Troy University’s Dean of Student Services Herbert Reeves has been honored by the Boy Scouts of America with its highest award for distinguished service to youth throughout the region.

Alabama Florida Council Scout Executive Jerry Freyberg and Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr. presented the National Council’s North Star Award to Reeves during the University’s annual Christmas Luncheon on Wednesday. “Dean Herb Reeves exemplifies the North Star Award as he is a constant to which young people in our region and on our campus can look for solid guidance,” Dr. Hawkins said. “At Troy University, we see the servant leader as a very fundamental part of the Trojan Warrior ethos.”

Freyberg said the award was a clear reflection of the person receiving it.

“Dean Reeves exemplifies one of Scouting’s most core values: ‘helping others at all times.’ For more than 30 years, he has supported Scouting through his work at the University,” Freyberg said. “He goes the ‘extra mile’ for Scouting and other organizations that fundamentally match the mission of Boy Scouts of America – promoting strong character to today’s youth. Dean Reeves sets a ‘true course’ for those around him.”

The North Star Award is Scouting’s highest national award that can be given to a non-Scout volunteer for distinguished service to the youth.  His nomination was approved by BSA’s National Court of Honor. The award is on level with Scouting’s Silver Beaver Award, given for distinguished service by a registered Scouting member. Among the Scouting programs Reeves has supported is Troy University’s Merit Badge University, which brings Scouts from throughout Alabama and the surrounding states to the University each October for a day of intensive merit badge training.

This fall, MBU completed its seventh year at Troy, having served more than 1,700 Scouts and some 500 adult volunteer leaders. The Alabama Florida Council of the Scouts serves 10 counties in southeast Alabama and north Florida and y has more than 3,000 youth members and 1,000 volunteer leaders.