Dr. Charles Alfonso Hines was born September 4, 1935 in Baltimore, Maryland and rose through the ranks of United States Army, becoming a Major General. In addition to his military career, Hines was an educator and administrator.
On October 1, 1994, Hines became the sixth president of Prairie View A&M University and served until 2002. During his tenure, privatization of student housing came into effect, a New Science Building, Memorial Student Center and establishing the University College for freshman students. Additionally, he introduced the ACCESS Program for students who needed an academic boost prior to enrolling at the university. Dr. Hines also oversaw the University’s role in the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) settlement that resulted in the Texas Commitment funding for four new buildings, additional masters and doctoral degree programs and dollars for development initiatives, student scholarships and endowed chairs.
Under his leadership, Prairie View A&M University was approved for the Doctor of Philosophy Degrees in Juvenile Justice and Psychology and the establishment of the College of Juvenile Justice and Psychology, and laid the groundwork for the construction of the building to house the new college. Hines is also credited with the establishment of the School of Architecture and the construction of the state-of-the-art world class building to house the school. “Dr. Hines was a very visionary person,” says Ikhlas Sabouni, dean of school. “ He didn’t want to be just an HBCU. He wanted us to benchmark against the best universities.” Incidentally, the school of architecture is the largest producer of Black and Brown architecture students in the country.
On the personal side, Dr. Hines was a proponent for student engagement and involvement. He insisted on students being included in the affairs of the university and supported the student government association and all student organizations. One of his first act as president was to swear in the Officers of all registered student organizations for the school year 1994-95, the first ever for the university president. Following the program, Dr. Hines hosted the leaders of Student Government Association, Campus Activities Board, Prairie View Pan Hellenic Council, Council of Student Organization and Mr. and Miss Prairie View A&M University at his home leaders for a meeting. Out of the meeting was the introduction of a spirit song to launch his administration and beyond. “Something Inside So Strong,” written and recorded by British singer-songwriter Labi Siffre. Dr. Hines stated that the song embodied the struggle and triumph of ‘our people’ and particularly reminiscent of Prairie View A&M University and its strive as a university of the first class. Based on the acceptance and appreciation by the students, with much input, President Hines commissioned a committee to include the faculty, staff and students of the Music and Drama and Art Department to formulate, along with the student leaders, a presentation for the Special Convocation. The leaders, Mr. C. Lee Turner (Drama), Mr. George Edwards (Music) and Dr. Clarence Tally (Art) created a spectacular production including the students in drama, music, marching band and campus leaders.
Dr. Hines retired from the university, effective September 1, 2002, amidst a federal legal battle with faculty and staff members of the university. TAMU System Chancellor Howard Graves stated that "Dr. Hines chose to retire. He has provided leadership to Prairie View A&M University for almost eight years, nearly twice as long as the average university president’s term. I am grateful for his dedicated service to the Texas A&M University system.” The board approved Mr. Willie A. Tempton as Interim President as of September 1, 2002.
Before his retirement from the presidency in the fall of 2002, Dr. Charles Hines served as a dedicated leader in the effort to reduce high-risk alcohol use by college students. Working with the Department of Public Safety, Dr. Hines was committed to providing and maintaining a safe and healthy campus environment. His belief that alcohol and other drug prevention should be a priority concern was made apparent by his support of on-campus educational programs. Throughout his stewardship as a member of the Presidents Leadership Group, he took an active stand on the problem of high-risk drinking on campus and in the surrounding community of Prairie View.
Dr. Hines earned a bachelor’s degree from Howard University and was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. through the Beta Chapter. Upon graduation, he entered the Unites States Army, where he served for more than 38 years, retiring with the rank of Major General. During his military career, Maj. Gen. Charles Hines held a wide variety of important command and staff positions from 1962 until 1992, including commanding general of the Army Chemical and Military Police Centers, Fort McClellan, Alabama. Hines served in Vietnam and has received numerous awards and decorations, including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star and the Parachutist Badge. Additionally, he earned two master’s degrees, one from Michigan State University and master’s and Ph.D. from John Hopkins University, and completed four executive programs at Harvard University, University of Maryland and University of Texas at Austin. Devoting much of his life to equal opportunity, education and training, advancement of rights for women, race relations and youth, Dr. Hines was the ideal candidate to serve on the HBCU Advisory Committee, selected by George W. Bush. He also serves on the George H.W. Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University.
Dr. Hines, leaves to cherish his memory a loving wife of 52 years, Veronica, three sons and two daughters, a host of grandchildren and relatives and friends and colleagues.
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