The Halls Honored at Retirement Reception

Dr. Lanny Hall and Mrs. Carol Hall lauded for 17 years as HSU’s President and First Lady

May 16, 2016 Linnea Kirgan

(Abilene, Texas) It all started with a stamp. HSU President Dr. Lanny Hall recalled at Sunday’s retirement reception that he initially wavered on the decision in 1991 to apply for the Hardin-Simmons president’s position but was prodded to do so by HSU’s search committee chair Gene Adams.

“It’ll only cost you a stamp,” Hall said Adams told him. “I’m sure glad I bought that stamp and have been so blessed.”

It was an afternoon of recognition for the Halls, who have served 17 years in two separate terms as HSU’s President and First Lady as well as an additional two years as chancellor. Dr. Hall will again return to the role of chancellor when he steps down as president at the end of May.

Friends and colleagues old and new came out to honor the couple, who have spent 30 years in Baptist higher education in Texas. Dr. Hall also served as president at Wayland Baptist University and at Howard Payne University.

The receiving line lengthened throughout the afternoon as the couple greeted the many who came out to offer thanks.

One highlight of the event was an original song performed by Mrs. Carolyn Newman, in the style of Bob Hope’s “Thanks for the Memories.”

State Rep. Susan King presented the Halls with a Texas flag that had been flown over the capital and read a proclamation. She said the Halls are a special team that work together toward the advancement of the city, the state, and Hardin-Simmons.

A state Senate proclamation by Sen. Troy Frasier honoring Dr. Hall and his service was read by Mike Hammack, HSU’s VP of Institutional Advancement.

Mrs. Kathy Waters spoke to Mrs. Hall’s vision for the University, her promotion of the Cowgirls’ organization, her gracious hosting of countless events, and her work with the Round Table organization. She said Mrs. Hall has a way of making all of her hard work seem effortless.

“This gal can do it all. She’s like Ginger Rogers, backwards and in high heels” said Mrs. Waters. Mrs. Hall was given a gift of a lamp and flowers.

Mrs. Hall said she was appreciative for having the understanding of her children during her many years as First Lady and said she and Dr. Hall were looking to spending more time with their grandchildren.

Dr. Truett Latimer, chair of HSU’s Board of Development, HSU’s discussed the works during Dr. Hall’s first term, 1991 to 2001, during which the University flourished financially. Five new facilities were constructed during this time and four facilities were renovated. Fundraising programs were instrumental in key campus changes. Five new graduate programs were created as well as four new majors and four new minors. The Hall of Leaders was also established during this time.

“What an amazing list of accomplishments,” Latimer said. “Thank you for doing all of that for us at Hardin-Simmons.” Dr. Hall was then presented with a rocking chair by the University.

Dr. Mike Waters, chair of HSU’s Board of Trustees, shared information about Dr. Hall’s second term, which began in 2009. Accomplishments on campus included the renovations of Woodward-Dellis and the Olsen House, new tennis courts, and new artificial turf. On the academic side, new doctoral programs, new masters level programs, and the Physician Assistant program were introduced during his term. The University also collected many outside accolades during this period.

Dr. Waters also announced a new leadership scholarship bearing the Halls’ name. Past and present members of the Board of Trustees and Board of Development raised $36,000 toward the Halls’ scholarship.

Dr. Hall said he had a “thankful heart” and took time to thank many of the special people in his life, including former HSU President Dr. Jesse Fletcher.

To have the opportunity to serve the school twice as president has been a “high honor,” he said. “I can’t articulate to you how much I am blessed for having served here twice.”

Dr. Don Williford, Dean of Logsdon Seminary and School of Theology, offered a closing prayer at the reception. He thanked the Halls for their personal investment in the students, faculty, and staff at Hardin-Simmons and for their integrity.

“We want to thank you Lord for the fact that Lanny and Carol have shown in their lives, in their service, in their character, and their demeanor, the likeness of Jesus Christ,” said Williford. “They literally have been the Jesus that so many have seen.”

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