Billy C. Hawkins facts for kids

Billy C. Hawkins is an American educator and leader. He has worked as a teacher and a university administrator. He was the president of Talladega College for many years. Mr. Hawkins also helps lead the United Negro College Fund. This group supports colleges for Black students. He was also part of a special White House group that advised on historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

Early Life and Education

William C. Hawkins was born and grew up in Kent, Ohio. He finished high school at Theodore Roosevelt High School in 1972. He went to Ferris State University and earned a degree in teaching. Later, he got a master's degree in education leadership from Central Michigan University. He then earned his PhD from Michigan State University. After that, he did more advanced studies at Harvard University.

Career in Education

Mr. Hawkins started his career as a teacher in Lansing, Michigan. He then moved into leadership roles at universities. He worked as a provost and professor at Mississippi Valley State University. A provost is a senior leader in a university. He also held important jobs at Saint Paul's College, Ferris State University, and Morrisville State College.

From 2000 to 2007, he was the president of Texas College. While he was there, he helped the college get its official approval back. This approval is called accreditation. He also helped increase the number of students by 82 percent.

Leading Talladega College

On January 1, 2008, Billy C. Hawkins became the 20th president of Talladega College. He worked hard to improve the college's finances. He also wanted to bring in more students. He started working with local companies like Honda. He also partnered with the state of Alabama's work program. These partnerships helped get volunteers and staff. They helped take care of the college's buildings and grounds.

This big project included updating every building on campus. It was the first time this had happened in twelve years. Mr. Hawkins also brought back the school's sports programs. They had been stopped for ten years. Since he restarted them, the college's teams have won seven national championships. He also helped the school 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 the inauguration of a US president. Many people helped raise money for the band to go. Mr. Hawkins faced some criticism for this decision. However, the student band members and the college's leaders supported the performance.

Mr. Hawkins is a board member of the United Negro College Fund. He was also part of the White House Board of Advisors for HBCUs. In 2020, he was named one of the top HBCU leaders in the US. He retired from his role at Talladega College on June 30, 2022.

Personal Life

Hawkins is a member of Omega Psi Phi. This is a fraternity, which is a social organization for college men.

Works

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