Troy University Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr. was inducted into the Alabama Academy of Honor on Monday for his nearly three decades of work at the university.

Named chancellor in 1989, Hawkins has overseen an era of change and growth at Troy University.

In 2005, he led the merger of the Troy State University System into Troy University. This unification enabled the institution to better reflect its worldwide mission.

Chancellor Hawkins’ efforts and initiatives have served as the catalyst for the University’s evolution into an international institution.

Established in 1965, the Academy bestows honor and recognition upon living Alabamians for their outstanding accomplishments and services to the state and the nation.

Membership is limited to 100 distinguished Alabamians and all of Alabama’s living governors.

In the course of the Academy’s history, over 260 members have been elected, recognizing men and women from a wide variety of backgrounds and areas of achievement.

Claude B. Nielsen, former CEO of Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, was also inducted into the Academy at the ceremony.