breaking performances and national rankings. TROY Athletics has experienced unprecedented success over the past 18 months with a tremendous 202223 athletic year, followed by another strong start to the year with the Fall 2023 season.

In 2022-23, 10 of the 11 TROY’s sports that compete in head-to-head competitions posted winning records over the course of the season, with both football (12) and men’s golf (110) establishing new program records for wins at the DI level.

On the gridiron, TROY won 23 games during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, claimed a pair of Sun Belt Conference titles and played in the Cure Bowl and the Birmingham Bowl. It marked the first time in almost 30 years that TROY Football won 11 games in consecutive seasons and TROY became just the second program in league history to win consecutive Sun Belt Championship Games.

In 2023, TROY set the Sun Belt record for sacks in a season with 45 total sacks. Javon Solomon was responsible for 16 of those individual sacks - the most in the country. Kimani Vidal broke almost every TROY rushing record on the books and finished the season ranked second nationally with 1,610 rushing yards. The Trojans made a historic trip to ArmyWest Point and handed the Black Knights their first shutout at home in 20 years. TROY also became the first Sun Belt Conference school to play a Power Five opponent in a bowl game with its matchup against Duke in Birmingham.

The 2022 Trojans put together the best all-around season since then-Troy State hoisted the NCAA Division II National Championship Trophy following the 1987 season. The 2022

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installment of TROY Football went 12-2, won the program’s seventh Sun Belt Conference title, defeated UTSA in the Cure Bowl — the only bowl matchup featuring conference champions — and finished the season ranked No. 19 in the Associated Press Top 25, TROY’s first-ever postseason ranking.

After suffering heartbreak at App State on a Hail Mary, TROY won its final 11 games of the season, the secondlongest winning streak in the country behind only National Champion Georgia. Carlton Martial became the NCAA’s all-time leader in tackles and was named the Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year, while Sumrall took home SBC Coach of the Year.

Success followed the Trojans off the field as well, with left tackle Austin Stidham being recognized for his academic prowess. Stidham was a finalist for the prestigious Campbell Trophy, dubbed the Academic Heisman, which earned him a trip to Las Vegas, Nevada, in December for the annual National Football Foundation Awards Ceremony.

The fall season also brought along record-breaking performances on the volleyball court the past two seasons with Josh Lauer’s club winning a program-record of 12 Sun Belt matches in 2023 after starting league play with 10 straight wins. The Trojans challenged themselves with one of the nation’s most difficult schedules, playing six of its first nine matches against teams that made the NCAA Tournament in 2022 in addition to hosting Alabama at Trojan Arena.

Lauer and company put together its fourth straight winning season for the first time in program history and earned their third straight berth in the National Invitational Volleyball

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Kimani Vidal

Leanna Johnson

Shane Lewis

Amara Anderson

Championship in 2022. Amara Anderson became the program’s all-time leader in assists, while Julia Brooks set the TROY career record for blocks and solo blocks.

On the links, TROY made its return to the postseason for the first time since 2017 as the Trojans qualified for the inaugural National Golf Invitational after just missing an atlarge bid to the NCAA Regionals. Individually, Brantley Scott turned in the best season by a TROY golfer in the program’s DI history by shooting under par on the year and earned an individual berth in the NCAA Auburn Regional.

TROY Women’s golfer ShaeLee Scarberry finished her career with the third-lowest stroke average in program history, while on the track, four TROY student-athletes qualified for the NCAA East Preliminaries. Additionally, Biniosa Ezukuse (shot put) and Javon Osbourne (shot put/discus) set new program records in their respective events.

The diamond sports also had plenty to be proud of as well, with TROY Baseball making its return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2018, earning an at-large bid after finishing head coach Skylar Meade’s second season at Troy, ranking third in the Sun Belt, during the regular season and making a run in the Sun Belt Tournament; the SBC ranked as the nation’s No. 5 conference.

Shane Lewis broke Jorge Soto’s 24-year-old program record, hitting 27 home runs en route to earning Sun Belt Player and Newcomer of the Year honors. The baseball home run

record wasn’t the only program mark to fall during the spring as Leanna Johnson set the TROY Softball career record for wins, finishing her career with more than 100 career wins and 1,000 career strikeouts.

As a team, TROY finished fourth in the Sun Belt in head coach Eric Newell’s first season leading the program and was one of just two teams to defeat Louisiana during the Sun Belt season.

TROY Men’s Basketball reached the 20-win plateau in back-to-back seasons for the first time in two decades and entered the 2023-24 season as the only Sun Belt program to win 20-plus games in consecutive seasons and 10-plus league wins in each of the last two years.

What’s even more remarkable when tracking the success of the men’s program was the Trojans had to replace five of their top six scorers from the 2021-22 season. Scott Cross’ crew finished fifth in the Sun Belt standings after being picked to finish 10th in the preseason.

The TROY’s Women’s Basketball team continued to be successful under head coach Chanda Rigby, finishing among the nation’s leaders in scoring, as the Trojans are one of just two teams to rank among the Top 10 nationally in scoring in each of the last eight seasons. Additionally, TROY led the country in both rebounding and offensive rebounding for the sixth time in the last seven seasons.

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AT HLE TICS

TROY FOOTBALL GREAT DEMARCUS WARE SELECTED TO PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME

Photo from the Associated Press

All-time TROY great DeMarcus Ware (’05) will forever be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, as he was selected to the 2023 class in his second year on the ballot.

Ware becomes the first TROY player in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, just the 16th from an Alabama high school or college and the first who played in the Sun Belt Conference.

A Super Bowl champion, nine-time Pro Bowler, four-time first-team All-Pro and member of the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team, Ware ranks ninth in NFL history in career sacks with 138.5 (the stat became official in 1982). Additionally, he tied the NFL record by leading the league in sacks twice and was a two-time Butkus Award winner.

The Dallas Cowboys selected Ware with the 11th overall pick of the 2005 NFL Draft, becoming the first-ever first-round pick from TROY or the Sun Belt Conference.

Ware was instrumental in TROY’s transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision in 2001 and finished his Trojan career as the program’s all-time leader in tackles for loss with 55.5, in

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addition to totaling 27 sacks for a loss of 198 yards to rank among the all-time greats in TROY history.

Ware became a starter in 2002 and quickly made an impact in the trenches by finishing fifth on the team with 72 tackles.

Along with former TROY and NFL star Osi Umenyiora, the duo combined to record 25 sacks and 40 tackles for a loss. In his sophomore campaign, Ware tied for 15th in the country with nine sacks, while his 19.5 tackles for a loss tied for ninth in the nation. In 2002, TROY’s defense finished fourth in the country in total defense as the Trojans allowed 276.8 yards per game.

In 2003, Ware secured a selection to the NCAA Division I-A All-Independent Team by making 62 tackles, 16 tackles for a loss and six sacks. As a junior, Ware led the Trojans with 32 quarterback hurries, five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. A Sun Belt Conference All-Decade Team member, Ware was a finalist for the 2004 Hendricks Award, presented annually to the nation’s top defensive end.

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(from left) Richard Shaughnessy (’98, ’00), Director of Strength and Conditioning for TROY Football; Dr. Jeffrey Dugas, TROY Football Team Orthopedic Surgeon; Judy Morgan, TROY Football Secretary; Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., TROY Chancellor; Mrs. Janice Hawkins, TROY First Lady; Marilyn Ash (’79, ’82); Chuck Ash (’79, ’80), retired TROY Head Athletic Trainer; and Brent Jones, TROY Director of Athletics

Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. and Mrs. Janice Hawkins

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TROY TOD AY

Dear Alumni and Friends, The Troy University Alumni Association is TROY’S front porch, welcoming you home no matter where you live. Trojan Pride, the undeniable force that reminds us of our connection back to a special place with great traditions, lives at the Alumni Association.

One such tradition is honoring our alumni at Homecoming each year. You can learn more about this year’s honorees on page 48 in this issue of the magazine. Please join me in celebrating these true Trojans!

Your membership in the Alumni Association directly supports traditions such as these and many others. When you join the association, you not only acknowledge that you are a part of a larger, global community of caring Trojans, but your membership affords you access to numerous benefits, including, but not limited to, free tailgates at home and away games and a 20% discount at Barnes and Noble bookstore. Annual dues are only $50.

Lifetime memberships are also available at $750 for individuals and $1,250 for couples, and a payment plan is available. Membership is an investment in the future of Troy University, and it represents a choice to pay your pride and connection to your alma mater forward to benefit generations of future Trojans.

Scholarships continue to remain the Alumni Association’s biggest focus as we know they can indeed be lifechanging for our students. It is my hope that you will join me and the entire Alumni Board in giving to the Alumni Legacy Scholarship or to a cause or program of your choice here at TROY. Your generosity makes a difference as we strive to continue the proud Trojan traditions of the school we love! We are Trojans one and all!

GO TROY!

Faith West Byrd (’81, ’87) Troy University Alumni Director

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ALUM NOTES

’80 Marty Durden (’80, ’08) is President of A Higher Standard of Leadership Inc., a nonprofit organization with the purpose of training educators, faith-based schools, athletic programs, businesses and churches on how to create more servant-leaders. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Houston Baptist University, Concordia University and Belhaven University.

Durden has researched and written extensively about servantleadership, including his most recent book, “More than Winning: The Servant-Leader Coach in Contemporary Society,” which is available on Amazon.

Sam Royse (’83), Head Baseball Coach at Glasgow High School in Kentucky, retired after a 39-year career in coaching. During his time at TROY, Royse was a member of the Trojan baseball team. Following graduation, he became an Assistant Baseball Coach at Glasgow and was named the team’s Head Coach in 1985. He was inducted into the Kentucky High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1999.

Kevin Scarbinsky (’83), long-time Sports Writer and Columnist for The Birmingham News and AL.com, was recently inducted into the United States Basketball Writers Association’s Hall of Fame.

Scarbinsky began writing for The Birmingham News as an intern in 1984 and stayed on full time until he retired from daily journalism in 2018. He now works as the Communications Director for the Coach Safely Foundation, but returned to AL.com on a part-time

basis in 2022 as Statewide Sports Columnist for The Lede, a daily online subscription newspaper.

Mike Lewis (’86) recently joined the staff of Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey as Deputy Communications Director. Lewis previously served as Communications Director for the Alabama Attorney General’s Office. He also previously held the position of Press Secretary for former Congressmen Bill Dickinson and Terry Everett and as Communications Director for Congressman Jo Bonnor.

Mark Stewart (’87) was recently named Director of Marketing for Southeast Health. His responsibilities include marketing the Medical Center, Medical Group, Foundation, Statera and the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine. Stewart is an awardwinning Journalist and Editor who has served Southeast Health for 22 years. He was recognized in 2017 as Top Hospital Marketer of the year by DTC Perspectives Inc. for a stroke awareness campaign.

Stewart was also a previous President of the Alabama Hospital Association’s Healthcare Public Relations and Marketing Society.

Amanda Dukes (’88) has joined the Orange County (Florida) government team as a Senior Public Information Officer. She retired from Orlando’s WESH TV in 2023 after more than 25 years as a reporter and anchor.

CONTINUED ON PG. 57

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T RO Y T O DAY

Dr. Coley speaks during Troy University’s Phenix City Campus commencement in 2017.

TROY ALUMNA DR. BRENDA COLEY RECOGNIZED FOR HER LEADERSHIP Participants in this year’s Russell County School District’s

Ladonia Elementary. She then served as Assistant Principal

Institute Day made it clear why they enjoy coming to work

for four years at Ladonia Elementary before being promoted

for the county’s schools — the leadership provided by

to Principal at Oliver Elementary (Seale) for nine years.

Superintendent Dr. Brenda Coley (’94, ’97).

In 2015, she was elected as Superintendent of the Russell

“Dr. Coley is one of the most passionate, energetic and

County School District. During her tenure as Superintendent,

uplifting people I know. She is not a boss that you fear to

she has taken the school system to new heights, including

have a conversation with. No, she is literally like the mom

raising the graduation rate from 87% to 94% in 2022, and

who cannot wait to give you a big hug regardless of what is

raising the College & Career Readiness rate from 51% in

happening. She is a genuine, warm-hearted person who you

2015 to 74% in 2022.

love being around,” said one Russell County employee when

In August 2022, Dr. Coley was awarded District 4

asked their thoughts on the school district’s top lady.

Superintendent of the Year. “It was so exciting. I was

A native of Hurtsboro, Alabama, a community of about

honored that my peers thought enough of my district to

500 people, Dr. Coley grew up and graduated from the

recognize it in such a prestigious way,” she said, refusing to

rural Russell County school system. She did not have to

take all the credit and believing the accolade to be the result

travel far for college, as she received her undergraduate

of a team effort. “A system is always successful because of

degree from Auburn University and her master’s degree

your team. I have an amazing team. It starts with my faith,

from Troy University’s Phenix City Campus. She also later

then the board and then a great team. To me, it’s just a

earned a specialist degree from Troy University, followed

testament to the team and that when you work hard, people

by a Doctorate in Education from Walden University in

see the hard work that you do and recognize that we’re

Administrative Leadership.

making a lot of improvements. I’ll accept it in honor of my

Dr. Coley has spent nearly 30 years in the field of education,

team because I know I couldn’t have done it by myself.”

all in the same school system, a feat rarely seen in today’s

Dr. Coley has been nominated for the Superintendent of the

workforce. Throughout the years, she has served as an

Year award several times, but this is the first time she has

Elementary Teacher at Russell Elementary (Hurtsboro) and

won, winning over 20 other school systems in the district.

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TROY TOD AY

ALUMNI OF THE YEAR RANDALL MAULDIN Randy Mauldin (’86) is a Business Development Manager with TRANE in Nashville, Tennessee.

A business administration/marketing graduate, Mauldin was a member of the 1984 national championship golf team and a part of the Letterman’s Club. At TROY, he also served as a Campus Senator from 1982-1984, Lambda Chi Alpha Vice President and an Interfraternity Council Representative. Mauldin is an active member of the TROY Alumni Association, a member of the Trojan Warrior Club, has served on the Alumni Board of Lambda Chi Alpha and is a season ticket holder for football. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Tennessee School Plant Managers Association, is a partner with the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents and is an affiliate member of the Tennessee Association of County Mayors. Mauldin volunteers with the Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department and is the announcer for high school sporting events. He is an active member of Franklin First United Methodist Church, serving as Youth Confirmation Leader and a member of the building committee. Mauldin and his wife, Laurie, have two children — Ross and Karli, a 2014 TROY graduate with a bachelor’s degree in multimedia journalism.

GWENDOLYN CEPHAS MOSLEY Gwen Mosley (’76, ’78) retired in 2017 after a 42-year career with the Alabama Department of Corrections. During her career, Mosley rose from a Correctional Officer to a Warden, becoming Alabama’s first female warden to lead one of the state’s 17 male prisons. In 1992, she was named Warden of the Year for the State of Alabama.

Mosley has served as a board member on the Alabama Council on Crime and Delinquency and as a member of the Alabama State Correctional Association. In retirement, Mosley is an active member of the Troy United Women’s League, serving as Correspondent Secretary and as a member of the scholarship committee. Mosley, an avid TROY sports fan, is also a charter member and lifetime member of the Trojan Tailgaters Chapter, serving as Co-Chair of the chapter’s scholarship committee. She has served as a facilitator and workshop presenter for TROY’s Congressman John Lewis Leadership Conference and is an active member of the Greater St. Paul A.M.E. Church, where she serves as a senior usher and Sunday school teacher. Mosley and her husband, Richard (’79, ’84), have one son, Richard, Jr. (’03, ’05), and two grandchildren — Trey and Raegan.

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HAROLD “BILL” WASDEN Bill Wasden (’78) is an Attorney and Partner in the law firm Burr & Forman, LLP. A 1981 graduate of Cumberland School of Law at Samford University, Wasden has served as General Counsel and Legal Advisor to the Governor of Alabama, a state appointment he held when he joined the firm in 1992. He served as an Assistant Attorney General, as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and as General Counsel to the Alabama Ethics Commission. In private practice, Wasden has presided as a Hearing Officer for the Alabama Environmental Management Commission and has been a member of the Alabama Law Institute Council and the Judicial Study Commission. He currently holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps of the U.S. Army Reserve. At TROY, Wasden was a founding member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. He is a lifetime member of the TROY Alumni Association and a founding member of the Southwest Alabama Chapter. He serves on the Troy University Foundation Board and is involved in many of the University’s major fundraising initiatives. Wasden is a long-time supporter and contributor to TROY Athletics.

ANDREW OLIVASTRO Andrew Olivastro (’96) is Chief Advancement Officer for the Heritage Foundation, a think tank for impact on public policy. He previously served as the foundation’s Vice President for Outreach. Earlier, he founded ATO Strategies, a public affairs firm focused on media engagement and reputation management for individuals, businesses and nonprofits. He led Executive and Employee Communications and Corporate Responsibility for United Technologies (now Raytheon Technologies) and developed elite engagement strategies for Fortune 10 companies at Edelman Public Relations. Olivastro also has directed the speechwriting team for U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez and served as speechwriter for Republican National Committee Chairman Ed Gillespie during the 2004 election cycle. He graduated from the Leadership Program of the Rockies in 2019 and helped lead its expansion from Colorado to Connecticut with the launch of the Charter Oak Leadership Program. He is a Claremont Institute Lincoln Fellow and a member of The Philadelphia Society. During his time at TROY, Olivastro was a quarterback on the Trojans’ football team and served as Editor of The Tropolitan student newspaper. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in print journalism and political science.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ANNUAL RECOGNITION OF OUTSTANDING ALUMNI AND TO MAKE A NOMINATION, CONTACT ALUMNI AFFAIRS AT 334-670-3318.

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ALU M NI

Travis Perry pictured with a scene from his appearance on “Shark Tank”

IN THE BUSINESS OF MUSIC

ALUMNUS TRAVIS PERRY INNOVATES GUITAR TEACHING TOOL & SYSTEM Travis Perry (’85) was just 18 or 19 years old when he got

rubber grommets and made that device I had first thought

frustrated with teaching people how to play the guitar.

about when I was a kid. My daughter said, ‘Daddy you have

“I thought, ‘I must be a horrible teacher,’ because half of my

to invent this so I can play,’” he said.

students quit after two months,” he said. He would learn that

It took 24 months to bring ChordBuddy to market.

around 60% of people who start learning guitar drop it at

“Nobody wanted it. All the big music stores said nobody

about the two-month mark because of the physical aspects

would buy it and that it wouldn’t work. I literally got to the

of playing — soft fingers and muscle memory development.

point of just leaving a case of them and telling the stores,

That experience also produced a thought that “there has to

‘Look, if you sell any, just send me some money,’ and that’s

be something to make learning easier and fun.”

how it began,” he said.

Now, Perry sells the device he invented at his 8-year-old

In July 2011, he got a call from “Shark Tank” inviting him to

daughter’s request: the ChordBuddy — and the system of

appear on the show. “The episode aired on Feb. 2, 2012, and

learning guitar in under two months to go along with it. His

that’s the night that changed my business career,” Perry said.

company, located on Cottondale Road in Dothan, produces

In the 18 months prior to airing, he had sold a total of 8,000

not just the ChordBuddy, but the YukeBuddy, the only

ChordBuddys. The night of Feb. 2, he received orders for

electronic tuner that uses colors, sells entry-level Perry

12,000. Bolstered not only by sales, but with a relationship

Guitars and a learning system. Perry estimates the business

with investor Robert Herjavec, who injected $125,000, plus

has grown into a $25-million enterprise.

another $50,000 for infomercial development in exchange

Over the years, a “Shark Tank” appearance (and a follow up)

for a 20% stake in the company, the partnership got Perry’s

propelled ChordBuddy into a multi-million dollar business,

product into large retailers, online stores, mom-and-pop

and promotional deals with folks such as Duck Dynasty’s

guitar stores and national chains.

Robertson family has made its mark for him.

“Individuals have to have the drive, the motivation to keep

In 1994, Perry decided to open a Music Exchange in

going,” he said. “I was a highly successful ‘entre-manure’

Dothan. It wasn’t unitl later in 2008 when Perry’s daughter

long before I became an entrepreneur. You’ll fail a lot before

asked him to teach her to play guitar that the journey to

you succeed.”

ChordBuddy truly began. “I used popsicle sticks and some

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A LU M NI

T R O Y T O DAY

Maj. Wesley Swanzy taking the oath of office for presidential apointment to the Chief of Staff to the Chief Financial Officer

TROY GRADUATE CONQUERS THE IVY LEAGUE & SECURES A PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTMENT AT USDA

A Sorrell College of Business alumnus has been appointed

“TROY, specifically Sorrell College of Business, was one

by the President of the United States to a post in the

of the most defining moments for my professional and

Department of Agriculture.

personal life,” said Maj. Swanzy, who majored in business

Maj. Wesley Swanzy (’12), a native of Goshen, Alabama, has

administration and international relations and minored in

been sworn in as Chief of Staff to the Chief Financial Officer

leadership. “Sorrell helped prepare me for success after

at the USDA.

graduation, which was commissioning into the world’s

An Air Force veteran commissioned out of TROY’s

greatest Air Force.”

Detachment 017, he has spent the last three years in finance

Admitting that his time at TROY passed quickly, it was

on Wall Street and completed his MBA at New York’s

time well spent learning and developing relationships that

Columbia University Business School. A former active-duty

span the globe. Involvement on campus was key — Maj.

Air Force Finance Officer and current Reservist, Maj. Swanzy

Swanzy was an SGA Supreme Court Justice, an Alpha Phi

has spent more than ten years leading Airman in South

Alpha Fraternity member, was involved in Circle K, and was

Korea, the Middle East, and the Pentagon.

a residential advisor. “The culmination of experiences and

In his final assignment on active duty, Maj. Swanzy served as

opportunities at TROY helped tremendously bolster my

the Executive Officer to the Director of Budget Investment,

success. As an undergraduate student, you think about your

Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for

future but are more focused on the hustling day-to-day life

Financial Management, and Comptroller. In his reservist role,

of a college student,” he said. “However, looking over my

Maj. Swanzy serves as a Congressional Liaison under the

years in the military, time on Wall Street, and graduating

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Congressional Budget and

from Columbia Business School has helped me realize that

Appropriations Liaison, Office of the Assistant Secretary of

none would be possible without the foundation I gained

the Air Force for Financial Management, and Comptroller at

from TROY.”

the Pentagon and holds the rank of Major. “I am honored to

“Life is about relationships, and TROY is where you make

have accepted a Presidential Appointee position with the

lasting bonds that will carry on for a lifetime,” Maj. Swanzy

Biden-Harris administration,” Maj. Swanzy said.

said. “TROY is a very close-knit family that shows itself in the

Maj. Swanzy said his journey began in the TRIO program and

classroom, the boardroom, and everything associated with

Sorrell College of Business with strong mentors at TROY.

the University. TROY taught me to excel academically and contributed to me being a well-rounded individual.”

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TROY TOD AY

A LUM NI

TROY ALUMNI BOARD WELCOMES NEW OFFICERS

Rosemary Elebash

Jack Weaver

Steve Sanders

Troy University’s Alumni Association Board of Directors

In 2020, the Alumni Board received donations from Board

welcomed a new slate of officers earlier this year.

members, exceeding its $50,000 goal, to endow the Alumni

Rosemary Elebash became the Board’s President, Jack

Legacy Scholarship. The endowment provides scholarships

Weaver its Vice President and Steve Sanders its Treasurer.

to students who are qualified legacies of Troy University

Roni Holley is the Immediate Past President. The officers will

graduates who maintain at least a 2.7 grade point average.

serve two-year terms.

“Legacies” are the children of TROY alumni.

Elebash (’76) has been a member of the Alumni Association

In addition, nine alumni chapters have endowed scholarships

Board of Directors since 2010 and previously served as the

— the Alumni Band Chapter, the Archer Alumni Chapter,

Vice President. She currently serves as State Director for the

the Clipson Chapter, the Conecuh County Chapter, the Elba

National Federation of Independent Business.

Chapter, the Emerald Coast Chapter, the Trojan Tailgaters

Weaver (’85) is the Presiding Judge for the 35 Circuit Court

Chapter, the Pensacola Chapter and the T-Club. Three

of Alabama in Monroe County and has been a member of

additional chapters — the Autauga, Monroe and Pike County

the Board since 2018. To date, 11 members of the Weaver

chapters — are working to complete their endowments.

family boast TROY degrees.

Another item that will continue to receive a lot of discussion

Sanders (’88) is Vice President of the First Citizens Bank of

among board members is the addition of a new Alumni

Luverne. He joined the Board in 2017.

Center. “The Board also continues to explore the possibility

In addition, Terry L. Butts (’79), a retired Alabama Supreme

of building an Alumni Center to accommodate and support

Court Justice, serves as the Board’s Legal Counsel.

alumni activities and to provide a building that can be

Elebash said the creation of scholarship opportunities for

utilized for functions to highlight the Troy Campus for both

deserving students continues to be a primary focus of the

potential students and returning alumni,” Elebash said.

th

Alumni Board moving forward.

“The major focus for the Alumni Board is scholarships from the Board and also encouraging local alumni chapters to create and endow scholarships,” Elebash said.

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(from left) JJ, Paula, Jamie and Madison Graham

HONORING FAMILY TRADITION ALUMNUS JAMIE GRAHAM DEDICATED TO COMMUNITY

Family. Honor. Tradition. Legacy.

The brothers both decided to follow the family legacy

For Jamie Graham (’89), these are more than just words

and attend law school. They entered together into the

but, rather, cemented values. Graham’s life tells a story of

Jones School of Law (now part of Faulkner University) in

honoring his family’s tradition while also establishing his

Montgomery, Alabama, in January 1995. In 1997, they

own legacy on an already distinguished family name.

graduated from law school and passed the bar in 1998.

Born in August 1968 at St. Francis Hospital in Columbus,

Shortly after passing the bar, the brothers joined their dad’s

Georgia, Graham has spent most of his life in Phenix City,

practice and changed it to The Graham Legal Firm, as it is

Alabama, where his family has been practicing law for almost

known today.

70 years. His grandfather, William Benton, was a member

In 2004, Kenneth Davis, Russell County District Attorney

of the Blue-Ribbon Grand Jury that issued the indictments

at the time, approached Graham about joining his team at

during the “Sin City” era of Phenix City. Yet, the law was not

the DA’s office. In October 2004, after deep discussions

Graham’s first career choice.

and prayers, Graham left the family practice. During his

Graham played baseball for the majority of his youth. When

time at the DA’s office, he was placed in charge of Child

he graduated from Central High School in 1986, he accepted

Support Court, Traffic Court, Domestic Violence Court and

a scholarship to play baseball at Chattahoochee Valley

felony cases. During his 11 years at the DA’s office, Graham

Community College, followed by half of a year at Columbus

oversaw thousands of cases; he loved trying cases in the

College (now known as Columbus State University). After

courtroom. Graham left the DA’s office in 2015 to run for

taking some time and marrying his wife, Paula, in February

the position against his former boss. After losing a fairly

1992, Graham enrolled at then-Troy State University,

close race, Graham went back into the private sector.

where he graduated with his bachelor’s degree in business

Being known as a respectful and fair attorney, it only made

administration. At this point, Graham was well on his way to

sense that after 25 years of practicing law for Graham to run

becoming a teacher with aspirations of coaching baseball,

for District Court Judge in the place he called home. As of

something that his close friends will tell you is his real love.

Nov. 8, 2022, Graham’s fellow citizens believed in his work

With his future almost solidified, Graham entered into some

and character enough to vote him into office as District

conversations with his brother, Greg, which would alter his

Court Judge.

entire future.

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Gilbert with her family in a 1975 portrait

‘BECOMING KOREAN’ ALUMNA AMY GILBERT’S BOOK RECOUNTS EXPERIENCE OF REUNITING WITH BIRTH FAMILY

Decades after being adopted from a South Korean

I was speaking English as well as that age group would have

orphanage by an American family, Troy University alumna

at the time.”

Amy Gilbert (’92) reconnected with her birth family and her

In high school, she was a typical teenager. “I went to high

heritage and has written a book about her experiences.

school and did all of the typical things — I played softball, I

Published last year, “Becoming Korean: A Memoir” charts

was in student government, I was President of the Spanish

Gilbert’s journey from what she called a “normal American

Club. I volunteered at the hospital for several years in the

childhood” to the trip some 44 years later that would lead

summertime. I just did all of those normal American things.”

her to connect with her siblings and, eventually, her birth

After high school, she received a Leadership Scholarship to

mother and begin the process of rediscovering the culture

attend TROY, where she encountered international students

and language she lost as a young child.

for the first time.

It was 1974 when Gilbert arrived in Gainesville, Florida, her

“I worked on the Palladium for four years, and I was an ADPi

adoptive parents’ hometown. The family would later relocate

(Alpha Delta Pi sorority),” Gilbert said. “When I was at TROY,

to nearby Archer, Florida.

that was the first time that I saw international students, and

Gilbert recalled learning to speak English in roughly two

some of them looked like me.”

months thanks to her mother’s efforts to prepare her for

Gilbert graduated from TROY with a degree in elementary

school. “My mother took time off from work. She went

education, began teaching school in Valdosta, Georgia, and

around the house and picked up objects and would have

met her husband. The couple would have three children, in

me name what they were,” she said. “I arrived in Gainesville

addition to later adopting her niece. The birth of her first

on July 6, 1974, and I went to school at the end of August.

child provided a unique moment for Gilbert.

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“Everyone’s first child is special because they make you a parent for the first time, but for me, it was seeing someone else who looked like me, and I had never had that,” she remembered. With four children to care for, Gilbert was busy being a mother. It was during that time though, that Gilbert caught a glimpse of the journey that would reconnect her to her Korean heritage. When her children were in elementary school, they were asked to take part in an Asian Cultural Festival, where Gilbert met her first Korean person at the age of 33. There she learned about Korean food and traditional Korean dress. “The Asian Cultural Festival was really my first exposure to anything Korean,” Gilbert said.

Later it would be the suggestion of her husband that would begin the journey in earnest.

“When the Olympics were held in Korea in 2018, he said, ‘Let’s go to the Olympics.’ On that trip, we wanted to see the orphanage. I didn’t know a lot about my time there, but I knew I lived in an orphanage.”

After arriving in Korea, Gilbert, her husband and a translator went to the location of the orphanage. “The person there took my passport and made a copy of it and had me sign some documents,” she recalled. “I wasn’t sure what it was all

Gilbert stands outside the Korea Social Service office, the location that once was the orphanage in which she lived briefly before being adopted in 1974.

about, but when we got back in the van, our translator said that they would search for my birth parents.”

From there, the process didn’t take long. “When we got back home from Korea, I had an email that said I had a brother who had searched for me in 1987 and that they would try to locate him. A few months go by, and on Aug. 1, 2018, I received an email that said they had located my brother and had shared my email address with him. Then I saw I had other emails from my brother in Korea.”

Gilbert and her brother exchanged emails and shared photos back and forth for the next two days. Then, on Aug. 3, she received a call from a woman in Tampa who had her brother on the phone with her and said that she would translate during the conversation.

“I couldn’t understand anything that he said, but I could hear his voice,” Gilbert said. That call ultimately led to Gilbert’s brother and oldest sister visiting her for the first time in Florida for Thanksgiving in 2018. “We had the best Thanksgiving ever,” she said.

It was during her second trip to Korea that Gilbert met her birth mother. “It has been a life-changing experience,” she said. Gilbert said she first decided to write about her incredible journey as a genealogy to preserve for future generations of her family.

“I kept having people tell me, ‘You should write a book.’ It took me three years of writing and processing. There were many days that I was writing and crying at the same time.

I had feelings of disloyalty to my adoptive parents. I had feelings of loss of what I had missed out on in Korea. I had a lot of frustrations over not being able to speak Korean. The more Korean people that I met, the more I was faced with not really being Korean.”

Gilbert, who returned to Korea this past spring to take Korean language courses, said she hopes her book provides hope for other Korean adoptees, noting that around 200,000 South Koreans have been adopted during the past 60 years.

Gilbert says the book provides insights not only for adoptees but also for adoptive parents. “The last line on the back cover of my book is: There are joys and losses in being adopted. Adoptive parents focus on the joys of adopting the children, but, especially for children who are adopted from a foreign country, they really need to put thought and care into how they handle that culture and heritage that is lost.”

“Becoming Korean: A Memoir” is available on Amazon in both Kindle and paperback formats.

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Matthew Fulton (right) is working for entertainment sector law firm Romano Law PLLC in New York City.

TROY ALUMNUS COMBINES HIS LOVE OF MUSIC & LIFELONG AMBITION TO PRACTICE LAW One music industry alumnus is combining his love of music

During his final semester, an internship at a NYC literary

with a lifelong desire to be a lawyer. Matthew Fulton (’18),

agency provided Fulton’s pathway to New York City, where

credits Music Industry Director Robert W. Smith with blazing

he worked in the contracts department at one of the “Big 5”

the trail that would lead to New York City’s Romano Law

book publishers for a few years.

PLLC, a major player in the entertainment industry.

He completed his juris doctor at Brooklyn Law School,

“I had a great undergrad experience,” he said. “I was actively

consistently ranked as one of America’s top entertainment

involved in the (John M. Long) School of Music. I joined the

law schools and particularly known for being a school for

Sound of the South having never been in a marching band,

music lawyers. During law school, an internship at Romano

but I loved every second of it.”

Law led to his first job offer as a law clerk at the firm, but he

He became a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, the

instead chose to defer the offer and spend his next semester

world’s largest music fraternity, and minored in both

in the school’s sports law clinic placed at a National Football

entrepreneurship and legal studies. It was an academic class,

League agency.

however, that would set Fulton on a direct course in the

“After that, I returned to Romano and have stuck around

entertainment industry.

ever since,” he said. “It feels a bit surreal to be so close

“As a sophomore, I enrolled in Professor Smith’s Marketing

to fulfilling my dreams of working as an attorney in the

of Recorded Music course. In that class, we ran the school’s

entertainment industry. The music industry, in particular, is

recording company (Ilium Records), and I was assigned the

one where I have always felt at home and I’m thrilled to be

job of business affairs director, which in the real world is

returning to the industry (as an attorney).”

the record company’s lawyer,” he said. “At the end of the

Fulton is located in the New York offices of Romano, which

semester, I went to Mr. Smith’s offices and told him ‘I think I

also has offices in Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, San Diego,

want to go to law school.’” Smith responded by telling Fulton

Miami and San Francisco.

that was his idea in assigning him the job in the first place.

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ALUMNI

REPRESENTING TROY UNIVERSITY IN ECUADOR Troy University alumna Julie Whatley (’95) spent time in South America this year doing mission work in five remote villages in Ecuador. She volunteered with a children’s ministry, an eyeglasses clinic, a medical clinic, a dental clinic and a pharmacy.

“It’s been such a blessing,” said Whatley about the opportunity to give back to these communities.

Whatley graduated with her undergraduate degree from TROY in early childhood education and has previously been featured in University marketing campaigns.

’90

Jon Elvin Adams (’90) recently earned the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree from the University of Lynchburg in Lynchburg, Virginia. The DMSc degree is a physician-assistantspecific clinical doctorate degree that prepares PAs to lead and innovate while delivering exceptional patient care. Currently, Dr. Adams practices occupational medicine as a PA at The Wellness Center, operated by Premise Health, at Lockheed Martin MFC and

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Sikorsky RMS in Troy, Alabama.

Dr. Adams served as Team Clinician for Troy University, alongside Dr. Mickey DiChiara, for 20 years. Prior to PA school he was the Associate Athletic Trainer for Troy (State) University for five years.

Bryan Didier (’92) was recently named Partner and Managing Director for Monarch Private Capital’s renewable energy division. With nearly two decades of experience in law, the renewable energy sector and project finance, as well as a distinguished career in the U.S. Navy, Didier brings expertise and leadership to his new role. Prior to joining Monarch, Didier served as a Partner at Leverage Law Group, LLC, for almost 15 years, where he focused his practice on renewable tax credit transactions. He earned a master’s degree in management from Troy University.

Chellie Woodham Phillips (’92) is the recipient of the 2022 LaBerge Award for Excellence in Strategic Communication, awarded by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Thomas Relford (’94) has been named as the new City Administrator for Bolivar, Missouri. Relford previously worked for the FBI for 25 years before retiring as the Special Agent in Charge of the Albany, New York, field office in 2021. He currently owns and operates Thomas F. Relford Consulting, working as a Security Audit and Compliance Consultant.

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STORY OF HEROISM TROY ALUMNA STAR HY EVACUATES THOUSANDS AMID KABUL CRISIS

Women in Federal Law Enforcement (WIFLE) President Catherine Sanz (left), DSS Special Agent Star Hy (center) and WIFLE Vice President Jessie Lane (right) at the 2022 WIFLE Awards Ceremony Aug. 10, 2022, in Phoenix, Arizona (U.S. Department of State photo)

TROY alumna Star Hy (’05) was planning to be in Kabul,

seven-month training program that included standard law

Afghanistan, for one year working on investigating visa fraud

enforcement training, special tactics, leadership and high-

at the U.S. Embassy. Instead, the Diplomatic Security Service

threat training.

(DSS) Special Agent found herself evacuating thousands

“You learn weapons skills and even how to drive in dicey

of Americans, foreign allies and at-risk Afghans just two

situations, but the culmination of the training is an embassy

weeks after hitting the ground. She was the sole female

evacuation. The Foreign Affairs Security Training Center at

U.S. law enforcement officer supporting the evacuation and

Fort Barfoot has a mock embassy for training ... and you

humanitarian operation.

learn what to do and how you would hold an embassy,” she

“As the word got out that the embassy was evacuating,

said. That training paid off when the order came to evacuate

people are thinking, ‘This is my last chance to get out of the

the Kabul embassy, which is essentially a city within a city

country,’ or some thought maybe it was their only chance,”

with multi-story buildings and internal roads. The team

Hy said. “A few hundred turned into a few thousand. It was

had less than 48 hours to accomplish the mission under

never unmanageable, but it was challenging.”

escalating hostilities from the Taliban.

An Army officer, Hy had volunteered to move to the State

“I had just gone through the one-month refresher course

Department to become a DSS Special Agent in 2009. She

right before I got there, but I was not doing the typical

had graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West

security stuff. I was working with passports and immigration

Point and entered the military police. She spent time in

documents,” she said. “It was a very quick transition (back

Guantanamo Bay training in the early 2000s, transferred

into security operations).”

to the State Department and went through the DSS

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In 2022, she was awarded the Women in Federal Law Enforcement Julie Y. Cross Award, only the third DSS Special Agent to receive the honor. DSS Supervisory Agent Benjamin Sides, who was Deputy Regional Security Officer in Kabul at the time of the evacuation, nominated Hy for the award. In the nomination, Sides praised Hy for her “heroism and exceptional courage, risking her life on the front lines of incredible danger amid an unpredictable security situation as the Taliban took over strategic locations throughout Kabul.”

Once Hy had evacuated embassy staff and destroyed classified documents, computer equipment and armored vehicles to prevent them from falling into Taliban control, she helped move weapons and sensitive materials to Hamid Karzai International Airport — also the Kabul military base.

Once at the airport, Hy “heroically provided security amid flash grenades, tear gas and machine-gun fire while U.S. and Afghan military forces struggled to control volatile crowds at the gates,” the nomination continued.

She put her expertise in reviewing and verifying travel and identity documents to help process the thousands trying to flee the country and was on one of the last non-military planes out of Kabul.

Training was certainly key to Hy’s success and survival, but she credits her educational career as well.

Following her undergraduate degree, Hy said she was determined to earn a master’s degree, and she turned to TROY to do it. “My first duty station was Fort Benning [now Fort Moore], and I wanted to branch switch from MP to human resources on the Adjutant General staff. The Army had great tuition assistance and TROY taught night classes on post, and I knew I would be going to Korea where I could continue the classes online,” she said.

At the time, Hy said that degrees from many online

Hy worked with her fellow DSS agents to secure the U.S. Embassy and safely evacuate more than 1,400 U.S. government personnel, family members, contractors and third-country nationals to the Hamid Karzai International Airport, where she and other State Department personnel worked around the clock to evacuate hundreds of thousands of Americans, foreign allies and at-risk Afghans.

education providers through the Army’s goArmyU program didn’t mean a lot. “I knew TROY had a brick-and-mortar campus. I was from the South and knew about the school.

Beyond the practical experience TROY faculty members

That was 100% the deciding factor,” she said.

brought with them was their understanding of the

In fact, when Hy finished high school in Little Rock,

sometimes-unique challenges faced by service members in

Arkansas, she was familiar with colleges and universities in

completing the degree. “The flexibility and understanding

the region. Her father was a political science professor at

were great. If I had duty or other conflicts, the instructors

the University of Mississippi before heading to Arkansas. “I

worked with me to see me get graduated,” Hy said. “They

wanted a master’s that was relevant. All the professors I had

wanted us to succeed.”

were adjuncts, which I appreciated because they had real-

That was especially important for Hy’s situation. She chose

world experience they brought into the classroom. For me,

to take the classes that were harder in person on post at

I really appreciated that because real-world experience was

night, saving the less demanding courses to complete online

why I was getting the degree,” she said. “I wanted to know

when she transitioned overseas. “My professors were always

how others used the classes, the research, the statistics in

available to me, even when I had to work out a time to call

their day-to-day work.”

­— they’d make themselves available,” she said.

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’00 Scott Horne (’01) has been named Chief Executive Officer of Commnet Broadband, a subsidiary of ATN International, Inc., that provides highquality broadband communications services to carrier customers in rural America and Tribal communities.

Horne brings more than two decades of telecom leadership experience to his new role. He most recently served as Vice President of Engineering Operations at Comcast Cable and before that as Vice President of Operations and General Manager at Bright House Networks.

Lawrence Tynes (’01) was recently named Director of Practice Development at Creative Planning, LLC, a financial planning and wealth management firm. Tynes, a former place kicker for the Trojans, went on to an NFL career that saw him win two Super Bowl titles with the New York Giants.

His NFL career also included two stints with the Kansas City Chiefs and one year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Ben Fletcher (’03) has been named as Assistant Basketball Coach at the University of South Florida under Head Coach Amir Abdur-Rahim. Fletcher spent the previous four seasons as an Assistant Coach under Abdur-Rahim at Kennesaw State University. Prior to joining the Kennesaw staff, Fletcher spent 14 seasons as an Assistant Coach at TROY. One of TROY’s greatest basketball players in its D-I history, Fletcher played for the Trojans from 2001-03, averaging 13.4 points per game during his career. He was named first-team All-Atlantic Sun Conference his senior year (2002-03), helping the Trojans to their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance at the Division I level. During that season, he made a TROY D-I single-season record 92 three-pointers, eventually broken by

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Hunter Williams, who was coached by Fletcher. Fletcher finished his career with 160 made three-pointers, the sixth most in TROY’s D-I history.

Derrick Ansley (’04) was recently promoted to Defensive Coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers. Ansley had served as the Chargers’ Defensive Backs Coach since 2021, and his coaching career includes stints as Defensive Coordinator at the University of Tennessee, Defensive Backs Coach with the then-Oakland Raiders, an On-Field Defensive Graduate Assistant Coach at the University of Alabama and Defensive Backs Coach at Huntingdon College. During his time at TROY, Ansley started 40 consecutive games for the Trojans’ football team and had 19 career interceptions.

Dr. Pattie Rees (’05) has been named as the new Principal at Waverly Yowell Elementary School in Madison, Virginia.

Dr. Rees most recently served as the Assistant Principal at the school for the past four years. She previously taught at Wetsel Middle School and at Farmington Elementary School in Culpepper County, Virginia, where she was Teacher of the Year.

Brooke Mills (’06) is the new Director of International Ministries for the Montgomery Baptist Association and Headmaster of the association’s Conversational English School. She has worked with the governor’s office as Disaster Preparedness and Response Director and Community Preparedness and Response Director and most recently served as a Grant Manager with the United Way of Alabama.

Jessica Madison (’07) was recently named Executive Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing at Alabama State University. A Luverne native, she previously served as Assistant Athletic Director for Development and Marketing. Her professional background includes

an extensive list of positions with Fortune 500 corporations and sports organizations, including NASCAR. Jason Moore (’07) was recently named as the next Headmaster of Pickens Academy, an independent private school located in Carrollton, Alabama.

Moore previously served as Workforce Development Coordinator at the University of West Alabama. Prior to joining West Alabama, he held several positions during a nearly 21-year career at Shelton State Community College, most recently serving as Dean of Workforce and Economic Development.

He earned a master’s degree in human resource management from TROY. Jared Waldrop (’07), Senior Vice President and Operations Officer at Troy Bank & Trust Company, was recently recognized by Independent Banker as one of its 40 Under 40: 2023 Community Bank Leaders.

James Dicks (’08, ’09) was recently named as a Principal for the Birmingham-based accounting and advisory firm, Kassouf. Dicks is a two-time graduate of TROY, holding an undergraduate degree and a Master of Business Administration from the University. He works in Kassouf’s Healthcare Group, providing accounting, tax compliance, advisory and practice management services to healthcare clients. Dicks is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Valuation Analyst and is involved with the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Alabama Bourbon Club, and Corn and Cane.

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LEAVING A LEGACY

61

ALUMNA DR. LESLIE BLACK ENDOWS SCHOLARSHIP

of resources students in the area generally face. “It is a very small town and was devastated by the tornadoes that came through the Birmingham and Tuscaloosa areas several years ago. Those smaller towns tend to get left out,” Dr. Black said.

“Getting the George C. Wallace Scholarship was significant in me being able to go to college, so I wanted to be able to do the same.”

During her time at TROY, Dr. Black formed many longTwo-time alumna Dr. Leslie Black (’96, ’02) says her time

lasting relationships and became what she calls a well-

at Troy University helped to lay the foundation for her

rounded student. “I joined a sorority, so I went through the

career success, and now, she wants to provide those same

Mu Alpha chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha while I was there.

opportunities for future TROY students.

I was in the Gospel Choir. I was a Student Athletic Trainer,

Dr. Black has endowed the Dr. Leslie S. Black Endowed

so I went to practices, I traveled with teams,” she recalled.

Scholarship, to assist students from her alma mater, Cordova

“I was the Student Athletic Trainer for women’s basketball. I

High School, who are pursuing a degree within TROY’s

worked football part of my senior year as well. That kept me

College of Health and Human Services or the Sorrell College

very busy. I was a very well-rounded student.”

of Business on the Troy Campus. Should no applicants meet

Dr. Black believes that the foundation she received at TROY

this criterion, second preference will be given to African

has helped lead her to success within her career. “Being in

American applicants within the two colleges.

athletic training laid the foundation for any success that I’ve

Dr. Black, who now serves as a Sales Effectiveness Manager

had,” she said. “I feel it instilled in me the ability to look at

for Pfizer Inc., came to TROY after receiving the George

situations differently, to be calm under pressure and to have

C. Wallace Leadership Scholarship and knows the impact

a methodical process to let all your training and education

scholarship funds can have for students who might not

come into play when you must make decisions. I’m calm

otherwise be able to attend college.

under pressure, and I feel like that has helped me in my

“Once I hit a stride in my career financially, I knew that I

career. Being a lover of sports and being athletic, I’m very

wanted to leave a legacy, a mark,” she said. “One of the ways

competitive, so in a sales environment, that connects to

I felt I could build that legacy was through an endowment

being very successful.”

and something that would live in perpetuity.

In addition to the endowed scholarship, Dr. Black is giving

“I’ve always been an advocate for the Athletic Training

back to TROY in other ways as well. She was recently

Scholarship at TROY and was a consistent donor to it. I

selected to serve on the Advisory Council for the College of

always talked to my family about having a scholarship in my

Health and Human Services. “I’m proud to be doing a lot for

name or a building with my name on it at TROY. When the

TROY because of all TROY did for me,” Dr. Black said. “It is

opportunity finally presented itself, I was very proud to be

my hope to be able to eventually fund this scholarship in the

able to put my name on a scholarship at TROY.”

amount that one day it could be a full-tuition scholarship.

Specifying Cordova High School as a first qualifier for the

That will take a significant amount of money, but I’m willing

scholarship was important to Dr. Black because of the lack

to do the work to get it there.”

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Dr. Brett Blount (’09) is Safety and Occupational Health Manager for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He has more than 16 years of experience in safety and occupational health within the federal government, including the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security. Dr. Blount is a retired U.S. Army Aviation Officer and Standardized Instructor Pilot.

Erika Heil (’09) was recently named as Director of Community Development for the Village of Glen Carbon, Illinois.

Heil, who will oversee Glen Carbon’s building and zoning department and economic development initiatives, previously served as the Executive Director for The Alliance of Edwardsville and Glen Carbon, a nonprofit economic development partnership for the two communities.

She most recently served as Village Administrator for New Baden. She holds a Master of Public Administration degree from TROY.

’10 Susan Sisk (’10) was recently appointed as Director of the Office of Management and Budget of the State of North Dakota by Gov. Doug Burgum.

Sisk, a Certified Public Accountant, most recently served as Vice President and Director of Finance for the Bismarck-based engineering firm KLJ from 2015 to 2021. Prior to that, she served as Chief Financial Officer and Controller for CHI St. Alexius Health in Bismarck for eight years and as Director of Finance for the North Dakota Supreme Court from 2001 to 2007.

She also served as a Tax Accountant for a Bismarck accounting firm for nearly six years and as Supervisor of Fiscal Management for the state Retirement & Investment Office from 1990 to 1995. She holds an MBA from TROY.

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A.J. Howard (’11) has been named as the Head Coach of the Houston Academy baseball program. He has spent 10 years as the program’s Pitching Coach and Strength and Conditioning Coach. During his time at TROY, he pitched for the Trojans baseball team.

Dr. Kenneth Kinsey (’11) is Chief of Staff at the Orangeburg County, South Carolina, Sheriff’s Office. He served as a forensic crime scene expert during testimony in the high-profile murder trial of Alex Murdaugh.

Maj. William T. Staub (’13) recently assumed command of the 908th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron during an Assumption of Command ceremony held at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. With nearly 20 years of experience, Maj. Staub most recently served as the Operations Officer for the 908th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, overseeing the management of the wing’s nine C-130H2 aircraft.

Paul Evans (’14) is an Attorney in the Consumer Fraud & Commercial Litigation Section of Beasley Allen Law Firm’s Montgomery, Alabama, office. Evans handles business litigation, whistleblower claims and class actions, specifically those involving insurance-related claims.

He earned his Juris Doctor degree from Faulkner University’s Thomas Goode Jones School of Law in 2017.

Evans is a member of the Alabama State Bar, Alabama State Bar Young Lawyers Section, Montgomery County Bar Association Young Lawyers Section, Emerging Leaders for Alabama Association for Justice, Taxpayers Against Fraud and American Association for Justice.

Dr. Mac-Jane Crayton (’15) recently earned her Ph.D. in Public Administration, Public Policy and Nonprofit Management from Auburn University and has accepted a position as an Assistant Professor at Appalachian State University. She also founded Dream Mentorship, a mentoring and professional development organization dedicated to providing women with the mentoring, training and resources needed to pursue their dreams with confidence and clarity.

Dr. Mai Hoang Tran (’15) earned her Ph.D. from U.F. Scripps Biomedical Research Institute in 2022 and is now a postdoctoral research fellow at Boston Children’s Hospital, focusing on molecular engineering and mammalian gene editing.

Kadijah Benson (’18, ’21), MPA, SHRM-CP, has been elected as Vice President of the Alabama Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration. She has served as an Onboarding Coordinator for Encompass Health since January 2022.

Abby Burch (’18) recently became the new Lab Manager of the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology Wiregrass, where she is responsible for leading the community-led molecular breeding program, including genotyping and selection using low-coverage whole genome sequencing and back cross selection. Burch, who earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and biomedical sciences from Troy University, previously worked as a Lab Technician for Dothan Pediatric Healthcare Network.

CONTINUED ON PG. 64

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T R O Y T O DAY

A LUM NI

THAT’S A WRAP

63

BROADCAST JOURNALISM ALUMNA AMANDA DUKES WINS REGIONAL EMMY AT END OF TV NEWS CAREER

Troy University alumna Amanda Dukes (’88) and her

Dukes came to TROY on a full scholarship after winning

colleagues at WESH 2 News in Orlando, Florida, were

New Hampshire’s Junior Miss. She received offers from

awarded a Regional Emmy for their coverage of a local

multiple southern schools, but TROY stood out because of

tragedy that made international headlines and spurred

its broadcast journalism program.

potential legislative changes in the state of Florida.

“When I found out that TROY had such an amazing

Dukes, along with Anika Hope, Greg Fox, Marlei Martinez

broadcast journalism program, I knew that’s where I wanted

and Kelsi Thorud, was

to go, and I was so thrilled that I

recognized during the Suncoast

ended up there,” she said. “I felt like

Regional Emmy Awards held in

I got not only a great education,

Orlando on Dec. 10. The team

but I had such a great experience

was awarded the Emmy in the

at TROY. In just the past couple

Continuing Coverage category

of years, I’ve started going back

for coverage of the death of

quite a bit for football games and

14-year-old Tyre Sampson on

sorority reunions, and it’s been so

an amusement park ride in

fun to return and see how much

March 2022.

everything has changed.”

“In the weeks and months that

During her time at TROY, Dukes

followed, we continued to

was a member of the Alpha Gamma

cover the story. There were a

Delta sorority, was named Miss

lot of questions raised by local

Troy State University in 1986, was

officials and lawmakers about

a Trojan Ambassador and a member

how this could happen and

of the University Choir. She

who was responsible and if

graduated with a bachelor’s degree

any of the laws and regulations

in broadcast journalism in 1988.

needed to be changed in the

After graduating, she returned to

future to ensure this doesn’t

New Hampshire and worked for a

happen again,” she said.

year in radio news while trying to

“Myself and my colleagues just stayed on the story

find a way to break into TV news. Eventually, she convinced

and did dozens and dozens of reports over a period of

the news director at the ABC affiliate in Manchester, New

several months.”

Hampshire, to let her freelance.

This award was special to Dukes as it came on the heels of

Dukes served as the Morning and Noon Anchor at WMUR-

her decision to retire after 33 years in TV news. Her last day

TV in Manchester for eight years before deciding to try her

on air was Feb. 13, 2023.

hand at working in a bigger market. She worked with an

“I was at the Emmys knowing that this was going to be my

agent to apply at stations across the country and was picked

last one, so it was especially meaningful,” she said. “To be

up by WESH 2 News soon after. Dukes now serves as Senior

able to wrap up my TV news career enjoying that kind of

Public Information Officer for the government of Orange

recognition felt really good.”

County, Florida.

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64

TROY TOD AY

Kaala Maple (’19) was recently appointed to the Board of South Carolina’s Commission for Minority Affairs where she will serve as a Commissioner At-Large. Maple is also a 2023 Port Ambassador for the South Carolina Ports, working to increase public awareness and support for their strategic plan and initiatives. Maple currently works as a Federal Contractor and was formerly on the staff of United States Congressman James E. Clyburn.

Trent Patterson (’19) was named as Director of Basketball Operations at the University of South Florida. Patterson spent seven seasons with the TROY basketball staff, beginning as a Student Manager in 2016.

Taylor Pollock (’19) has joined the news team at WBRC TV in Birmingham, Alabama. Pollock joined the News 4 team at Dothan’s WTVY following graduation as a Multimedia Journalist before rising through the ranks to become News 4’s Evening Anchor.

During her time as a student at TROY, Pollock, a Columbus, Georgia, native, anchored, produced and reported for the campus television station, TrojanVision, serving as Student News Director in 2019. She also interned in 2017 at Montgomery’s WSFA.

’20 Anna Carson Money (’21), a Nurse at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, was one of 10 nurses honored in the Opelika-Auburn News’ Heart of Health Care initiative. Prior to her current position, she worked in East Alabama Medical Center’s emergency room from 2017 until 2021.

Caroline Gerhart (’22) is the new Anchor for WTVY’s News 4 This Morning. She had previously served as a weekend anchor for the station’s news broadcast and has been a part of the WTVY team since May 2022.

Amanda Lofton (’22), a Contractor Support Specialist at Alabama Power’s Plant Barry, has been named the 2023 President of the Alabama Power Service Organizations Board of Directors.

Comprised of nine chapters statewide, the nonprofit community-support organization boasts more than 5,000 volunteers who are employees of Alabama Power, Southern Nuclear and Southern Company living in Alabama and their family members. Lofton began her Alabama Power career at Plant Barry in Mobile County in 2010 as an Administrative Support Specialist. She was promoted to Power Generation Analyst in 2014 before taking her current position in 2021. She earned a master’s degree in human resource management from TROY.

IN REMEMBRANCE TROY UNIVERSITY ALUMNI Euel Akins (’79)

Elsa May Falk Lightsey (’80)

TROY UNIVERSITY FRIENDS

Sarah Betterton (’13)

Kenneth Manwaring (’73)

Joseph Bryant Harrington, Jr.

Freddy Brannon (’69)

James Jerome Naughton (’07)

Teddy “Ted” Eugene Hicks

Gene Brannon (’60)

Mari Reed-Berry (’72, ’74)

Norma Helen Joseph

Col. Joe Larry Byrd, USAF ret. (’72)

Robert W. Smith (’79)

Julie Knowles

Jerry Cooper (’73)

Gail Turner (’66)

Sarah Mosely

John K. Faircloth, Sr. (’61)

Ann Kelly Williams (’50)

John Teague

Mary Garrett (’63)

Walter Clark Wilson, Jr. (’75)

Judy Means Wagnon

John Wilson Hicks, Jr. (’79)

Victor Yurkovic, Sr. (’98)

Harold Wicks

Tamara Jones (’92)

troy-today-2023-edition-inside-pages.indd 64

3/19/24 1:59 PM

TROY UNIVERSITY

PODCAST NETWORK • • • • • •

The Talk of TROY In Focus with Carolyn Hutcheson Clarinet Corner Econversations from Troy University Speaking Globally The Double Dome

• • • • •

It Came from The Archives Mad Melodies Culture and Belonging Alabama Aloud with Don Noble On Leadership with Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr.

AVAILABLE WHEREVER YOU GET YOUR PODCASTS. TODAY.TROY.EDU/PODCAST

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3/19/24 3:26 PM

2023 EDITION

TROY UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE ALUMNI AFFAIRS OFFICE TROY, AL 36082

20 23 ED ITION A YEAR IN REVIEW

MAKING

TROY UNIVERSITY RESEARCH IS

WAV E S

M A K I N G A W O R L D W I D E I M PA C T.

TROY UNIVERSITY

IT’S YOUR TIME TO TAKE THE LEAD

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troy.edu | 1-800-586-9771

www.troy.today

TROY’s top-ranked programs will prepare you to be a leader in your field. At Troy University, we offer up to 50% tuition scholarships for military and their families. Our Military and Family Scholarships cap the cost of tuition at $250 per credit hour for active-duty military, Reservists and National Guard for both undergraduate and graduate programs. Be part of a family of leaders with more than 175,000 alumni worldwide. It’s your time to lead.

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