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RECOGNITION SOCIETIES

1887 Society

The 1887 Society of ���߲ݴ�ý University is an exclusive society that exists to recognize donors who have made annual gifts to the University for the last three or more consecutive years. As a member, donors are recognized with a welcome packet, a commemorative certificate, a custom logo lapel pin and invitations to seminars, athletic and special events on campus.

TROY Shield Society

The Shield Society recognizes donors who have committed a Legacy Gift to ���߲ݴ�ý University. A legacy gift is a planned estate gift made through a will or living trust, beneficiary designation, IRA charitable rollover, certain real estate, a donor-advised fund, or charitable lead trust.

For more information about making a legacy gift, please visit , email us at legacygiving@troy.edu, or call (334) 670-3608. 

The Arts & Science Alliance

The Arts & Science Alliance is comprised of the most elite and faithful donors to the College of Arts & Sciences.  The Alliance welcomes donors who give $1,000 or more annually to any CAS fund, while those who have graduated in the last 15 years are eligible through a minimum contribution of $500. Contributions can made throughout the year to reach the Alliance level and can even be established by signing up for smaller monthly recurring gifts.

White Coat Society

By donating $100 or more, you can join the White Coat Society and make an immediate impact on the life of a nursing student. You will be able to hear from students and faculty and see how your generosity truly made a difference. This is an annual giving initiative that will assist undergraduate nursing students in purchasing necessary medical items such as scrubs, coats, shoes, stethoscopes, and even smaller items like badge holders, bandage scissors, and clipboards. 

���߲ݴ�ý Humanities Alliance/ THA

THA is a body of friends, alumni, supporters, and patrons of ���߲ݴ�ý University's College of Communication and Fine Arts. THA promotes the well-being, advancement, and success of CCFA by assisting administrators, faculty and staff through enhancing and engaging its network of supports. Give annually to CCFA at a level that is meaningful to the member. Giving tiers include: Designer Circle - $2,500 per year; Performer Circle - $1,200 per year; Authors - $500 per year; Reporters - $300 per year; Ensemble Members - $100 per year.                                                                                                         

College of Education Dean's Leadership Circle

The Dean's Leadership Circle is an annual giving recognition society for donors who contribute $1,000 or more annually to any ���߲ݴ�ý University's College of Education fund. Leadership giving within the College of Education plays a dynamic and vital role in proving annual support to the College. Gifts at the Dean's Leadership Circle level can be made in support of faculty and students through investments in scholarships, capital projects or for operational support of the College.                                                                                                                                                                        

2025 NEW ENDOWED FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS

2025 New Current Foundation Scholarships

FEATURED STORIES

Barbara Patterson Endowed Scholarship to assist student leaders

Barbara Patterson spent more than 38 years mentoring and guiding student leaders at ���߲ݴ�ý University through the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership, and now that legacy of service will continue through a scholarship named in her honor.

After her retirement from the University in 2024, Patterson was honored by friends and colleagues through the establishment of the Barbara Patterson Endowed Scholarship for Student Involvement. The scholarship will assist student leaders on the ���߲ݴ�ý Campus who are members of the Student Government Association, the National Panhellenic Council, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, the Interfraternity Council or the University Activities Council.  

The scholarships will be awarded for the academic year beginning in the fall and will be for one year only, though the recipients may reapply the following year. Recipients will be selected by the Office of Student Services.

“Everything Barbara has done through her service to the University has been for the betterment of students,” said Herb Reeves, Dean of Student Services. “She has been dedicated to developing young leaders whether that was through her work with the Student Government Association, Greek Life or other student organizations. She gave so much to so many during her time with the University and still does in a variety of ways. We felt this scholarship was an excellent way to continue her legacy and help deserving students continue to develop the leadership skills they will need following graduation.”

For former TROY student leaders, Patterson's impact is one they have carried with them after graduation.

“Ms. Patterson not only impacted ���߲ݴ�ý University, but also every student that crossed her path. She is one of the main reasons that I remained involved in the Student Government Association for all of my four years at TROY,” said Betsy Bennett, a 2025 graduate who served as SGA President during the 2024-2025 academic year. “Ms. Patterson's many years at TROY allowed her to impart so much knowledge about the school and its organizations' histories, as well as valuable life lessons. If we ever had any questions, she was always the first person to ask, and she always had the right answer. She also allowed us to grow in our leadership abilities but remained a source of constant support when we fell short. I will always be grateful for being able to experience ���߲ݴ�ý University while Ms. Patterson was there.”

Gus McKenzie, Senior Director of Enrollment Services at TROY, served as SGA President in 2018-2019 and was President of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity from 2017-2018, as well as holding other leadership positions before his graduation in 2019. He earned his master's in strategic communication from TROY in 2023.

“There aren't enough words to express my gratitude for Barbara Patterson,” McKenzie said. “Throughout my time as an undergraduate student at TROY, ‘BPatt' was a constant. She was always there to encourage, no matter the circumstance. She poured into so many students on this campus and was instrumental in crafting people who would become leaders in their field. I am thankful to know Ms. Patterson, as are the many Trojans she impacted.”

Patterson said she was honored to have a scholarship that will help students succeed named in her honor.

“For many years I worked with the students who received the Excellence in Leadership scholarship. I was so impressed with the dedication of these students, many of whom who honored the name of the scholarship by serving in leadership roles on campus,” Patterson said. “Most of these students also worked part time jobs to pay for their education. Your support of TROY scholarships is vital to our students' success. I am honored to have one of those scholarships named after me. Please honor our students with your donation."

���߲ݴ�ý University alumna Wendy McGhee, one of Georgia's 100 Women of Excellence and a leader in technology for nearly 30 years, has established an endowed scholarship for TROY students majoring in technology fields.

Named the Wendy McGhee Endowed Scholarship for an Outstanding Computer Science Student, the scholarship aims to support students pursuing technology degrees, a field where she has built an international career.

“There is so much opportunity in technology,” McGhee said. “I want students to know they belong in this industry and can thrive in it. If this scholarship helps even one student take that step, then it will have been worth it.”

Her decision to create the scholarship was inspired by a conversation with her nephew, Payton M. McGhee, also a TROY graduate.

“I've often talked about how few women I see in technology,” she said. “He reminded me that establishing a scholarship could encourage more young women to enter the field. It felt like the right way to give back to the place that started it all for me.”

McGhee graduated from TROY in 1990 as one of the first graduates of the computer science program, with a double major in computer science and accounting and a minor in speech.

Originally planning to be a teacher, she changed her mind once she arrived on campus—and changed her future.

“When I got to TROY, I realized a few things: what I liked, what I didn't like and that I was very good at math and computers,” she said. “My advisor told me about this new computer science program at what was then named ���߲ݴ�ý State University, so I decided to change my major to study computers instead. My learning experience was everything I thought it would be.”

Though she commuted from her home in Crenshaw County during her freshman year and was one of few women in her computer science classes, she quickly found her village on campus. A job in the Records Office, the mentorship of faculty and lifelong friendships with classmates shaped her experience.

“The friends that I made there are still my friends to this day. I still talk to people that I was in class with and my college roommate,” she said. “Tech can be so hard, and you need that support, even if they're not in tech. My advisor, Mrs. Carnley, encouraged me to go for my double major. And when my mother passed away during my junior year, my teachers and classmates and friends surrounded me with love and support. That's why TROY always holds such a great place in my heart.”

McGhee also developed a friendly relationship with Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. during her time as a student worker in the Records Office, and with First Lady Janice Hawkins while working at a boutique in downtown ���߲ݴ�ý. Though she didn't discover the connection between Mrs. Hawkins and TROY until six months before graduation, she distinctly remembers the impact Mrs. Hawkins had on her.

“You know how it is when you find somebody who's just a delight. She would come into shop, and we'd chit-chat while I helped her style some things for her girls, but we would have the best conversations,” McGhee recalled. “She was sitting on the front row when I graduated, and as I came off the steps, she handed me my card, grabbed my hand, and said, ‘Go be great.' And it stuck with me.

“You must know who you are to go be great, and you can get that foundation at TROY. If you cultivate a village that believes in you and the excellence you can bring, that will help you in any aspect of your life.”

Mrs. Hawkins shared that some of her and Dr. Hawkins' happiest memories at TROY come from time spent with students, and she is grateful to have played a positive role in McGhee's experience at the University.

“Wendy is an amazing young woman who is clearly capable of and proving that she can ‘do great things!' she said. “Not only is she doing so much to help her own country, she has taken it to an international level in South Africa—which is what ���߲ݴ�ý University promotes and believes in so wholeheartedly. God has richly blessed her with intellect and talent, and she has used it so well for the benefit of all of us.”

Since graduating from TROY, McGhee has worked at numerous Fortune 500 companies before launching her own firm in 1999, Kendrick-McGhee Consulting, Inc., which specialized in mergers, acquisitions and ERP software projects for large firms.

In 2019, KMC was renamed Wendy McGhee & Associates and now specializes in cloud services, data science and cybersecurity. She's also partnered with PWM Technologies in Johannesburg, South Africa. Together, WMA and PWM povide 24-hour technology development and support to clients around the world.

In 2016, McGhee began speaking to groups about investing and building personal and generational wealth. Her class, “Wendy on Wealth,” is recognized as one of the top online financial courses for those interested in wealth-building and financial freedom.“I got a job right away because of TROY being on my résumé.

I've gotten jobs since because of TROY on my résumé,” she said. “I'm a better business owner because of the diversity of people I encountered at TROY. It grounded and rounded me so much, as a global citizen.

“I made my first million before I was 40, and now my goal is to employ TROY graduates and show people that they don't have to go to Alabama or Auburn if they're from Alabama just to be seen.”  she continued. “You can go to TROY and get just as good—or better—of an education. I built my village out of what people used to call the ‘small nursing school'. My college experience shaped who I am as a woman and CEO. I've been able to do so many things, and it's because of the foundation I received from TROY.”

For more information on the Wendy McGhee Endowed Scholarship for an Outstanding Computer Science Student or to apply, visit .

���߲ݴ�ý University Honors the Legacy of Stefanie Renee Sharpe Through Endowed Scholarship

���߲ݴ�ý University is proud to announce the establishment of the Stefanie Renee Sharpe Endowed Memorial Scholarship, a gift created by James and Jodi Wells in honor of alumna Stefanie Sharpe. The scholarship will support students studying in the Department of Teacher Education, which is housed in the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. 

“Since our son has had such a positive experience at TROY, it has reignited my passion for the University,” said Jodi Wells. “We wanted to do something that would bless others while keeping Stephanie's memory alive.” 

Sharpe, a member of Phi Mu, studied education at TROY with aspirations of becoming a teacher and one day a superintendent. Her sisters in Phi Mu remembered her as a woman who lived by the values of love, honor and truth. 

“Stefanie embodied the very essence of love, honor and truth. These were not just words to her but guiding principles that shaped every aspect of her life. She loved deeply and wholeheartedly,” the statement reads. “Her family and friends were the center of her world, and she poured herself into those relationships with unwavering devotion. She was fun loving and was always ready to hang out with her Phi Mu sisters to study, go for a walk or share a fun night out. 

“Her passion for education was more than a career path, it was a calling. She dreamed of making a lasting impact, even envisioning herself one day becoming a superintendent, a reflection of her desire to lead with integrity and serve with purpose. Her commitment to honor extended into her time with Phi Mu, where she served as Ritual Chair. In this role, she upheld and celebrated the rich history and symbolism of the sorority she so deeply cherished.” 

The endowed scholarship will be awarded annually to education majors at ���߲ݴ�ý University who are members of Phi Mu in good standing with a minimum GPA of 2.75. Scholarships may be merit- or need-based, and recipients will be selected by the Office of Student Services. Each recipient will be required to write a letter of appreciation to the donors, continuing a spirit of gratitude alongside Sharpe's legacy of service. 

Sharpe's life was tragically cut short in 1998 during her senior year at ���߲ݴ�ý University due to an undiagnosed heart condition. Her mother, Patricia Sharpe, shared that Stefanie's favorite quote, written by Forest E. Whitcraft, reflected her life's mission: “A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in or the kind of car I drove, but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.”  

Through this endowed scholarship, Sharpe's passion for children and education will live on, inspiring future educators in the Department of Teacher Education to lead with love, honor and truth. 

Andrew Dixon knew he wanted to be involved in the Sorrell College of Business when he got to ���߲ݴ�ý University. Now, thanks to a scholarship established by All In Credit Union, his pathway has gotten just a little easier.

Last year, All In established the Floyd E. Rodgers Scholarship to assist freshmen entering Sorrell College who are from the Wiregrass and who choose to pursue a business degree.

“The scholarship didn't play into my decision to come to Sorrell College because I had already been determined to go,” Dixon said, “but it made me feel like I made the correct choice.”

It was the Global Scholars Program that drew his attention to the College, as well as SCOB's ranking as one of the best business schools in the state.

“I had also had a lot of incredibly pleasant experiences with the faculty and staff, so I felt like it was the right choice for me,” said Dixon.

Family may have also played into his decision just a little. Dixon is the son of the Dr. Harriet and Dr. Anthony Dixon, both of whom teach in the College's Hospitality, Sport and Tourism Management program.

Still, Dixon says for now he's not sure what his major will be but definitely will be involved in the Global Scholars program.

“I'm interested in studying abroad and hope to do that to help my future career,” he said. “The $1,000 will definitely help me in my future endeavors by lessening the financial burden higher education places on my family. It will help a lot.”

All In funded the scholarship with a $5,000 gift to the ���߲ݴ�ý University Foundation.

���߲ݴ�ý University Establishes Betty Parish Chancellor Memorial Scholarship to Honor Lifelong Commitment to Education 

���߲ݴ�ý University has announced the establishment of the Betty Parish Chancellor Memorial Scholarship, in honor of the late Betty Parish Chancellor, a devoted university employee whose 48-year career reflected an unwavering commitment to education and student success. 

Betty Parish Chancellor began her academic journey at ���߲ݴ�ý University in 1962 after moving from Galveston, Texas to Headland, Alabama. While working at Woolworths in Dothan, she enrolled at TROY and pursued a degree in education. During her undergraduate years, she worked at the University's library, where she developed a passion for library science and academic service. After graduating in 1965, she accepted a full-time position with the ���߲ݴ�ý University Library and officially began a career that spanned nearly five decades. 

While working full time, Chancellor continued her education. She attended night and weekend classes to pursue a Master of Library Science from the University of Alabama, completing her degree during a sabbatical in the summer of 1981. In addition to her library work, she contributed to campus life through service on committees such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), the Faculty Senate and the Chancellor Search Committee. 

In recognition of her service, Chancellor's daughter, Kaye C. Davis, has pledged $25,000 to establish the scholarship through the ���߲ݴ�ý University Foundation. The fund is intended to support education majors on the ���߲ݴ�ý Campus, particularly students whose paths reflect Chancellor's values and experiences. 

“My mother truly loved TROY—every part of it,” said Kaye Davis. “She wasn't just dedicated to academics or the library. She supported everything from student success to athletics. She never missed a season and always had her all-sports pass in hand. TROY wasn't just where she worked—it was her home, her community and her pride.” 

Scholarship Details 

The Betty Parish Chancellor Memorial Scholarship will assist education majors at ���߲ݴ�ý University (���߲ݴ�ý Campus). Preference will be given to first-generation students or older adult learners from Pike or Henry counties in Alabama. Awards may be based on merit or financial need and will require recipients to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. The scholarship is renewable annually, and recipients will be selected by the ���߲ݴ�ý University Scholarship Committee. 

This scholarship honors Betty Parish Chancellor's lifelong dedication to learning and higher education. Through this gift, her legacy will continue to support and inspire students at ���߲ݴ�ý University for generations to come. 

���߲ݴ�ý University students majoring in accounting, computer and information sciences, electronics engineering or cybersecurity now have the opportunity to apply yearly for a $5,000 scholarship established by the C Spire Foundation.

recently donated an initial $15,000 to the University to award three students a scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year. Through these scholarships, the Foundation aims to continue its long-standing commitment to educational excellence and community enrichment.

"This initiative aligns with our mission to inspire excellence and transform the communities we serve by investing in education and professional skills development," said Beth Pickering, president and executive director of the C Spire Foundation. "By supporting ���߲ݴ�ý University students, we are fostering future leaders and highlighting the importance of innovation for a better future for our region."

While the scholarship program is a new partnership with TROY, the C Spire Foundation already has roots on campus. For the last several years, the Foundation has sponsored the Department of Computer Science's annual , a 24-hour coding event that tasks students with solving real-world problems.

“We've been really pleased with being involved with the Department of Computer Science and getting to meet and work with the students that have participated in the event,” Pickering said. “We're excited about our continued relationship with TROY. Because of C Spire's business presence in the community, we're happy to be able to offer scholarships to students who will hopefully remain in the ���߲ݴ�ý region after graduation and contribute to the workforce there.”

To be eligible for the scholarship, students in the required majors must also maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and have a minimum ACT score of 25. Recipients will be selected by the ���߲ݴ�ý University Scholarship Committee, and the scholarships will be awarded annually beginning in the fall and will be for one year only. Recipients may reapply each year.

About the C Spire Foundation

The C Spire Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization funded by C Spire. Its mission is to inspire a passion to be the best and help transform the areas C Spire serves by providing grants for STEM and STEAM education (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) for students in grades K-12 and institutions of higher learning, primarily in Mississippi. 

Since 1997, the C Spire Foundation has donated millions of dollars in scholarships, opening doors to higher education in its region. These programs inspire and encourage students to consider pursuing academic degrees or professional careers in science, technology, engineering and math-related fields.

2024 Donors stories

New scholarship will help students complete Accounting undergraduate degree at TROY

Alumnus Baker gives back to help TROY Kinesiology and Health Promotion students

Scholarship pays dividends for TROY education students, ���߲ݴ�ý City Schools

Proud alums create an endowed scholarship to help students experience TROY

 
New bench on TROY's campus bears name of former Dean of Enrollment

 
���߲ݴ�ý University surpasses Giving Day goal for seventh straight year, raises almost $445K

 
Sports Science Lab in new Jones Hall to bear name of TROY icon John “Doc” Anderson

 
Laura Aaron Mixon memorial scholarship aims to spread “love and light” to new choral students

 
New scholarship will honor the memory of FarmHouse's Matthew Awbrey

 
Alabama Nursing Foundation, Beard family gift to help equip TROY's School of Nursing with advanced simulation equipment

 
Student-inspired Pike Community Scholarship to provide tuition for four years

 
Donors recognized at annual Scholarship Brunch

 
Sorrell young alumnus establishes endowed scholarship to ‘give back' the chance he was given as an undergraduate

 
Betty Floyd Vance Endowed Nursing Scholarship to aid TROY nursing majors from Pike County

Joe and Mary Ann Cromeans Charitable Foundation Scholarship aids TROY students studying sciences, nursing and the arts

A new scholarship will honor the memory of TROY alumna Tabatha Martineau by helping eligible students with disabilities.