In the revolving-door world of college and university presidents, it's no surprise that Kermit Hall's talents are in such high demand.
Hall, president of Utah State University for four years, has been selected president of New York's state university at Albany. Earlier this year, Hall was a finalist for president at the University of Tennessee, although Hall described the search process there as "tainted" and "flawed" after an anonymous letter writer attempted to smear his reputation.
Hall is a scholar and education leader with a national reputation. During his tenure at USU, Hall has taught a constitutional history class, an invitation-only class for the university's top political science and history students. In a 2003 Deseret Morning News profile, Hall said of higher-education leadership, "If you're in this job and you're too busy to teach, you need to get into banking."
It could be argued that Hall is too busy teach. But he teaches because he has made it a priority. That's highly commendable, considering that on a typical day Hall works from early morning well into the evening. He has continued his academic writing and research, publishing or editing more than 12 books. He was a member of the John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Review Board and had a high-profile role in releasing documents related to the assassination.
And, oh yeah, he's milked a cow in each of Utah's 29 counties, a public relations stunt intended to highlight USU's agricultural heritage.
Perhaps most importantly, Hall worked to improve the quality of USU for students and faculty. The university's freshman retention rate has improved from 61 percent to 75 percent during his term as president. Enrollment in doctoral programs is up 25 percent. Meanwhile, he established teaching awards to recognize outstanding professors.
Hall labored to improve relationships on and off USU's campus, some of which had become strained under his predecessor.
No small wonder Hall is in demand in higher education circles, although some people will cluck about a lack of loyalty among the higher-education set. The truth of the matter is, college and university presidents are no different from other professionals who seek new and greater career challenges.
Within weeks, Hall will embark on yet another great adventure in his higher education career. We wish him well and thank him for his tireless work on behalf of Utah State University.