Robert Hayes broke barriers in education before landing in New Orleans

Robert Benjamin “R.B.” Hayes broke barriers early in his life, becoming the first Black child to attend high school in the Oklahoma Territory. His career in education included serving at Philander Smith College and George R. Smith College in Missouri. Later, he became dean of New Orleans University, contributing to efforts that led to Dillard University and helping fundraise for the construction of Flint-Goodridge Hospital.