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Did you know the mayor of Plainview is also a professor at 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ? Dr. Charles Starnes, who teaches in the School of Business, is currently serving his second term as mayor of Plainview. Many students may not know much about him beyond the classroom, so here’s a closer look at the man behind the title. You might find you share a few things in common.

What Does Dr. Starnes Like to Do?

Dr. Starnes enjoys watching movies and spending time with his family and dog. His favorite animal is a dog, specifically his Anatolian Shepherd named Sam. Before becoming a professor, he served in the Navy as a submarine captain. His time in the service helped shape his favorite color, blue, and sparked his love for World War II movies.

He’s a big fan of classic military films, particularly The Great Escape, The Bridge on the River Kwai, and Bullitt. He also enjoys a good read. His favorite book is Two Years Before the Mast by Richard H. Dana, an adventure story about sailing and exploration.

Outside of reading and movies, Dr. Starnes is a man of culture and taste. He enjoys fine dining, musical theater, and symphonies. To stay active, he likes walking and playing golf.

What Is Dr. Starnes Passionate About?

Outside of his love for the sea, Dr. Starnes also values faith, learning, and community. His favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 19:21, and one of his favorite books is The Confessions of St. Augustine.

When he was younger, Dr. Starnes dreamed of becoming either a professional baseball player or a professor. Baseball remains a favorite pastime, but his passion for teaching ultimately won out. He’s been part of the 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ family since 2003, long before becoming mayor, and continues to pour his energy into both the classroom and the community.

Above all, Dr. Starnes is passionate about his students. He wants them to succeed, to grow, and to graduate. His motto for students is simple: “Open heart, open mind, open door.” He strives to live by those words, staying available to his students and encouraging them to reach out when they need support. His advice for freshmen is straightforward but wise: “Seek help before you need it, attend classes, and ask questions.”

Whether he’s teaching business classes, walking the greens, or leading the city of Plainview, Dr. Starnes continues to serve with integrity, faith, and an open door.