Billy C. Hawkins is an American academic administrator, and teacher. He served as a past president of Talladega College. Hawkins also serves as a board member of the United Negro College Fund and is a past member of the White House Board of Advisors on historically black colleges and universities.
Billy C. Hawkins | |
|---|---|
| 20th President of Texas College | |
| In office 2000–2007 | |
| 20th President of Talladega College | |
| In office January 1, 2008 – June 30, 2022 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | William C. Hawkins Kent, Ohio, U.S. |
| Education | Ferris State University Central Michigan University |
| Alma mater | Michigan State University |
| Occupation | Academic administrator |
Early life and education
editWilliam C. Hawkins was born and raised in Kent, Ohio, and graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School in 1972.[2] He completed his Bachelor of Science in teacher education from Ferris State University, followed by a master's degree in education administration from Central Michigan University. Hawkins earned his PhD from Michigan State University, followed by post-doctoral work at Harvard University.[1]
Career
editHawkins first job in education was as a teacher in Lansing, Michigan. He entered a career in higher education administration as provost and vice president of academic affairs and a professor at Mississippi Valley State University. He proceeded to work in academic and leadership positions at Saint Paul's College, Ferris State University, and Morrisville State College.[1]
From 2000 to 2007 he was president of Texas College.[1] While at Texas College, Hawkins regained the college's accreditation and increased enrollment by 82 percent.[3]
Talladega College
editOn January 1, 2008, he became the 20th president of Talladega College.[1] During his time at Talladega, Hawkins sought to bring the college out of debt and increase enrollment. He began partnering with companies based in Talldega, including Honda, and the state of Alabama's work release program, to secure volunteers and staff to help maintain and care for the college grounds. The project included renovations of every campus building - the first in twelve years. Hawkins also relaunched the school's sports programs after ten years. The college has won seven national championships since Hawkins relaunched athletics. He also helped the school regain its accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and created the Dr. William R. Harvey Museum of Art.[3]
In 2017, the Talladega College band performed at the inauguration of Donald Trump. Funds for the performance were crowdsourced, including support from Bill O'Reilly. Hawkins experienced a backlash, including calls to be fired, however, student band members and the board of trustees supported the performance.[3]
Hawkins serves as a board member of the United Negro College Fund and is a member of the White House Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU).[3] In 2020, he was named one of the 10 most powerful HBCU leaders in the US by the HBCU Campaign Fund.[4] He retired on June 30, 2022.[5]
Personal life
editHawkins is a member of Omega Psi Phi.[1]
Works
edit- Hawkins, B. C. (1994). Educating all students: A pathway to success. Lansing, MI: Shinsky Seminars.
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f "Dr. Billy C. Hawkins". UNCF. Retrieved 19 July 2020.
- ^ Kano, Krista, S. (September 11, 2020). "Talladega College names building for Kent Roosevelt alum". Record-Courier. Retrieved September 14, 2020.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ a b c d Stewart, Pearl (6 January 2020). "Dr. Billy C. Hawkins Revives Ailing HBCU Amid Cheers and Controversy". Diverse. Retrieved 19 July 2020.
- ^ Braswell, Laci (4 January 2020). "Talladega College president named one of 10 most dominant HBCU leaders in 2020". The Anniston Star. Retrieved 19 July 2020.
- ^ "Talladega College President Dr. Billy C. Hawkins to retire in 2022". talladega.edu. Retrieved 2023-06-15.