Hall’s knowledge valued by U.S. Supreme Court
Utah State University President Kermit L. Hall was recently the keynote speaker in the chamber of the United States Supreme Court for the Supreme Court Historical Society’s “Teaching Competing Cannons” lecture series.
Hall, a nationally recognized constitutional scholar, delivered his address before graduate students and senior history and political science professors. Professors from Georgetown, Northwestern, Florida State University and Virginia Tech also delivered addresses and case studies.
“We’re pleased professor Hall came and participated in everything. It was a really good speech – informative and inspiring,” said Marianne Harding, director of development for the Historical Society.
Harding said the Society holds lectures every few years. The Historical Society was started in 1974 to increase public awareness of the Court on the recommendation of attorneys, legal scholars and other concerned citizens brought together by then-Chief Justice Warren Burger.
John DeVilbiss, director for public relations and marketing at USU, said he believes Hall will return frequently to Washington, D.C., to deliver speeches and act in other capacities as a Constitutional scholar. Hall is currently the editor in chief of the Oxford Companion to the Supreme Court, which chronicles the history and opinions of the Court.
“He is not only knowledgeable but articulate. He is a true scholar and a wonderful addition to the university,” DeVilbiss said.
Harding said having Hall participate meant a great deal to the Historical Society and to the graduate students.
“I can’t imagine not inviting professor Hall back,” Harding said.
DeVilbiss said the influence of a high school teacher caused Hall to pursue a career in history and eventually receive his doctorate. After teaching history for more than a decade, he earned a studies in law master’s degree from Yale University.
“Hall has great respect nationally. It allows us to ride his coattails,” DeVilbiss said.
Hall is sought after and could have accepted any number of prestigious positions, DeVilbiss said.
“He’s astute enough to know a good thing when he sees it. His intent is to point out what we have and bring us the recognition we deserve at USU,” DeVilbiss said.