Troy University Announces 2025–2026 Honors Student Council Leadership

Troy University has announced the 2025-2026 Honors Student Council (HSC), a group of students selected to serve as leaders for the University Honors Program. This council acts as the primary student advisory body to the Honors Program, working closely with program leadership to strengthen the Honors community, represent student interests, and develop initiatives promoting scholarly achievement, civic engagement, and global awareness.

Dr. Kerry Palmer, Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, commented on the new council, stating, “This year’s council reflects a strong commitment to interdisciplinary leadership and student-driven innovation, with representation across multiple academic areas and initiatives aligned with the mission of Troy University. These students will play a vital role in advancing academic excellence and community engagement across campus.”

The Executive Leadership Team for the 2025-2026 Honors Student Council includes:

• Kaelan Burger, President
• Zoe Johnson, Vice President for Internal Affairs
• Noah Hadwin, Vice President for External Engagement
• Savannah Edgar, Ambassadors Cohort Lead
• Jaysi Klink, Secretary
• Alexander Freeman, Treasurer

Supporting key program initiatives and complementing the Executive Team, the remaining members are:

• Sydnee Pennigton, Global Connect Lead
• Jonathan Greer, Research and Scholarship Coordinator
• Caleb Smith, Student Government Association President Ex Officio
• Samuel Ira Myers, SGA Cabinet Liaison
• Atlas Barr, Social Media Lead
• Cailee Traywick, Fundraising Lead
• Avery Foster, Freshman Class Representative
• Isaac Smitherman, Community Partnerships Coordinator
• Caleb Jaworski, Honors Enrichment Activities (HERO) Lead
• Kadyn Mackie, Academic Initiatives Lead
• Elliana Renneke, Academic Initiatives Lead

Dr. Priya Menon, University Honors Director, praised the incoming cohort, remarking, “In my 18 years at Troy University, I have never encountered a group of students as deeply engaged and committed as this cohort. Their leadership and dedication to excellence are not only elevating the Honors Program today but will also be instrumental in shaping its future in profound and lasting ways.”

The University Honors Global Scholars Program at Troy University offers an elite academic experience for high-achieving students, combining interdisciplinary learning with global engagement. The Fall 2025 Cohort includes an impressive group of students, with 10 percent ranking in the top 5 percent of their high school graduating class. These scholars represent 10 states nationwide, have traveled to more than 17 countries, and 25 percent are proficient in a foreign language.