Troy University welcomes Inaugural Class of Global Scholars
Troy University has welcomed its first cohort of students to the University Honors Global Scholars Program (UHGS), a group representing a diverse range of academic backgrounds and achievements. The Class of 2029 brings together students from over 23 different majors.
The incoming class demonstrates strong academic credentials, with a median unweighted GPA of 4.2 and a median ACT score of 32.Notably, 10 percent of the students ranked in the top 5 percent of their high school graduating classes, and 25 percent finished either first or second in their class.
Representing 10 states, the cohort’s geographic distribution is led by students from Minnesota, Tennessee, New York, Georgia, and Wisconsin, in addition to Alabama. The class also includes a student from Ansbach Middle High School,Armed Forces Europe,adding an international element to the program. students come from a variety of educational settings, including public and private high schools, faith-based institutions, homeschools, and online academies.
university leadership expressed enthusiasm for the program and its inaugural class. Dr. Jack hawkins, Jr., Chancellor, stated the students “embody the values of excellence, leadership and service that have defined our institution for more than 135 years.” Dr. Kerry, Senior Vice chancellor for academic Affairs, highlighted the program’s goal to “challenge students to think deeply, lead boldly and engage with the world around them,” and praised the class’s creativity, resilience, and commitment to service. Dr. Priya Menon, Director of University honors, affirmed that the Global Scholars “embody the very best of Troy University.”
Beyond academics, the UHGS Class of 2029 showcases notable extracurricular involvement. 85 percent held leadership positions – as president, captain, or founder – in clubs, organizations, teams, or businesses.20 percent participated in research during high school, while 23 percent completed internships or job shadows.A substantial majority, 75 percent, engaged in volunteer or community service, and 60 percent participated in athletics. Furthermore, 58 percent pursued at least one art form, encompassing visual arts, music, and performance.
The class includes students with remarkable individual accomplishments, including two CEOs/founders, a costume designer, a published author, and an award-winning photographer. Specific achievements include a first-place division winner in the 2025 NASA InSpires competition, a volunteer ESL teacher, and a Civil Air Patrol Cadet 2nd Lieutenant with experience teaching aerospace robotics and drill.
Demonstrating a global perspective, students collectively have traveled to 17 different countries, and approximately 25 percent are proficient in a foreign language.
The students have already begun engaging with the Troy University community through activities like a “Smart Cookie Social,” the launch of an Honors Enrichment Club and an Honors Book Club, and a bi-weekly Honors Speaker Insight Series.
More facts about the University Honors Global Scholars Program is available at https://www.troy.edu/academics/university-honors-global-scholars-program.html.
