Troy State University

Troy State University was the former name of the public university now known as Troy University, an Alabama institution with a long history of teacher education, military-connected service, and multi-campus instruction. The university traces its origin to 1887, when it was established in Troy, Alabama, as a state normal school for the training of teachers. Over time it expanded beyond its original teacher-preparation role into a comprehensive university serving undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Its modern structure reflects a statewide and international reach rooted in Alabama. Troy University operates from its main campus in Troy and maintains additional Alabama campuses in Dothan, Montgomery, and Phenix City, while also serving military and civilian students through a global network and online programs. The institution enrolls students from all U.S. states and from numerous countries, giving it a broader footprint than a single-campus regional university. Academic offerings span fields such as business, education, health and human services, communication, the arts and sciences, and graduate study, including doctoral-level programs. The university’s mission emphasizes access, student support, and applied learning for traditional students, adult learners, and members of the military community. Its identity is also tied to NCAA Division I athletics through the Troy Trojans. The name “Troy State University” remains historically significant because it identifies the institution before its 2005 renaming to Troy University, a change that aligned the university’s name with its expanded academic scope and geographically distributed operations.