After 50 years, the Troy University Board of Trustees has voted to shut down its Phenix City campus, citing a growing interest in online schooling.
Troy's presence in the area started with a satellite office at Fort Benning in 1974. It later opened a campus next to Chattahoochee Valley Community College in 1975. In 2015, Troy University's Phenix City Campus moved to its current riverfront location.
"Troy University's Phenix City Campus has played a vital role in our mission and educational outreach for over five decades, significantly contributing to higher education in East Alabama," said Troy University chancellor Jack Hawkins. "However, as more adult learners shift toward online and flexible learning options, demand for traditional in-person instruction at satellite locations has declined. This decision was not made lightly, and I am profoundly grateful to the faculty, staff, students, and community leaders who have built the Phenix City Campus's legacy of excellence."
The board voted to cease operations at the Phenix City campus by Dec. 31, 2025. However, Troy University staff will continue to have a presence at Fort Moore — which was reverted to its original title of Fort Benning on Monday — to provide educational opportunities for soldiers on base.
Hawkins lamented the closure but noted it as part of a national trend. In the past 20 years, nearly 900 colleges and universities throughout the United States have ceased operations, resulting in the closure of more than 9,000 campuses and locations.
"Technology has changed the way we live, including how we deliver education, but our commitment to students in the Phenix City area—including those at Fort Moore—remains as strong as ever," Hawkins continued. "We may not have a physical campus, but we're not going anywhere—we will continue to serve this community."
The board also empowered Hawkins to develop and implement a transition plan to ensure current students can complete their academic programs without disruption. The plan will also assist faculty and staff in their professional transitions, with the hope many employees will be able to move to new roles within the university or continue their current roles online. Students enrolled at the Phenix City campus will receive support to complete their degrees online or at other Troy University locations.
Senior vice chancellor for Academic Affairs Kerry Palmer emphasized that the satellite campuses in Dothan and Montgomery would continue operating, and there were no plans to close them.
"We are actively developing new programs and engaging with external partners, and we look forward to announcing several new initiatives for Dothan and Montgomery in the near future," Palmer said.
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