News

Southern Utah University announces appointment of Dr. Frank R. Hall as the Dean for the Walter Maxwell Gibson College of Science and Engineering

from the website of Southern Utah University

Southern Utah University is excited to announce that after an extensive national search, Dr. Frank R. Hall has been chosen to serve as the new Dean for the Walter Maxwell Gibson College of Science and Engineering.

Hall has over two decades of experience in administration and service at the university level. His past academic appointments included Dean of the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology at Saginaw Valley State University, Full Professor and Dean of the School of Education, Health and Natural Science at Worcester State University, faculty positions at the University of New Orleans and University of Delaware, and was a Ford Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Colorado.

“I am very excited for Dr. Hall to join us at SUU,” said Dr. Jean Boreen, dean of the SUU College of Humanities and Social Sciences and hiring committee chair. “I look forward to working together on interdisciplinary projects.”

Hall’s scholarship has focused on science and science education, and the intersections between science and society. He currently serves as a member of the United Nations World Oceans Assessment Program and is part of the Council of Colleges of Arts and Sciences. Hall has also worked as a contractor with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, was a Staff Officer for the National Academy of Science, and served as a Program Manager with the National Science Foundation.

“When I interviewed at Southern Utah University, I was impressed by their student-centered approach to education and dedication to hands-on opportunities for students, preparing them for life after graduation,” said Dr. Hall. “I am honored to be joining the SUU community, to support President Wyatt’s vision of the future, commitment and dedication to diversity, the well-being of all students, its outstanding faculty, and community outreach, service and engagement.”

As the Dean of the College of Science and Engineering, Hall will oversee the agriculture, nutrition science, biology, computer science, information systems, engineering, engineering technology, mathematics, nursing and physical science programs.

Other members of the search committee commented:

“Dr. Hall spoke well to a variety of disciplines within COSE, from nursing to chemistry to geology and engineering. His diverse background in STEM education at all levels makes him well prepared to lead a college that focuses on teaching, outreach, community service, and undergraduate research.”

“Dr. Hall was very enthusiastic and personable while maintaining an air of authority and reason that serves leadership well.”

Throughout his career, Hall has been dedicated to improving diversity, inclusion and access to underrepresented and underserved students. He was nominated as an Outstanding African-American in STEM for the Black Engineers of the Year Awards in 2014.

Hall completed his Ph.D. in Geological Oceanography from the University of Rhode Island. He also holds a master’s degree in Geology from Lehigh University and a bachelor’s degree in Earth Science from Kean University.