May 30, 2001                                                                       

Contact: Elizabeth Conlisk (614) 292-3040

Hall named VP – Student Affairs

Appointment subject to trustee approval

COLUMBUS – Ohio State President William E. Kirwan today named Bill Hall vice president for student affairs, subject to approval Friday by the university’s Board of Trustees. Hall had been serving in the position on an interim basis since last June.

“Over the course of the past year, Bill has demonstrated a tremendous ability to relate to students while managing several very critical issues,” Kirwan said. “Although we reviewed the credentials of some very impressive people, Bill clearly not only earned this position, but the respect and support of the entire community.”

Ohio State Board of Trustees President David Brennan echoed Kirwan’s comments. “I have one word for this appointment,” he said. “Superb.”

Kirwan cited Hall’s tireless efforts to quell off-campus disturbances by working closely with student and community leaders and state and local law enforcement agencies, as well as his successful management of this year’s African American Heritage Festival, as two of his most recent accomplishments. “We are fortunate that we have someone like Bill who can provide the leadership we need to achieve tremendous results,” he said. “I’ve been extremely impressed with his decision-making ability, obvious rapport with students and commitment to the university’s diversity agenda.”

Hall, 57, said he is looking forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead. “It’s a real honor to be chosen,” he said. “I’m grateful for the support and good wishes, and appreciate the opportunity to serve the university, and especially the students, in this new way.”

Bobby Moser, who chaired the search committee, is vice president for agricultural administration and university outreach, and dean of the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. “Bill Hall had tremendous support from all parts of the campus, especially the students,” Moser said. “After talking to faculty, staff and particularly the students, it was clear that they felt he could really lead us into the 21^st century in terms of improving student life.”

Moser said the search committee was charged with the process of bringing three to five qualified candidates to Kirwan, who would make the final decision. The committee held airport interviews and narrowed the number of candidates from six to four. The four were then scheduled for two days of campus interviews, including public forums and meetings with senior administration officials and student leaders.

Undergraduate Student Government President Eddie Pauline said he was excited about the possibility of working with Hall, who he said has had a significant impact on him and many other student leaders. “I think it’s one of the best decisions the president has made since he’s been here,” Pauline said. “It shows that the students are a real priority for the university.”

In addition to the campus, Hall’s candidacy also enjoyed broad support from all corners of the Columbus community. Sam Gresham, president and chief executive officer of the Columbus Urban League, praised the appointment. “Bill’s wisdom, tenure and knowledge of the university will make him a formidable vice president for student affairs,” Gresham said. “When you combine his tremendous experience on the campus with the relationships he’s developed in the community, you have what it takes to be a leader of student life at OSU.”

Hall joined the university in 1977 as director, administration and operations of residence and dining halls and was named assistant vice president for student affairs in 1994. As an assistant vice president, Hall served on the student affairs executive planning team and provided strategic direction for the Housing, Food Services and Event Centers department, which include the functional areas of residence life. The department’s annual budget is more than $60 million and functions as a self-supporting auxiliary operation.

Before coming to Ohio State, Hall served as director of housing at the University of Southern Illinois, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. 

In addition to his higher education experience, Hall has a distinguished military career with the Ohio Army National Guard.  He is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College and retired in 1998 with the rank of Brigadier General.

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