The resolution honors Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. for his remarkable 35-year tenure as Chancellor of Troy University, during which he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the institution's growth and academic success. Dr. Hawkins, a Mobile, Alabama native, has a distinguished educational background and prior leadership experience, including roles at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind. His military service as a lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War further exemplifies his dedication and commitment to service.

Under Dr. Hawkins's guidance, Troy University has achieved notable advancements, including the unification of its campus branches into a cohesive system, the expansion of global offerings, and the elevation of the university to doctoral status. His tenure has also seen increased academic standards, the establishment of new degree programs, and the enhancement of intercollegiate athletics. The resolution concludes by commending Dr. Hawkins for his visionary leadership and lasting impact on students, educators, and the broader community, recognizing him as the longest-serving chief executive officer of a public university in the United States.