"I was very humbled and honored this week when the Alabama Senate unanimously confirmed my appointment by Governor Bentley to the Troy University Board of Trustees. I deeply appreciate Governor Bentley’s and the Alabama Senate’s confidence in me and look forward to serving with the other trustees to continue the great excitement and enthusiasm for higher learning at Troy University." - Mayor Earl V. Johnson
The Alabama Senate on Thursday confirmed Andalusia Mayor Earl V. Johnson’s appointment to the board of trustees of Troy University.
The board has full management over Troy University. There are 13 voting members elected for 12-year terms. Members serve without compensation.
Gov. Robert Bentley appointed Johnson in September, pending the Senate approval.
“Mayor Earl Johnson has been the model TROY alumnus, serving as a member of our Foundation Board of Directors, chairman of our Sports Hall of Fame Board of Advisors, and a driving force behind the creation of our planned giving society,” Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr., chancellor, said at the time of the governor’s appointment. “His family’s generosity led to the complete redesign and upgrade of our main Quad on the Troy Campus. His leadership and expertise in matters of policy will enhance an already strong Board of Trustees.”
Johnson’s ties to Troy date back to his childhood, when his mother decided to pursue an education degree. She and her three young sons lived in Troy during the week while she attended school, and they came home to Andalusia most weekends.
“But you see this all over this area,” Johnson said. “This university has had a tremendous impact. A lot of people, like my family, have been touched in a very positive way by Troy University.”“Our family’s associations with Troy are strong,” he said, adding that he also had a brother, cousins and a nephew who are Troy grads.
Johnson enrolled in Auburn as an undergraduate, but later transferred to Troy where he earned a bachelor’s degree in economics in 1970. He went on to earn a law degree from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law.
He entered politics in 2000, when he was first elected mayor of Andalusia. He was elected again in 2008 and reelected in 2012.
Andalusia Star News
By: Michele Gerlach