Former Tri-C Trustee Chair Hilton O. Smith Passes Away
Served on Board of Trustees from 1993 to 1997
The Rev. Hilton O. Smith, a former chair of the Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) Board of Trustees, passed away March 5 at the age of 79.
Smith, who served as board chair from 1993 to 1997, was a longstanding champion for Tri-C, most recently realized in his participation on the Tri-C Board of Ambassadors.
In a career lasting more than half a century, Smith became one of the most important figures in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. His wide-ranging impact on civil rights, economic growth, education and community development will be felt for generations to come.
"Cleveland is stronger because of Rev. Smith," said Tri-C President Michael A. Baston, J.D., Ed.D. "We at Tri-C mourn his passing but gaze upon his legacy with profound respect and gratitude."
Smith served as president of the Cleveland NAACP beginning in 2012 and was board president of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. He also held board positions with the Cleveland Foundation, United Way of Greater Cleveland, Urban League of Greater Cleveland and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
In his corporate career, Smith held numerous positions with Turner Construction, including as an equal employment opportunity coordinator and, ultimately, senior vice president for corporate and community affairs. He also led the Turner School of Construction Management, resulting in billions in contracts awarded to minority- and women-owned businesses.
Smith also served as an associate minister at Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church in Cleveland.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and political science from St. Augustine's University in 1968.
March 16, 2026
MEDIA CONTACT: Anthony Moujaes, 216-987-3068 or anthony.moujaes@tri-c.edu