Billy C. Hawkins facts for kids

Billy C. Hawkins is an American educator and leader. He is known for being a president of colleges. He was the president of Talladega College and Texas College. Mr. Hawkins also helps guide the United Negro College Fund. This group helps students attend historically Black colleges and universities.

Early Life and School Days

William C. Hawkins was born in Kent, Ohio. He grew up there and finished high school in 1972. He went to Ferris State University and earned a degree in teaching. Later, he studied at Central Michigan University for his master's degree. He then earned his PhD from Michigan State University. He also did more advanced studies at Harvard University.

A Career in Education

Mr. Hawkins started his career as a teacher in Lansing, Michigan. He then moved into leadership roles at colleges. He worked at Mississippi Valley State University. There, he was a provost and vice president. He also taught as a professor.

He held important jobs at other colleges too. These included Saint Paul's College and Ferris State University. He also worked at Morrisville State College.

Leading Texas College

From 2000 to 2007, Billy C. Hawkins was the president of Texas College. During his time there, he helped the college a lot. He made sure the college kept its official approval, called accreditation. He also helped more students join the college. The number of students grew by 82 percent.

Leading Talladega College

On January 1, 2008, Mr. Hawkins became the 20th president of Talladega College. He worked hard to improve the college. He wanted to reduce its debt and get more students to enroll. He started working with local companies, like Honda. He also partnered with Alabama's work release program. These partnerships helped get volunteers and staff. They worked to keep the college grounds looking good.

Under his leadership, every building on campus was updated. This was the first time in twelve years that all buildings were renovated. Mr. Hawkins also brought back the school's sports programs. They had been stopped for ten years. Since then, the college's sports teams have won seven national championships. He also helped Talladega College get its accreditation back. This was from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. He also helped create the Dr. William R. Harvey Museum of Art.

In 2017, the Talladega College band performed at a special event. This was the inauguration of Donald Trump. People helped raise money for the band to go. Some people were not happy about the band performing. But the students and the college's leaders supported the performance.

Mr. Hawkins is a board member for the United Negro College Fund. He also advised the White House on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. In 2020, he was named one of the top HBCU leaders in the U.S. He retired from his role at Talladega College on June 30, 2022.

Personal Life

Billy C. Hawkins is a member of Omega Psi Phi. This is a fraternity, which is a social organization.

His Published Work

• Hawkins, B. C. (1994). Educating all students: A pathway to success. Lansing, MI: Shinsky Seminars.