PHOTO of the WEEK









NEWS
Curry encourages graduates to embrace the journey to becoming the best version of themselves
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Glenda Curry, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama, told Troy University graduates on Friday that their commencement ceremony was not an ending, but rather a beginning of their journey to become the best possible versions of themselves.
More than 850 graduates, representing 21 U.S. states and eight nations outside the United States, took part in the spring commencement exercises inside Trojan Arena on the Troy Campus. The field included three receiving the Doctor of Philosophy degree, eight receiving the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and two receiving the Educational Specialist degree.

Dr. Kerry Palmer named Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Troy University
Dr. Kerry Palmer has been named as Troy University’s Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor, announced on Thursday. He fills the position left vacant by the retirement of Dr. Lance Tatum.
Dr. Palmer has served as Dean of the University’s College of Education since 2020, and previously served as the college’s Associate Dean since January 2019.
As a TROY alumnus and a TROY parent, Dr. Palmer brings a tremendous sense of passion and dedication to his new role. Dr. Palmer’s proven track record of leadership and vision will serve Troy University well now and into the future.
Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. - Chancellor, Troy University
Alumna is recognized for heroics in the evacuation of the U.S. Embassy in Kabul
TROY alumna Star Hy was planning to be in Kabul, Afghanistan for one year working on investigating visa fraud at the U.S. Embassy there.
Instead, the Diplomatic Security Service special agent found herself evacuating thousands of Americans, foreign allies and at-risk Afghans just two weeks after hitting the ground. She was the sole female U.S. law enforcement officer supporting the evacuation and humanitarian operation.
ArtSPARK returns to TROY’s International Arts Center on Saturday
Troy University’s International Arts Center will host ArtSPARK on Saturday, May 20, offering free hands-on art projects and activities for area children.
The event will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday and is designed for pre-K and elementary-aged children, but open to children of all ages.
The event will include a hands-on art activity provided by Erin Craft, along with story and snack time, an art scavenger hunt in the IAC galleries, and outdoor activities in the Janice Hawkins Cultural Arts Park, including feeding the turtles and fish in the pond. Families can stop by at any time during the event; it isn’t necessary to stay for the entire duration.
VIDEOS
Surprising the Graduates
We decided to have some fun with graduates on commencement day and give them a little surprise that starts out with a fist bump.
Trojans Talk Research: Dr. Dee Bennett and Dr. Paige Paquette
This presentation features the College of Education and SHORT the Squirrel. Dr. Paquette and Dr. Bennett discuss how quality partnerships, detailed procedures, and organizational practices are essential to research.
PODCASTS
TPR's In Focus - "Hidden Gems for Alabama Travelers"
Author and TV host Mary Johns Wilson talks with In Focus host Carolyn Hutcheson about the hidden gems she's discovered in a decade of traveling through Alabama. Her book, "100 Things to Do in Alabama Before You Die" is in its second edition.
Culture and Belonging: Humility and Willingness to Listen
On our second episode of Culture and Belonging, we’ll hear from history instructor Joe McCall, a self-proclaimed frustrated Latin scholar, about how he defines culture in the context of advocating for international students and colleagues. Joe will help us try to answer the question, “What role does religion play in a culturally diverse environment?” Conflict is part of life, but humility and being willing to listen to others can go a long way towards developing trust as we build community in any setting.