William Spencer Hayes was president of Alice Lloyd College in Knott County for 15 years, until his retirement in 1977. He spent a total of 35 years as a guiding force at Alice Lloyd College, also serving teacher, dean and registrar.

Mr. Hayes was a native of Forsythe, Mo., and received his bachelor's and masters' degrees from the University Missouri.  He came to Alice Lloyd in 1942.

Mr. Hayes taught English, drama music, physics, chemistry and history at the college.  During his tenure as president, an Appalachian culture center was established, financial support from individuals and foundations reached more than $25 million, and a $5 million endowment fund was established.

William Hayes was described in a resolution to the Alice Lloyd College Board of trustees as a man who "invested his life for the betterment of Appalachian youth and Eastern Kentucky."                                  

William and his wife, Edith, had three sons and two daughters. William Hayes was a founder and president of he National Council of Independent Junior Colleges, a president of he Kentucky Junior College Association and a member of the Southern Association of Junior Colleges executive committee.

After his retirement, he was described as "busier than most people in their prime."  He moved to Lexington and directed the Lexington Education-Work County, established a home care program for the elderly and disabled people, and founded Lexington's Citizens for Informed Voters in the Commonwealth.

He was also active in the Fellowship of Reconciliation, Habitat for Humanity, RSVP Alzheimer support group, Helping Hand and Lexington Singers.  He was a member and leader in Central  Christian Church in Lexington and was active on the state and national levels with church councils.                                       
 

Corbett Mullins
May 5, 2003