Local businessman Jerry Hall received the Missouri State University Alumni Association’s Bears of Distinction Bear of Excellence award Thursday, May 2, during the annual Alumni and Friends Picnic hosted by the MSU-WP office of university advancement.

The award recognizes individuals who are making a difference through their commitment to the community and pursuit of excellence.

Hall, a real estate broker and owner of Holiday Inn Express and Suites, has advocated for MSU-WP and its Grizzly Athletics programs for many years – as an alumnus and as a member of the university’s Board of Regents (now Board of Governors), MSU-WP Development Board and Advisory Board.

He also was a charter member of the Grizzly Club and the club’s Executive Board.

During his tenure on the Board of Regents, MSU-WP established:

• the Garnett Library (1991)
• the Grizzly Athletics Program (1993)
• the V.H. Drago College Store (1993)
• renovated the Putnam Student Center (1993)
• built the Grizzly House residence hall (1994)

In addition:

• MSU-WP’s 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

“Everyone who knows Jerry Hall knows of his passion for the work being done in West Plains,” said Brent Dunn, executive director of the MSU Foundation and vice president of university advancement. “Jerry remains committed to advancing higher education opportunities for students in the area.”