Tom Hayes: A Lifelong Musketeer
November 11, 2024
Originally published July 2023
After more than five decades connected to Xavier University, Tom Hayes remains one of the institution’s most devoted Musketeers. Hayes recently concluded more than seven years as dean of the Williams College of Business, a role now held by Marco Pagani of San Jose State University. But his relationship with Xavier stretches back even further—beginning in 1972 as a psychology student and, in many ways, even earlier through his father, longtime professor J. Kaney Hayes.
Over the years, Hayes has witnessed Xavier evolve from a commuter school into a nationally recognized university. Through it all, he credits the institution’s culture of care, collegiality and shared mission for its success.
While stepping down as dean, Hayes isn’t leaving campus life behind. He’s returning to the marketing faculty, eager to reconnect with students and the classroom.
For Hayes, teaching has always been the heart of the university experience. His philosophy is simple: challenge students, bring learning to life through real-world experiences, and help them pursue their hopes and dreams.