Where’s Hall?
With packing still under way, former Utah State University President Kermit L. Hall is preparing for his final days in Cache Valley.
After giving a lecture on women and higher education in San Francisco, Calif., Friday, Hall will return to the valley and finish packing. Early next week, Hall, his wife and two cats – Harry and Bess – will be in Albany, New York, Hall said.
Hall wanted this transition to go quietly, said John DeVilbiss, executive director of USU public relations and marketing. However, it has been difficult to watch the transition, DeVilbiss said.
“[Hall] brought so much energy and brilliance to the job. It’s been difficult for me to look into his office and see it slowly empty out over the last few weeks,” he said.
Hall said he is eager to begin his position at State University of New York in Albany. The transition “couldn’t be any easier with Stan,” Hall said for the university’s upcoming administration change.
“Stan and I worked very closely,” he said, “he knows all the issues. I’m thrilled for him – I’m thrilled for the university.”
As for his final advice, Hall said he spoke with Albrecht about the importance of recognizing the significance of placing students first. From the beginning of their terms at USU, Hall said it has been “very much a team effort” to living out his advice.
The university is on its way in creating a name for itself, Hall said. The future of the university is bright, he said, and will continue to progress with the emphasis on raising academic performance. Hall said he would like to see USU have an increase in academically competitive students for such awards as the Rhodes Scholar.
The most essential component in the progression of the university will come through students with “intellectual vitality,” Hall said, and embracing an openness that may “make some people uncomfortable.”
“You cannot grow academically without having the ideas you cling to challenged,” Hall said.
The atmosphere of an East-coast school is recognizably different than Cache Valley, he said. However, Hall said the cosmopolitan-influenced location – near New York City and Boston – of the school brings excitement that he, his wife Phyllis and his two cats are looking forward to.
-kcashton@cc.usu.edu