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🎤 Tomorrow’s Speaker:
Dr. Earl Ingram District Rotary Foundation Chair
hosted by, The Club
Tomorrow’s Speaker: Dr. Earl Ingram
We are honored to welcome Dr. Earl Ingram, a distinguished leader in higher education, a decorated U.S. Army veteran, and a long-serving Rotarian whose commitment to service extends across academia, the military, and our broader community.
Dr. Ingram holds a B.S. in Management, an M.S. in Psychology, and a Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, all from Auburn University. His early professional career included a decade with West Point Pepperell, where he advanced into corporate leadership roles in human resources strategy, planning, and organizational development.
In 1987, Dr. Ingram joined Troy University, beginning a remarkable tenure that spanned more than three decades. His leadership journey included roles as Professor of Management, Department Chair, Assistant Dean, Dean, Vice Chancellor of Global Campus, and ultimately Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the university’s chief academic officer. Today, he continues to shape future leaders as Professor and Provost Emeritus, actively teaching and mentoring doctoral students in Troy’s Global Leadership program.
Dr. Ingram’s military career is equally noteworthy. He served on active duty from 1966–1971, including aviation service in Vietnam as an Army Aviator. His decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Bronze Star, Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with 12 Oak Leaf Clusters and “V” Device, and multiple unit commendations. His service continued in the Alabama Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve until retiring as a Colonel in 1995.
A Rotarian for more than 35 years, Dr. Ingram has been deeply engaged at both the club and district levels. His leadership includes service as District Governor (2023–24) and current District Rotary Foundation Chair (2025–28). His commitment to service also extends to community boards, professional societies, and his church.
Dr. Ingram and his wife, Dr. Rebecca Ingram, have been married since 1967 and enjoy an active family life that includes two sons, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
We look forward to Dr. Ingram’s remarks and the leadership insights he brings from a career defined by service, stewardship, and global engagement.
In Case You Missed Last Week: Trey King – The Art of Salt Making
Last week, our club had the opportunity to hear from Trey King, founder of The Fairhope Salt Company. Trey delivered a thoughtful, energized presentation on the craft of small-batch salt making—and the deeper meaning he has found in the work.
Trey opened by reflecting on the symbolism of salt across cultures, faith traditions, and history. Citing the idea that salt represents value, influence, and preservation, he shared how these themes guided both his personal journey and his emerging business. He spoke candidly about feeling hesitant at times to share his faith publicly, but grounded his talk in the reminder that “you are the salt of the earth”—a call to authenticity, purpose, and integrity.
From there, Trey walked us through the surprisingly complex science of turning Gulf Coast seawater into a premium finishing salt. What began as a curiosity quickly became an exercise in resilience: failed batches, imperfect equipment, unexpected chemical reactions, and even a collapsed greenhouse taught him patience, grit, and commitment. He reminded us that meaningful work—whether in business, service, or community—often emerges from repeated trial, error, and perseverance.
Trey also highlighted the rich but largely forgotten history of salt production along the Gulf Coast. During the Civil War, this region was once a major producer of salt for food preservation. Most of the historic salt works were destroyed, leaving few traces today. His work, he shared, is not only about crafting a product—it is about reconnecting with a heritage that has shaped our coastal communities for generations.
He closed with a powerful message: true craftsmanship is not about speed or shortcuts. It is about showing up consistently, honoring the process, and creating something authentic to who you are. For Trey, that means small batches, meticulous attention to detail, and a commitment to representing Fairhope and the Gulf Coast with pride.
We thank Trey for his inspiring remarks and for giving us a window into a craft that blends science, history, spirituality, and heart.
🌍 Newsletter Fun Fact
More Than 16 Million Volunteer Hours Each Year
Rotary’s global footprint continues to be defined not by size, but by service. Each year, Rotary members collectively contribute more than 16 million volunteer hours—a testament to the organization’s capacity to mobilize talent, expertise, and compassion at scale.
These hours represent far more than time spent. They reflect a coordinated commitment to solving real problems in real communities: improving access to clean water, supporting education initiatives, advancing maternal and child health, strengthening local economies, and responding to natural disasters with speed and integrity. Behind every hour is a Rotarian leveraging personal experience, professional skillsets, and community relationships to create meaningful, lasting change.
For clubs like ours, those millions of hours are felt in the everyday touchpoints—mentoring students, supporting local nonprofits, hosting fundraisers, engaging in environmental projects, and championing service above self across Baldwin County. Our collective efforts become part of a global movement that amplifies local impact through shared purpose.
Rotary’s volunteer record underscores a core truth: when individuals commit to service with authenticity and consistency, the cumulative effect reaches far beyond any one project. It strengthens communities, fosters connection, and demonstrates what is possible when people lead with generosity and a forward-thinking mindset.
As we continue our work this year, we take pride in knowing we are part of a global network that is actively shaping stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities—one hour at a time.
Most of the successful people I’ve known are the ones doing more listening than talking
Bernard Baruch
Upcoming Speakers:
November 27 – NO MEETING : Happy Thanksgiving!
December 4 – Chris Blankenship, Commissioner of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Check out the speaker page here
📋 Club Member Directory
Per member request, we’ve included a list of current club members below. This list can also always be found and updated in DACdb for your convenience.
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