Recordpub.com - 'Slow learner' now a college president Dr. Billy Hawkins, Kent native, at helm of second college

By Colin McEwen
Record-Courier staff writer
Dr. Billy Hawkins, a Kent native, recently completed his first year as the president of Talladega College, which is the second college he has directed.
And his career in education so far has been the stuff movies are made of.
Before taking his post in Alabama, Hawkins was the president of Texas University. Like Talladega, Texas University is a historically black college. He has authored two books, has been the keynote speaker at regional and national conferences and has testified before committees of the U.S. Congress.
Numerous times, Hawkins has been recognized for his expertise in the education field.
All this from someone, who, while in kindergarten in Kent, was placed in "slow learner" classes.
He stayed in those classes until his sophomore year at Theodore Roosevelt High School, when his principal, Mike Kneale, realized he was much more intelligent than people thought.
So began his long career in education.
After graduating in 1972 from Roosevelt, where he was a standout quarterback for the Rough Riders, Hawkins earned a Bachelor of Science degree in teacher education from Ferris State University, a Master of Arts degree in education administration from Central Michigan University and a Ph.D. from Michigan State University in education administration.
He completed his post doctorate study at Harvard University.
"It's been good almost-33 years in education," Hawkins said. "I never would have believed it would have been this long. I always give credit that I started right there in Kent, Ohio."
He added that he appreciated his teachers in Kent and especially Kneale, his long-time mentor.
Hawkins got his start as a social studies teacher in the Lansing Public Schools in Eastern Michigan. His passion for teaching led him to the field of higher education where he served in several administration positions for colleges around the country.
Before accepting his post as the 20th president of the historically black college in Alabama, Hawkins served as the 20th president of Texas College for seven years.
He said it was the staff in the Kent school system who gave him the guidance, support and passion he needed for his long career.
"I've had a great career in education," he said. "I was misdiagnosed, and put in special education, then I was pulled out, and the rest is history. I just did what I was told. I've always been a positive and confident person. Even though, I did struggle in school " and certainly my outlet was athletics " I always was positive. Anything I did, I tackled " gave it my best."
He does not hold his mislabeling against the school system or any of the educators.
"There are strengths and weaknesses in students," Hawkins said. "It's a matter of the student's abilities. I had good teachers. Even today, at my age, I can still remember my teachers."
As president of the 140-year-old college in Alabama, Hawkins said he hopes to increase enrollment and further develop the school's athletic program that had been dormant for 40 years before he took the helm.
Hawkins was honored in 2004 with his induction into the Kent City Schools Hall of Fame. He is one of two members of Roosevelt's Class of 1972 to become a college president " the other is Thomas Ahlersmayer, president of Concordia University-Ann Arbor.
Hawkins said he regularly comes back to Kent to visit his family and friends. His sister and brother still live in Kent. A nephew, John Bell, recently began attending TC and interns in his uncle's office.
"I'm at a great, historic institution," he said. "But I have fond memories of Kent. I'm proud that I grew up there in that town."