Dr. Lanny Hall

State Representative and President Emeritus

Born in Fort Payne, Alabama to Doyle and Rachel Hall, Lanny’s family moved to Fort Worth, Texas, when he was in the first grade, and he completed his primary education there. He graduated from Haltom High School where he played football and served as president of both the Future Teachers of America and the student body. As a student, he also volunteered as part of the campaign for a Texas Constitutional Amendment to create the Dallas-Fort Worth Regional Airport.

During his senior year, Lanny received one of only two scholarships from the Texas State Teachers Association. He began college at Hardin-Simmons University, transferring to North Texas State University, now the University of North Texas (UNT), to complete his Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education with teaching fields in government and history and later earning a Master of Education degree from UNT.

Dr. Hall has served more than 50 years in education and government. Early in his career, he taught at L.D. Bell High School where he was elected Teacher of the Year by his peers. He later held several government positions, including Congressional aide and special assistant to the U.S. House Majority Leader, Jim Wright. His public service continued as a three-term member of the Texas House of Representatives, representing Fort Worth. During his tenure, Representative Hall served as floor manager for Texas highway appropriations, Vice Chairman of the Transportation Committee, and member of several committees, including Higher Education, Public Education, and Appropriations. As a lawmaker, he co-sponsored the Regional Mass Transportation Authority, known as Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), and sponsored legislation creating the Fort Worth Mass Transportation Authority.

From 1984 to 1986, Lanny Hall served as deputy director of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas where he led government and college and university relations, shepherding establishment of a health insurance program for retired public school employees. Additionally, in 1985, Dr. Hall earned a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from the University of Texas at Austin and completed Harvard University’s Institute for Educational Management in 1996.

Dr. Hall holds the distinction of being the only individual to have served as president of three Texas Baptist universities. He began his higher education career as Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer of Howard Payne University (HPU), where he served for three years before becoming president of Wayland Baptist University in 1989. His tenure as president of Hardin-Simmons University began in 1991, strengthening the university’s financial health, setting enrollment records, and spearheading campus improvement projects; and, in 2001 he moved into the role of chancellor. In 2003, Dr. Hall reclaimed the presidency of HPU, returning to HSU in 2009 where he served as president until his retirement in 2016 when he resumed the role of chancellor and in 2021 became President Emeritus.

Over his 17 years as HSU president, Dr. Hall led efforts to raise more than $80 million through four capital campaigns. These funds were instrumental in enhancing the university’s infrastructure and programs. During his first term as president, HSU’s endowment grew by over $40 million, a figure that was increased by an additional $43 million during his second term. Under his leadership, several campus buildings were updated, while new construction flourished. Notable improvements to the campus include Shelton Stadium, the Hemphill Music Building, Connally Missions Center, Caldwell Hall, Skiles Social Sciences Building, Woodward-Dellis Recital Hall, and Gilbert’s Coffee.

Beyond his administrative contributions, Dr. Hall was a dedicated educator. He was a faculty member at each institution he served, including holding HSU’s Haggerton Chair of Political Science. He also taught as an adjunct professor at Texas Wesleyan University and Austin Community College and lectured on the Texas legislative process at institutions such as the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Texas at Arlington, Abilene Christian University, Tarrant County College, and others. In addition, Dr. Hall played a pivotal role in establishing HSU’s doctoral program in leadership, Physical Therapy and Physician Assistant programs, Institute for Leadership and Hall of Leaders. He currently serves as Professor of Political Science and Leadership, further cementing his legacy as an advocate for advanced education and leadership development.

Dr. Hall’s influence extended into professional organizations and educational governance. He was an active member of the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), where he chaired numerous reaffirmation and substantive change committees. He also served as a board member and chair for several organizations, including the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas, International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities, and Texas Council on Economic Education. Additionally, he chaired the Texas Baptist School Presidents Association and served on the international board of the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities, as well as the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. These roles underscored his dedication to promoting quality education and collaboration among institutions.

Throughout his career, Dr. Hall received numerous awards and recognitions from educational and governmental organizations, reflecting his exceptional contributions to both fields. His extensive expertise in higher education governance and accreditation has made him a respected figure in academic circles.

Dr. Hall’s commitment to service extended beyond his professional life. An ordained Baptist deacon, he is deeply involved in Berry Lane Baptist Church, serving as a Sunday School teacher and leading the singing. His faith and dedication to community service have been central to his life and work. Dr. Hall’s personal life reflects the same values he brought to his professional endeavors. He met his wife, Carol, at Camp Copass in 1962. Together, they have two children Lana and Chad (deceased), and three granddaughters: Lilly Rhodes, Ada McCutchen, and Chloe Hall.

Dr. Lanny Hall’s life is a testament to the power of dedication, leadership, and service. From his early days in Fort Worth to his transformative roles in higher education and government, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a passion for making a difference. His contributions have enriched countless lives, leaving a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.

For his distinguished service as a legislator and in Christian higher education, Hardin-Simmons proudly inducts Dr. Lanny Hall into the HSU Hall of Leaders.