The Right Man (1974)

Produced by Ray Miller for KPRC-TV’s Big 2 News, “The Right Man” is a 1974 television documentary about the influence of Dr. Robert Hayes Sr. Hayes served as president of Wiley College, a historically black college in Marshall, Texas, from 1971 to 1986. Bishop Kenneth Copeland of the United Methodist Church sent Hayes to Wiley—then $6 million in debt—to shut the school down. A Wiley alumnus, Hayes instead resolved to save the institution. This documentary examines his honorable mission and education philosophy. Through voice-over narration, Hayes stresses the critical role of historically black colleges and universities and the importance of family. A trio of students also reflect on their experience at Wiley on the occasion of their graduation. The documentary received a Peabody Award in 1974.