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Share thisMeet the President Part 2: Dr. Rupert A. Hayles, Jr. By Hannah Limpias ‘24 (Communication)
Leonardo da Vinci said, “Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.” Many students at Roberts are curious to learn more about President Hayles. I had the opportunity to sit down with him as part of my projects as the fall intern with the Brand & Marketing Communications team at Roberts Wesleyan University. When I interviewed President Hayles, he shared one of his favorite verses with me:
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds,” James 1:2
With inspiration from this verse, let’s get to know President Hayles better, and understand his calling to Roberts, his leadership style, and more.
Read Part Two of the interview below:
What drew you to Roberts specifically? Is there anything about the search process that you would like to share?
When I first got wind of this position at Roberts, my wife Maryann and I first looked at the requirements. We looked into what B.T. Roberts believed in: B.T. Roberts was an abolitionist; he believed that all men should be free, have freedom of the spirit, and that you shouldn't be someone who has to pay or pay for where you belong in the church. What B.T. Roberts believed, 157 years ago, is still 100% accurate with scripture. So, that was the main draw-in.
What would you like to share with Roberts students for the fall semester? Any upcoming changes you’d like to preview?
There is a renewed and focused attention on the people we serve; the people we serve are the students. Without the students, there would be no need for Roberts to exist. Our focus on them as our primary audience and whatever needs and challenges they may have, is primary to me, especially with me being the person at the helm. It's my responsibility for every single thing that occurs with our students.
We’re focusing a lot on student success and what interests students in succeeding. We will do everything we can to tackle those challenges so students can have a seamless academic experience.
President Hayles with current Roberts students from the Guadalupe Center in Immokalee, Florida.
What has been the biggest challenge for taking on this role?
Every institution in the industry faces an enrollment cliff within the educational sphere, where the number of college-age students who enroll has fallen. We have to prepare and plan for what we are going to do. We are focusing on distinguishing ourselves from other institutions.
What trends are you seeing today among college students that are affecting them in their academics and life beyond college?
Many of us don't face what students face today, and mental health is a big concern. That said, we'll be focusing more on overall student health and wellness and meeting students where they are.
What are you most excited about for Roberts for the 2023-2024 academic year?
I look forward to May's Graduation when I get to hand out diplomas to the wonderful students at Roberts.
President Hayles with Student Body President Aaron Hitchcock '24.
Rapid fire questions:
What are you watching on Netflix? Beckham.
Who is your favorite historical figure? Martin Luther King Jr., for what he stood for and how he accomplished things and moved a nation peacefully.
Do you have a hobby or interest? I have two: Watching soccer with my family on Saturday mornings and flying. I have a Private Pilot License, so flying is something I enjoy, but haven't done in a while. But it is something I think about a lot.
What is the most meaningful class you took as an undergraduate?
Military History, as it taught me historical context and that you cannot understand your future if you do not look at your past.
President Hayles achieved the rank of Lieutenant in the Air Force.
President Hayles (right) and his brother Fitz serving in the Air Force.
What are you looking forward to experiencing in Rochester?
As someone who grew up in the Caribbean, I'm looking forward to those wonderful winters everyone is telling me about.
Do you have a pet?
My family has a dog, Gracie. She is an Eskimo Spritz and is a cancer survivor.
When is your family moving to Rochester?
We will move in late December from New Jersey to Rochester. It will be an adjustment for all of us, but we're looking forward to it!
Here are a few more photos from the fall semester:
Tom Golisano visited campus with Dr. Hayles, students, and a tour of the Golisano Community Engagement Center.
Roberts athletic coaches with President Hayles. Go Redhawks!
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