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“I developed a belief in the common good, a belief in the development of people, hence, a belief in education and support of scholarships. A belief that if you want to go fast, you go alone, but if you want to go far, you learn to work through others.”

Charles L. Greene, MSW, JD, has a long history of service, beginning with his role as an infantry captain in the U.S. Army in the 1960s. He has carried that sense of selflessness throughout his professional and personal life, impacting countless individuals.

“I am sure that my core beliefs and values were formed before I can recall,” said Charles. “I was raised by my grandparents on a farm in rural Alabama. We knew that we had to prep the fields before we planted the seeds - you only reap what you sowed. If there was no sweat, there would be no equity.”

He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from The University of Akron in 1962 and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Pittsburgh in 1967. In 1970, Charles became the second professor of color hired in �鶹����’s Department of Sociology and Anthropology, following Oscar Ritchie, and later, the first person of color to serve as vice president of a state university. He earned a Juris Doctorate from The University of Akron in 1977 and co-founded Davison and Greene Law Firm, where he remains a senior partner. 

As a professor, he encouraged students to examine issues from a theoretical standpoint and to consider other viewpoints. While advising the Undergraduate Student Senate, he guided students in challenging assumptions related to pass/fail classes.Their research revealed that the system allowed high-achieving students to explore classes outside their major without GPA concerns. President Schwartz praised their findings, and the system remained in place.  

As vice president for human resources, Charles played a behind-the-scenes role in key moments. In 1991, he staffed the search committee that hired Carol Cartwright, who became Kent State’s first female president as well as the first female president of any state university in Ohio. He served as founder and first president of the Pan African Faculty and Staff Association.

He led a cultural study to identify the values of Kent State’s faculty and staff and used that insight to create an employee-focused HR division. He launched a leadership academy and introduced policies addressing sexual harassment and AIDS. He also implemented training for campus police to better handle sexual violence and race-based cases, required first-year students to park at Dix Stadium to reduce congestion and advocated for a smoke-free campus well before it was required by law. 

Charles’ commitment to Kent State extended beyond his official roles. He served on the Board of Directors of the �鶹���� Foot and Ankle Clinic. He and his wife Delores established the Charles L. Greene Endowed Scholarship and the Oscar Ritchie Memorial Scholarship, and they also support the Dr. Milton E. Wilson Jr. HBCU Recruitment Scholarship. His philanthropy has helped many Kent State students pursue their academic goals. Upon retirement, he was named emeritus vice president of human resources and emeritus professor of sociology and anthropology.

Charles also cares deeply for his neighbors and friends, holding a strong belief in collective responsibility.

“I developed a belief in the common good, a belief in the development of people, hence, a belief in education and support of scholarships. A belief that if you want to go fast, you go alone, but if you want to go far, you learn to work through others.”

He has embedded himself into the fabric of his community by serving in leadership roles with the Portage County Community Action Council, Akron Urban League, Area Agency on Aging, Goodwill Industries, Alpha Homes, Harold K. Stubbs Scholarship, Alpha Phi Alpha Foundation and United Way of Summit and Portage counties. 

“Charles’ mentorship has made a lasting impact on my journey,” said Tammy James, '89, M.Ed. '91, Ph.D. '94, member of the Kent State Alumni Association National Board of Directors. “He challenged me to reach higher and stay true to my values. Thank you, Charles, for being such a powerful influence in my life.”

Charles is the recipient of numerous awards recognizing his service to the community. In 2023, he was awarded the Living Legend Award for his 50-year commitment to the �鶹���� Black Alumni Chapter. He also received the Special Recognition Award from the Northeast Ohio Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals in 2024 for his “unique and impactful contributions.”