Troy University Montgomery: A Historical Overview of Programs and Campus Development

Troy University, a historic international university with a strong commitment to academic excellence and student success, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1887. With a diverse student body and a wide range of programs, Troy University has evolved into a global institution with a significant presence in Montgomery, Alabama. This article explores the history, programs, and campus development of Troy University in Montgomery, highlighting its contributions to education, culture, and the community.

From Normal School to Global University: A Brief History

Established in 1887 as the State Normal School at Troy, the institution initially focused on training teachers for Alabama's public schools. Over the years, it expanded its mission and academic offerings, evolving into Troy State College in 1957 and Troy State University in 1967. In 2005, the institution officially became Troy University, reflecting its expanded global mission and comprehensive programs.

Troy University's growth has been marked by several key milestones:

Early Years (1887-1929): Focused on teacher training and curriculum development, including the implementation of innovative teaching methods.
Expansion and Relocation (1929-1957): Transitioned to a four-year undergraduate college, offering bachelor's degrees and relocating to its present site.
Growth and Diversification (1957-1989): Expanded academic programs, established military residence centers, and developed into a multi-centered educational system.
Global Integration (1989-Present): Continued growth with an emphasis on global education, partnerships with international institutions, and a focus on meeting the needs of a diverse student body.

Troy University at Montgomery: A Catalyst for Revitalization

Troy University at Montgomery, a satellite campus of Troy University, has played a vital role in the revitalization of downtown Montgomery. Established in 1965, the campus has grown to become a significant educational and cultural hub in the state's capital city.

Campus Development

The Montgomery campus is strategically located in the western part of downtown and includes several notable landmarks:

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Rosa Parks Museum and Library: Located on the site of Rosa Parks' historic 1955 arrest, the museum pays tribute to her legacy and the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts: A 1,200-seat theatre and performing arts venue that hosts performing groups from throughout the region.
Whitley Hall: Formerly the Whitley Hotel, this renovated building houses administrative offices and classroom space.
Bell Building: Portions of the historic Bell Building are also part of the campus.
Bartlett building
School of Nursing building

The campus has its roots in extension courses offered at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery during the 1950s. In 1982, the Montgomery and Dothan campuses were granted independent accreditation, and the Troy State University System was formed. In April 2004, "State" was dropped from the University's name to reflect the institution's new, broader focus.

Academic Programs

Troy University at Montgomery offers a variety of academic programs to meet the needs of its diverse student population, including:

3 associate degree programs
15 bachelor's degree programs
10 master's degree programs
1 doctoral program
2 education specialist programs

The majority of classes offered on the Montgomery campus are evening classes, allowing students to complete their degrees while balancing work and other commitments. The school also offers classes online in conjunction with military students at Maxwell Air Force Base.

Support Services

Troy University-Montgomery has a well-facilitated campus with extensive support services for students. The Gene Elrod Success Center provides a congenial learning environment where students are given academic tutoring and counseling. Career guidance and study skill workshops are among the other services offered by this center.

History Programs and Initiatives

Troy University's History Department is committed to providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the past and its relevance to the present. The department offers a range of programs and initiatives, including:

Alabama History Day

Troy University’s Montgomery campus hosted Alabama History Day. This event brings together students from middle schools and high schools across the state to showcase their research on historical topics. Students present their work in various formats, including:

Exhibits
Performances
Documentaries
Essays

Volunteer judges provide feedback and encouragement, and state winners advance to National History Day at the University of Maryland and Washington, D.C.

Ivey Center for the Cultural Approach to History

The Ivey Center for the Cultural Approach to History, housed in John Robert Lewis Hall, represents a partnership between state government, private philanthropy and higher education. The Center, funded by the Caroline Lawson Ivey Memorial Foundation, promotes the Cultural Approach to History, which replaces traditional rote memorization with six interconnected areas of study:

Political factors
Religious factors
Aesthetic factors
Intellectual factors
Social factors
Economic factors

Teachers from across Alabama gather at Troy University for workshops to discover practical strategies for bringing history to life in their classrooms. The training emphasizes moving beyond textbook-driven lessons to interactive approaches that engage students as active participants in historical narratives.

Commitment to Military Students

Since 1950, Troy University has worked with military service members, veterans and their families as they pursue advanced education under the G.I. Bill, the Tuition Assistance Program, the MyCAA initiative, private funding and other financing options. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, providing military-specific scholarships and TROY for Troops support centers to military-affiliated students and veterans.

General Information about Troy University

Admission

High School graduates may be admitted as Freshmen to Troy University on the basis of acceptable high school records (a 2.0 Grade Point Average) and scores achieved on the American College Testing Program (minimum composite of 20 on the ACT) or the Scholastic Aptitude Test (minimum composite of 950 or 1030 if taken since March 2016). Applicants who are 21 years of age or older are not required to submit ACT/SAT scores for admission to the university. All applicants who are graduates of accredited high schools must submit an official transcript showing graduation and a minimum of fifteen Carnegie units, with three or more units in English. Of the units presented, eleven must be in academic courses. Applicants who are graduates of non-accredited secondary schools may be admitted provided they meet the same requirements as students from accredited schools. Those students wishing to apply to Troy University to pursue graduate degrees must submit a letter of recommendation and final official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, including the degree granted and award date.

Tuition and Housing

Undergraduate tuition is $408 per credit hour (in-state) and $816 per a credit hour (out-of-state). Graduate tuition is $475 per credit hour (in-state) and $950 per credit hour (out-of-state). The Troy Campus offers a variety of on-campus housing options ranging in cost from $2,060 to $3,780. The campus also offers a variety of on-campus dining options including Trojan Dining and the Trojan Center Food Court.

Campus Life

Students on the Troy Campus have a variety of opportunities to enrich their college experience. In addition, the Office of Service Learning and Civic Engagement, a part of the John W. Schmidt Center for Student Success, connects Troy University students to applied learning opportunities where students can develop skills in leadership, project management and civic action, while making a difference in the local community. The Troy Campus is also home to Division I Athletics, competing in the Sun Belt Conference. Trojan football plays in Veterans Memorial Stadium, an on-campus facility that seats approximately 30,000 fans. Trojan basketball and volleyball call Trojan Arena home, while the newly renovated Riddle-Pace Field is home to Troy baseball. The campus is also home to the Troy Soccer and Track Complex, the Troy Softball Complex, the Lunsford Tennis Complex and a golf facility and practice area.

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