Robert Benjamin Hayes

Robert Benjamin Hayes (May 13, 1876–?) was an American educator, academic administrator and college president. He headed Philander Smith College's natural science department, and served as the president of George R. Smith College from 1916 until 1925.

Biography Robert Benjamin Hayes was born on May 13, 1876, in Navasota, Texas, to African American parents Laura (née Clayton) and Lucius Hayes.

He headed Philander Smith College's natural science department from 1903 until 1916. Under his leadership, students from George R. Smith College participated in the State Constitutional Convention of Missouri. Starting in 1925 after George R. Smith College burned down, he served as the Dean of New Orleans University.

He married Hattie P. Melton in 1909, and together they had five children.