Robert Benjamin Hayes | |
---|---|
![]() | |
8th President of George R. Smith College | |
In office 1916–1925 | |
Preceded by | Matthew Simpson Davage |
Personal details | |
Born | May 13, 1876 Navasota, Texas, U.S. |
Died | ? |
Spouse | Hattie P. Melton |
Children | 5 |
Alma mater | Baker University |
Occupation | Educator, academic administrator, college president |
Robert Benjamin Hayes (May 13, 1876–?) [1] was an American educator, academic administrator and college president. [2] He headed Philander Smith College's natural science department, and served as the president of George R. Smith College from 1916 until 1925. [3] [4]
Robert Benjamin Hayes was born on May 13, 1876, in Navasota, Texas, to African American parents Laura (née Clayton) and Lucius Hayes. [1] He studied at public elementary and secondary schools in Chetopa, Kansas, and Guthrie, Oklahoma. [1] He was the first Black child to attend high school in the Oklahoma Territory. [4]
Hayes graduated with a bachelor of philosophy degree (1903), and master of arts degree (1903) from Baker University in Baldwin, Kansas. [1] [4] [5]
He headed Philander Smith College's natural science department from 1903 until 1916. [1] [4] Hayes served as the president of George R. Smith College, from 1916 until 1925. [4] [6] Under his leadership, students from George R. Smith College participated in the State Constitutional Convention of Missouri. [4] Starting in 1925 after George R. Smith College burned down, he served as the Dean of New Orleans University. [4] [6]
He married Hattie P. Melton in 1909, and together they had five children. [1] [4]