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In a world too often drawn to the loudest voices, the swaggering machismo of so-called leaders, and the glimmer of power that comes from ego rather than integrity, Dr. Jack Hawkins stands as a rare and shining example of true leadership. His recent announcement to retire as Chancellor of Troy University marks the end of an era, not just for the institution he has guided with unparalleled vision since 1989, but for the many thousands whose lives he has touched across Alabama and the world.
Dr. Hawkins embodies a brand of leadership that is as old as it is profound—a leadership defined not by bluster but by character, not by self-interest but by service. From the jungles of Vietnam, where he served as a Marine officer, to the corridors of Troy University, Hawkins has consistently chosen the path of service over self, leaving a legacy that extends far beyond the walls of any single institution.
In today’s cultural landscape, where the “tough guy” image is too often the one celebrated, Hawkins is indeed tough—but his toughness is of a different sort. It’s the quiet strength of a man who knows that true power lies in lifting others up, not tearing them down. It’s the courage to lead with kindness, the wisdom to innovate, and the humility to serve when it would be easier—and far more lucrative—to seek fortune in the private sector or political spotlight.
Under Hawkins’ leadership, Troy University has been transformed from a regional college into a global institution, with campuses and partnerships that span the world. He foresaw the potential of online education long before others, positioning Troy as a leader in distance learning and expanding opportunities for military students, international learners, and anyone seeking a quality education without the barriers of geography.
But more than the physical and academic growth he oversaw, it is the values Hawkins instilled that will endure. At Troy, he created a culture that honors leadership, ethics, and service. It’s a culture that doesn’t just prepare students to succeed in their careers but challenges them to be better citizens, to engage with their communities, and to lead with the same integrity Hawkins himself has modeled for decades.
From the founding of the Confucius Institute to building modern facilities that have reshaped Troy’s campuses, Hawkins’ fingerprints are everywhere. His commitment to military students has made Troy one of the top military-friendly universities in the nation, and his vision for global education has connected Alabama with the wider world in ways that few could have imagined.
Hawkins’ retirement is a reminder that leadership, real leadership, is about more than titles or accolades. It’s about the lives touched, the communities strengthened, and the hope inspired. It’s about leaving things better than you found them—a lesson Hawkins has taught not just in classrooms but in the way he has lived his life.
The story of Jack Hawkins is one of service, sacrifice, and the kind of heart-led leadership that stands as a torchbearer in these times of cynicism and division. As he steps down, we are left to reflect on the quiet power of a man whose legacy is not just in buildings or programs but in the countless individuals who will carry forward the torch of hope he so steadfastly kept alight.
In the end, that may be his greatest gift: the reminder that when one man stands with dawn in his eyes, leading with hope and heart, the world can’t help but follow.
