"After interviewing Mr. Hinton, I took some time
to think about what we had talked about. Many times, I have wondered what
is wrong with the world and why everybody is just looking out for number
one. It took me a long time to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Right now that light is almost blinding, but what a way to go blind.
"I believe that I am a much better person for
knowing Mr. Hinton. As an instructor, he makes people want to learn, but
as a person, he makes me have faith in the future."
These words of a Fairmont State College student who
interviewed Dr. Gregory T. Hinton for a class assignment ring true for
many.
A lawyer, teacher and public servant, Dr. Hinton was born
in Marion County, West Virginia, and is a lifelong resident of the state. Currently
professor of business law at Fairmont State College (FSC) in West Virginia,
Dr. Hinton was the first African-American mayor of the City of Fairmont.
Dr. Hinton has proven his commitment to his legal,
academic and civic responsibilities by balancing all three. A graduate of FSC
and the West Virginia University College of Law, Dr. Hinton has practiced in
state and federal courts and served as special counsel to the governor.
"Evaluate yourself
by your efforts,
not the results."
A strong proponent of racial diversity, Dr. Hinton served
as the coordinator for the race, class and gender program at FSC and was instrumental
in the addition of black history courses to the college’s curriculum.
While serving on the Fairmont City Council for almost 10
years, two of those years as mayor, Dr. Hinton lived by his personal motto of
being committed to fairness, firmness, forthrightness and integrity.
He has been selected as the West Virginia Outstanding Black
Attorney, Carnegie Foundation West Virginia Teacher of the Year and Jaycees
Outstanding Young Man in America.
The single parent of three adult children, Dr. Hinton encourages
America’s students to “Evaluate yourself by your efforts, not the results. Never
use the results or efforts of others to judge yourself. You know, better than
anyone else, when you have given your best.”
