Troy University

Troy University
source
Name	Troy University
Established	1887
Type	Public university
City	Troy
State	Alabama
Country	United States
Athletics	NCAA Division I – Sun Belt Conference
Nickname	Trojans
Mascot	T-Roy

Troy University. A public university with its flagship campus in Troy, Alabama, it was founded in 1887 as a normal school for teacher education. The institution has evolved into a comprehensive university with a significant global presence, known for its extensive online programs and multiple regional campuses across the American South. It competes in NCAA Division I athletics as a member of the Sun Belt Conference.

History

The institution was founded in 1887 by an act of the Alabama Legislature as the Troy State Normal School, primarily to train teachers for public schools in the region. It underwent several name changes, becoming Troy State Teachers College in 1929 and later Troy State College in 1957, reflecting its expanding academic scope beyond education. A pivotal moment came in 1967 when it was designated Troy State University by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, gaining university status. The modern era was marked by the 2004 consolidation with its Montgomery and Dothan campuses and the Phenix City site, leading to the unified name under its current designation, a change championed by then-Chancellor Jack Hawkins Jr.. This restructuring aimed to streamline administration and enhance its reach, solidifying its role within the University of Alabama System and other state institutions.

Academics

The university is organized into several colleges, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the Sorrell College of Business, and the College of Education. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees, with notable programs in business administration, criminal justice, and nursing. A hallmark of its academic profile is a robust commitment to distance learning, operating one of the nation's largest online education programs through eCampus, which serves a substantial population of military personnel and international students. The university maintains accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and holds specialized accreditations for programs in fields like journalism and social work. Its Global Campus division supports teaching sites across the United States and in several international locations, including partnerships in Asia and Europe.

Campuses and locations

The main campus is situated in Troy, Alabama, featuring landmarks such as the Janice Hawkins Cultural Arts Park and the Trojan Arena. Beyond the flagship, the university operates full-service regional campuses in Montgomery near Maxwell Air Force Base, and in Dothan, serving the Wiregrass Region. An additional instructional site is located in Phenix City, part of the Columbus, Georgia metropolitan area. Its extensive Global Campus network includes over sixty teaching sites in North America, Asia, and Europe, often co-located with U.S. Department of Defense installations. These locations support the university's mission to provide accessible education to traditional students, working adults, and active-duty military members worldwide.

Athletics

The university's athletic teams, known as the Trojans, compete at the NCAA Division I level as a member of the Sun Belt Conference. Football games are played at Veterans Memorial Stadium, while basketball teams compete in the Trojan Arena. The football program has achieved significant success, including multiple Sun Belt Conference championships and victories in bowl games such as the Dollar General Bowl and the New Orleans Bowl. Other sponsored sports include baseball, softball, and track and field. The mascot, T-Roy, and the official fight song, "Trojans One and All," are central to game-day traditions. The athletics department fosters intense rivalries, particularly with nearby institutions like the University of South Alabama.

Notable alumni and faculty

Notable alumni include John Lewis, the late U.S. Congressman and civil rights icon; DeMarcus Ware, a Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee and former Dallas Cowboys star; and Bobby Bright, former Mayor of Montgomery and U.S. Representative. In the realm of broadcasting, alumnus Rhett Walker is a prominent Christian music artist. The faculty has included figures such as John M. Long, a longtime band director for whom the college of arts and sciences is named, and Hasan A. Yahya, a sociologist and author. The university's alumni base is also represented in government by figures like Steve Flowers, a political columnist and former state legislator.

Category:Universities and colleges in Alabama Category:Public universities and colleges in the United States Category:Sun Belt Conference Category:Educational institutions established in 1887