WEST PLAINS, Mo. – In the spirit of those who established Missouri State University-West Plains 50 years ago, campus officials presented local businessman and former university board member Jerry Hall and his wife, Sue, with the prestigious Granvil Vaughan Founder’s Award during Saturday’s Missouri State-West Plains commencement ceremonies at the West Plains Civic Center.
The award, named in honor of the campus’ founder, the late Missouri State Rep. Granvil Vaughan, was presented to the Halls by Missouri State-West Plains Chancellor Drew Bennett. The award is given annually at commencement to recognize individuals who have made a significant impact upon the mission of Missouri State-West Plains.
“Along with their commitment to friends and community, Jerry and Sue Hall have long embraced the importance of higher education in West Plains and south-central Missouri,” Bennett said. “In 1989, Jerry agreed to serve a six-year term on the Southwest Missouri State University Board of Regents, and he played an important leadership role during a major transitional period for the university. He was a vocal champion of the West Plains campus, and he worked eagerly and tirelessly to help secure key properties and establish fundamental programs and facilities.
“Sue was active, as well, through her charter membership in the Friends of the Garnett Library, and, with Jerry, charter membership in the Grizzly Booster Club,” Bennett continued. “Along with her brothers, Sue also established an endowed scholarship to honor their parents.
“Jerry and Sue Hall have accomplished much in their home community, including many acts of nurture and care that enabled the residence center that was established in 1963 to advance to prominence as Missouri State University-West Plains,” Bennett concluded.
During Jerry Hall’s six-year term on the university’s then Board of Regents, West Plains campus enrollment increased 60 percent; the campus was given an expanded mission statement and the authority to offer associate degrees by the Missouri General Assembly; a board resolution was passed allowing campus officials to develop a separate Faculty Senate and adopt its own mission statement, objectives and philosophy; and the campus received separate accreditation from the North Central Association to offer the Associate of Arts in General Studies and Associate of Science in Nursing degrees.
It was also during Hall’s tenure on the board that the campus established the Garnett Library (1991), the Grizzly Athletics Program (1993), the V.H. Drago College Store (1993), renovation of the Putnam Student Center (1993), and construction of the Grizzly House residence hall (1994).
In addition to his service on the Board of Regents, Jerry Hall has served on the campus’ Development Board (1991-96) and Advisory Board (1989-1995). In addition to being charter members of the Grizzly Booster Club, Jerry is a charter member of the Grizzly Booster Club’s executive board, a position he continues to hold 20 years later.
The Halls are members of the Missouri State University Founders Club representing the Garner family, and they continue to be key supporters of and contributors to the Grizzly Athletics program and the Garnett Library Book Campaign. They’ve also made donations to the Annual Auction and “Meet the Authors” event, and are sponsors of the annual Mynde Tarter Volleyball Tournament that benefits Grizzly volleyball players through scholarships. In addition, they generously donated to a fund set up to help change the campus’ signage when the university’s name was changed from Southwest Missouri State University-West Plains to Missouri State University-West Plains.
“Jerry and Sue Hall are excellent examples of the dedication and support from community members that has allowed the campus to thrive for the past 50 years,” Bennett said. “The Halls’ efforts have been instrumental in the growth and development of Missouri State-West Plains, and as such, they are truly deserving of this recognition.”