Gregory T. Hinton

2002 Honoree

"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.

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.”