Unlocking the Power of Family Connections in Higher Education

Embracing the Family Dynamic

Troy University's commitment to cultivating a family-centric campus extends far beyond mere rhetoric. In the past decade alone, the university has welcomed over 400 family members of existing employees, ranging from spouses to distant relatives. This deliberate strategy has not only helped the university attract and retain top talent, but it has also imbued the campus with a palpable sense of belonging and shared purpose."At Troy, it's not just a workplace; it's a family where generations of students and employees come home to," explains Ashley English, the Associate Vice Chancellor of Human Resources. "Seeing family members on campus adds a special dimension to the Troy experience, fostering a sense of belonging and connection that goes beyond the traditional institutional setting."

Overcoming Recruitment Challenges in Rural Universities

The decision to embrace family connections as a key part of Troy University's talent acquisition strategy was not made in a vacuum. Like many rural universities, Troy has long grappled with the challenge of attracting qualified faculty and staff, often facing stiff competition from their urban and metropolitan counterparts.However, the post-pandemic landscape has only exacerbated this challenge, with the pool of qualified applicants shrinking considerably. In response, Troy University has actively sought to bring in qualified couples, leveraging the power of shared purpose and mutual understanding to create a more stable and engaged workforce.

Tapping into the Spousal Hiring Trend

Troy University's approach to family-centric hiring is not unique in the higher education landscape. In fact, research from Inside Higher Ed suggests that as many as 90 percent of public universities in the United States have policies in place for hiring spouses and family members. Moreover, data from the Capital Resource Network indicates that 82 percent of public universities have followed through and made spousal hires for faculty and staff positions.For Troy University, this trend has proven to be a powerful tool in their talent acquisition arsenal, allowing them to not only attract top-tier candidates but also foster a sense of community and shared purpose that permeates every aspect of the campus experience.

The Menon Family: A Case Study in Multigenerational Engagement

The story of Drs. Priya and Govind Menon serves as a shining example of Troy University's family-centric approach in action. The pair, who have collectively dedicated 45 years to the university, met in Oman more than two decades ago, with Govind serving as a physics professor at Troy."Govind's description of Troy as an idyllic small town that has nurtured him since his undergraduate years clearly affirmed our decision to settle down here after getting married 21 years ago," Priya recounts. "Since then, we've experienced major life milestones here in Troy – my graduate school journey, the birth of our daughter, the loss of our parents – all with the unwavering support and care of this community. Troy has been more than a place to work; it's been the foundation of our family, our growth, and our deepest connections."For the Menons, the shared experience of working at the same institution has been deeply rewarding, both personally and professionally. "It's given us a sense of shared purpose and mutual understanding," Govind explains. "Our connection to Troy's culture and community has made it possible to navigate our academic lives side by side, supporting both our professional and personal lives."The Menons believe that the prevalence of family connections at Troy University has created a "unique, close-knit atmosphere that deeply benefits our students." They argue that this culture shapes events, academic support, and student life into welcoming, inclusive spaces, where students feel more comfortable approaching faculty who seem more accessible and genuinely invested in their success.

Keeping it in the Family: The Bragg-Hussey Clan

The Bragg and Hussey sisters, Donna and Teresa, respectively, are another testament to Troy University's family-centric ethos. Both women are TROY alumni who have collectively dedicated over 50 years of service to the institution, with Donna serving as the Director of the Academic Evaluation Center and Associate University Registrar, and Teresa as the Director of Financial Aid.But the family connections don't stop there. Donna's daughter, Raegan, is set to graduate from Troy next spring, while Teresa's youngest daughter, Kacy, is currently a student and part-time employee in the university's Human Resources department. Additionally, Teresa's oldest daughter, Kerry, is a TROY alum who now teaches at Kinston School."It's great to have my daughter here on campus," Donna Bragg reflects. "It definitely works out well having friends and family in different offices because of the way we have to work with one another. It's just like raising your own kids – it takes a village."For the Bragg-Hussey clan, Troy University has become more than just a workplace; it's a true family affair, with multiple generations finding their home on the campus and supporting one another through both personal and professional milestones.As Troy University's Homecoming 2024 festivities draw to a close, it's clear that the university is celebrating more than just a school – it's celebrating the deep, enduring relationships that have transformed the campus into a true home for generations of Trojans.