Robert E. Hayes, Jr.

Robert Eric Hayes, Jr. is an American Bishop of the United Methodist Church (U.M.C.), currently serving in the the Oklahoma Annual Conference. Before being elected to the episcopacy in 2004, Hayes served as treasurer of the Texas Annual Conference. He has served as a pastor, District Superintendent, and college chaplain.

Education

Hayes earned a B.A. degree in English from Huston-Tillotson University, Austin, Texas (1969). He was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity while a student at Huston-Tillotson. He earned an M.Th. degree from Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas (1972) and a D.Min. degree from Drew University, Madison, New Jersey (1997).

In addition, Hayes was a Methodist Fellow to Europe, Asia and Russia in 1967. He was a Crusade Scholar of the U.M.C. in 1970-72. He was in Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities in 1968 and Outstanding Young Men in America in 1969.

Ordained Ministry

Hayes was ordained in the Texas Annual Conference of the U.M. Church. Before his election to the Episcopacy, he served the following appointments: McCabe U.M.C., Longview, Texas, as well as chaplain and instructor of Religion and Philosophy at Wiley College (1972–75); Blueridge U.M.C., Houston, Texas (1975–86); Riverside U.M.C., Houston (1986–94); superintendent of the Houston Southwest District (1994–2001); treasurer, Texas Annual Conference (2002–04).