TROY to YOU: EET faculty awarded grant, Alumnus received excellence in teaching award, Partnership helps future RDNs
February 7, 2025
PHOTO of the WEEK





NEWS
TROY Electronics Engineering Technology Faculty awarded $394K NSF grant for student learning apps development
Troy University Electronics Engineering Technology faculty have secured a competitive, $394,429 National Science Foundation grant that will aid in the development of visual learning apps for STEM students not just at TROY, but for higher learning institutions nationwide.
Dr. Raj Vinnakota, Associate Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Physics, and Dr. Shaimum Shahriar, Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Physics, were awarded the Improving Undergraduate STEM Education grant to develop easy-to-use, interactive simulation apps for teaching optoelectronics.
Troy University Alumnus Justin Swasey Receives Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
Justin Swasey, a 9th-grade math teacher at Headland Middle School, has been awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. This prestigious honor is the highest national recognition for K-12 math and science educators in the United States.
The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching recognizes educators who have demonstrated exceptional teaching practices and developed high-quality instructional programs in mathematics and science. Swasey was selected for this honor based on his innovative approach to teaching and his dedication to student success. He has nearly 14 years of experience with the Henry County Board of Education.
New Rutgers-Troy University Partnership Creates Exciting Pathway for Aspiring RDNs
Troy University students who are interested in becoming Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) now have an exciting new opportunity, thanks to a unique partnership with Rutgers University. Through this collaboration, third-year Nutrition Program students at TROY can apply for early acceptance into Rutgers University’s Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition. This initiative provides a clear pathway for students to advance their education and careers seamlessly.
Hall School students take home awards at Southeast Journalism Conference
A group of Troy University journalism students traveled to Starkville, Mississippi, to participate in the Southeast Journalism Conference (SEJC) over the weekend.
Hosted in Troy last year, SEJC is an annual event that features the top journalism programs from across the Southeast. In 2025, 27 schools made the trek to Mississippi State University.
This year’s iteration featured panels from industry experts, on-site competitions, keynote speakers Ross Dellenger and Isabelle Taft, the “Best of the South” awards banquet and student social events.
TROY Student films selected to air at UNA George Lindsey Film Festival
Five films made by Troy University design students have been named as Official Selections in the 2025 UNA George Lindsey Film Festival.
Reanna Thompson, Nathan Hobbs, Howard Purvee, Zack Pappanastos, Jared Hester, and Laken Lee will all have their films featured during the 28th annual festival.
VIDEOS
Chinese New Year Celebration
TROY’s Chinese Student and Scholars Association and the Office of International Programs held their annual Chinese New Year celebration last week.
Trojan Talk with Dr. Korrie Lynn Williamson
TROY TrojanVision News’ Sarah Campbell learns about activities on the TROY campus and from around the community. In this episode, Sarah interviews Dr. Korrie Lynn Williamson to discuss how students can get involved in on campus groups and activities.
PODCASTS
The Fascinating Friendship Between Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – In Focus – Feb 4, 2025
February is Black History Month, and one of the most popular places to visit is the Troy University Rosa Parks Museum in Montgomery. Today’s In Focus brings you the story of the friendship between Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Trojans Talk Research – Dr. Grant Mouser
This month’s podcast brings Barry McKnight into the brand-new Jones Hall at Troy University! McKnight learns about the cutting-edge research of Dr. Grant Mouser, an associate professor in the Dept. of Kinesiology and Health Promotion, into “Blood Flow Restriction: From The Lab To The Clinic”. Dr. Mouser also shares a look inside the new facility and how Troy students are challenged within the curriculum, on the Trojans Talk Research Podcast.