Leader and Listener: First Lady Carol Hall’s Lasting Imprint

She may be small in stature, but Carol Hall isn’t afraid of taking on the big tasks. As First Lady of Hardin-Simmons not once but twice, Mrs. Hall has breathed life into many wide-reaching programs on campus.     

She spent a decade as First Lady during her husband Dr. Lanny Hall’s first term as president from 1991 to 2001; Dr. Hall then served as chancellor of HSU from 2001 to 2003.  Her second time as First Lady began in 2009 and will end at the end of May. 

On Sunday, HSU will hold a reception to honor the Halls for their dedication and many years of service to the University.

The Halls’ long-lasting union began when they first met at a junior high church camp in Denton in 1962. They remained sweethearts in high school and their romance continued when the two attended HSU in 1967. The Halls married in 1968.

A welcoming presence on the Hardin-Simmons campus for nearly 20 years total, Mrs. Hall’s warm smile and gracious manner immediately set guests at ease. Known for her kindness, the First Lady is also lauded for her organizational skills, passion, and dedication to worthy causes. 

Mrs. Hall has cited Mrs. Lucile Sandefer, who served for 40 years as HSU’s First Lady, as a role model. Mrs. Hall recently accepted a Hall of Leaders award on behalf of the Sandefer family given to Mrs. Sandefer posthumously.

Round Table Revival

One of Mrs. Hall’s accomplishments surely would have gotten a nod of approval from Mrs. Sandefer. In 2010, Mrs. Hall revived the historic HSU Round Table organization. Round Table dates back a century earlier when Mrs. Sandefer created the group to cultivate friendships among faculty wives.

When Mrs. Hall became involved in Round Table, she extended membership to wives of administration and staff members. She added an annual scholarship named for Lucile Sandefer and a new award called the HSU Round Table Virtue Award recognizing women who have exhibited exemplary leadership.

She helped bring big names to campus for the Round Table Scholarship Luncheon, including singer/songwriters Gloria Gaither, Sandi Patty, and Cynthia Clawson, as well as “Miracles From Heaven” author Christy Wilson Beam and Lynda Johnson Robb, daughter of former president Lyndon B. Johnson. (Read more about the 2016 Round Table Luncheon: https://www.hsutx.edu/News-Stories/-Miracles-From-Heaven–Author-Christy-Beam-Featured-at-Round-Table-Scholarship-Luncheon/) 

Proceeds from the luncheon have endowed the scholarship. Through luncheon ticket sales and the sale of special HSU collectible Christmas ornaments, the organization has raised more than $50,000 in the last six years. 

“We’re so grateful for her leadership and getting it started,” said Mrs. Susan Keeling, noting Mrs. Hall’s meticulous attention to details with organizing the event. A member of the HSU Board of Development, Mrs. Keeling chaired the Round Table event in 2016.

Olsen House Project

The Olsen House, built in 1929, has also been a project close to Mrs. Hall’s heart for its place in HSU history and its potential as hospitality center. An Abilene Historic Landmark, the house on Vogel Street was  once home to HSU Professor Dr. Julius Olsen and his family. (Learn more about the Olsen House project: https://www.hsutx.edu/News-Stories/Renovated-Olsen-House-A-Gem-for-Campus/.)

The Olsen House renovation was approved by the Board of Trustees. Once the building was renovated, Mrs. Hall organized and led the Olsen House Historical Exhibition Committee and sought donations and gifts of furnishings for the new exhibits in the Olsen House.   

Mrs. Trina Fink, the wife of HSU English professor Robert Fink and longtime friend of Mrs. Hall’s, said the Olsen House project represents the First Lady’s vision as well as her appreciation of and respect for the history of Hardin-Simmons and the role women have played throughout the University’s history.

“She took the Olsen House and made it almost an interactive museum,” Mrs. Fink said.   

Mrs. Hall has been able to connect with students because of her keen listening skills, said Mrs. Fink. Mrs. Hall, who earned her master’s degree in guidance counseling and student services, served as a counselor at the Birdville, Brownwood, and Plainview Independent School Districts. 

Community Presence

Outside of HSU, Mrs. Hall has played a vital role in many community organizations. She served the domestic violence support program Noah Project in several key roles including board president, advisory board member, and development chair. She helped to fundraise for high profile events such as the Diamondback Charity Classic. She also serves on the Advisory Council of the Cancer Services Network.

State recognition came when Mrs. Hall was named as a Yellow Rose of Texas recipient by Governor White in 1983 and selected as a member of the Leadership Texas Class of 1993.

Community leader Mary Gill said she first met Mrs. Hall in the 1990s when Mrs. Hall was organizing a benefit at the Grace Museum that honored former HSU president Jesse Fletcher.   

“She was there 200 percent to make that a successful event,” said Mrs. Gill. “She brings out the very best in people.”

She said Mrs. Hall’s creativity and flair turned the fundraiser into a great success.

In addition to her formidable event organizing skills, Mrs. Hall’s considerate nature makes people feel comfortable in her presence.  

“I’ve always known her as a person whose heart is sweet and tender and she really cares about other people,” said Mrs. Gill.   

Mrs. Keeling, who served for a time as executive director of the Noah Project, said Mrs. Hall was skilled at putting people at ease, conveying the program’s message, and getting people interested in helping.

“She had such a sweet nature about her that they were writing the check before she even finished,” she said.

The HSU Life

Mrs. Keeling said HSU was doubly blessed when Dr. Hall was hired.

“First of all, HSU got two people for the price of one when they hired Dr. Hall,” she said.     

The University has not been separate from the Halls’ personal life, she said, it’s been part and parcel. That has included the Halls’ sweeping hospitality that had them frequently opening their home on campus for events.

“They’ve shared that President’s home with students, faculty and staff. Something is always going on in their world,” she said. “That’s been a real amazing thing to me, the way they have included the University life in their life.”

Even if that means accommodating the occasional late party guest.

According to an anecdote, following the Halls’ annual hot chocolate get-together for students during the Christmas season, the couple noticed a student peeking in the window hoping he hadn’t missed his opportunity for hot chocolate. Even though the hot chocolate had run out, Mrs. Hall found something to share with him and set him at ease.  

Mrs. Keeling, the wife of longtime HSU football coach Jimmie Keeling, said her good friend has a fun-loving side as well.

For example, when construction was complete on the new campus football stadium, the Keelings and the Halls wanted to celebrate by being the first in the press box, which was still empty. They grabbed chairs, a card table and a picnic dinner including corn on the cob.

“We looked out over the field and we were all so proud of it,” she said.

Mrs. Hall will say goodbye to her role of HSU’s First Lady at the end of May as Dr. Hall moves into the Chancellor’s role. She has left a bevy of accomplishments including the furnished Olsen House, an HSU landmark designated for special campus events, and the scholarship program and awards through the Round Table organization. Just as Lucile Sandefer left the pecan trees as part of her legacy, Mrs. Hall’s legacy as First Lady will be imprinted on campus for many to enjoy for years to come.