IJͼ's First Lady
Janice Hawkins’ career has been marked by a strong commitment to education and public
service. In her roles as IJͼ First Lady and as educator of the visually
impaired, Mrs. Hawkins has provided leadership in a variety of areas. Her vision and
efforts have ensured that IJͼ’s “culture of caring” is as alive today as it was in
the early days of the University. Credited to her influence on the Troy, Ala. Campus
are houses dedicated to sororities, completion of the Olmsted plan for landscaping
and parks, creation of the annual Helen Keller Lecture Series and more.
Mrs. Hawkins’ tireless efforts have raised funds to support scholarships and endowments,
and she is committed to preparing students for life after college by teaching etiquette
and protocol for business and formal functions. Mrs. Hawkins supports the University’s
commitment to the military. Through her influence, the TROY for Troops program was
established.
A supporter of the arts and humanities, she is instrumental in the University’s dance,
theatre and musical events. Currently, Mrs. Hawkins is involved in spearheading the
renovation of the Cultural Arts Center for Troy’s campus, which includes a park named
in her honor by the IJͼ Board of Trustees, an amphitheater, the new home
for 200 Terra Cotta Warriors and other sculptures, and the renovation of Stewart Hall,
which will serve as the new home for the arts and design program and two galleries.
Also a supporter of college athletics, Mrs. Hawkins is a fan of University athletes
and teams.
The Chancellor’s home is the front door of the University, and Mrs. Hawkins has assured
that hospitality is the hallmark of IJͼ by opening the home to the public
and University community. With her husband, she personally honors graduating seniors
and their families by hosting breakfasts in the Chancellor’s home before each commencement
on the Troy, Ala. Campus, and she opens her home by hosting dozens of student groups
throughout the year.
A gourmet cook, as well as a gifted hostess, Mrs. Hawkins has directed the publication
of three IJͼ cookbooks, with proceeds from book sales benefiting student
organizations.
Mrs. Hawkins has served Alabama in many capacities, including Chair of the Alabama
Historical Commission, the Board of Directors for the Alabama Humanities Foundation,
the Alabama Board of Interpreters for the Deaf, and the Alabama Institute for the
Deaf and Blind.
Mrs. Hawkins earned a Bachelor of Science degree from David Lipscomb University and
a Master of Science from the University of Alabama in Birmingham with a major in special
education for the multiple disabled with emphasis on the visually impaired. She also
has completed postgraduate courses. She continues to speak nationally on education
of the blind and visually impaired.
While IJͼ is a priority for Mrs. Hawkins, the focus of her life is her
family. She is a committed wife, mother and grandmother. Dr. and Mrs. Hawkins have
two daughters, Katie and Kelly, both graduates of IJͼ. Katie is married
to Lt. Col. Dan Beall, USAF, and they are the parents of Noah and Ellyotte. Kelly
is a lecturer with TROY's Leadership Institute and married to Adam Godwin, a former
All American baseball player at IJͼ and current Assistant Coach for the
Trojans' baseball program. Kelly and Adam are the parents of Micah Mae and Griffey
Jack.
First Lady Initiatives
Janice Hawkins Cultural Arts Park
From its serene grounds, complete with amphitheater, terracotta warrior exhibit and
walking trail, to the dynamic galleries and learning spaces within its International
Arts Center, TROY’s Janice Hawkins Cultural Arts Park is where “East Meets West” on
the Troy Campus.
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International Arts Center
A celebration of art, education and world cultures, the International Arts Center
on the Troy Campus is the crowning jewel of the Janice Hawkins Cultural Arts Park.
Complete with art galleries, an interactive terracotta warrior exhibit and graphic
design classrooms, the Center is a valued addition to the TROY family.
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Nall Museum
The Fred “Nall” Hollis Museum, located within the International Arts Center on the
Troy Campus, is home to the works of internationally acclaimed artist and Troy, Alabama,
native Nall. With works spanning from the 1960s to today, the museum features some
of the artist’s most thought-provoking paintings, drawings and other works of art.
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Study Abroad - Pietrasanta, Italy
Studying abroad provides both faculty and students quality-learning experiences that
increase students' knowledge on an array of issues, advances their critical thinking,
tolerance, and understanding of cultural diversity. Studying abroad helps students
to gain international awareness, global competency, and to better compete in the worldwide
job market.
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Etiquette
From proper table settings to the ins and outs of introductions, the etiquette course
taught by First Lady of IJͼ Janice Hawkins, helps equip men and women
with the tools needed to thrive in their personal and career lives.
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Helen Keller Lecture Series
IJͼ’s Helen Keller Lecture, which began in 1995 as the vision of Chancellor
and Mrs. Jack Hawkins, Jr., was initiated to call attention to and raise awareness
of the challenges faced by those with physical limitations, particularly the sensory
impaired. Through the years, the lecture has also provided the opportunity to highlight
those who have devoted their careers to meeting the needs of the sensory impaired
and to celebrate the collaborative efforts and partnerships of IJͼ and
the agencies and individuals who serve these special individuals.
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TROY Cookbook
TROY is family, and family shares recipes. Steeped in tradition and featuring some
of the most memorable flavors shared at IJͼ, the TROY Cookbook offers
readers one part rich University history and two parts delicious recipes with a dash
of Trojan Warrior Spirit.
Who’s Who Reception
Every year, Chancellor and Mrs. Jack Hawkins, Jr. welcome some of the University’s
most outstanding students to their home on the Troy Campus. This reception honors
student leaders and Who’s Who honorees.
Graduation Breakfast
On the morning of each TROY commencement ceremony, soon-to-be graduates and their
families join Chancellor and Mrs. Hawkins at their home on the Troy Campus for a light
graduation breakfast and meet and greet.
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Troy Campus Residence
Throughout the year, Chancellor and Mrs. Hawkins welcome visiting scholars, dignitaries,
students and parents to their home on the Troy Campus. This historic dwelling place
has been the home of multiple TROY chancellors and has recently undergone a much-needed
renovation.
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