William C. Hawkins was born and raised in Kent, Ohio, and graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School in 1972.
He entered a career in higher education administration as provost and vice president of academic affairs and a professor at Mississippi Valley State University.
[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.
Hawkins experienced a backlash, including calls to be fired, however, student band members and the board of trustees supported the performance.