SC State mourns passing of former president, Dr. Barbara Rose Hatton
SC State mourns passing of former president, Dr. Barbara Rose Hatton
Hatton passed away on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, in Boston, Massachusetts. She was 84.
“Dr. Barbara Rose Hatton was a true pioneer and a meaningful contributor to South Carolina State University’s mission during her time as president,” current President Alexander Conyers said. “We remain grateful for her service to our institution and our students.
“She cared deeply about the power of education to change lives, and her commitment to that mission will be remembered,” Conyers said.
During her tenure as SC State's seventh president from 1992-1995, Hatton was instrumental in converting Felton Laboratory School into a state-of-the-art professional development school, initiating legislation passed by the General Assembly allowing engineering technology graduates to sit for the engineering licensure examination, and increasing collaborations and projects with colleges, universities and federal and private agencies.
Campus building projects included the 1890 Research & Extension Complex and improvements to Oliver C. Dawson Stadium and the Student Center Plaza.
Hatton earned her B.S. from Howard University, her M.A. from Atlanta University, and both an M.E.A. and Ph.D. from Stanford University, where she later became the first African American woman assistant professor of administration and policy analysis in the School of Education.
In addition to her work at SC State, Hatton held leadership roles at Atlanta University (now Clark Atlanta), Tuskegee University, the Ford Foundation and Knoxville College.
She is survived by her daughter, Kera M. Washington (Cassandra Extavour); 2 grandchildren, Kaia & Kyros; son-through-love, Kenny Washington (Mavis Washington); niece, Camille Hughes; grand-nieces & nephews & cousins, including Calvin Carlisle; and friends, former students, and mentees who carry her legacy.
Hatton was preceded in death by her two sisters, Kathryn Parham & M. Elaine Hughes.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Murray Brothers Funeral Home. Arrangements are forthcoming and will be announced on their website, and hers, www.barbarahatton.com.