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Historian, administrator and quipster Kermit L. Hall named USU president By
Natalie Larson
Dr. Kermit L. Hall is personable, was the best candidate, knows student issues and is basically fantastic, according to Ben Riley, the student body president of Utah State University. "I couldn't be more pleased," said Riley. "He's definitely committed to USU and will be a good president." By unanimous vote of the State Board of Regents, Hall became the president of Utah State University on Wednesday in the Sunburst Lounge of the TSC, where he said, "It's great to be an Aggie." President George Emert, whose resignation becomes effective in a few weeks, commended the staff, faculty and student to Hall. "We have a remarkable student body. They come here to learn and they work hard at it. They've been delightful to work with," Emert said, "Our time at USU has been a truly great adventure. There are additional levels to reach in every case." Hall opened his address with a joke about U.S. President William Howard Taft, who he said was also called "the walrus." He said the man was so big someone told him he looked pregnant, to which he responded, "If it's gas, like I think it is, I'll name it after you." Hall quoted Ohio State University football coach Woody Hayes, who said, "You win with people." Hall said the things he values are: leading by serving; being accessible; encouraging initiative; selling USU to others; having frequent, upbeat and consistent communication; being able to deliver bad news; realizing that small gains eventually amount to large successes; identifying themes that make USU unique; setting and carrying out realistic goals; and starting to train his successor early on. He said, "It's amazing what can be accomplished when no one takes the credit." Hall said his biggest goal for Utah State as a land-grant institution is to become "engaged." He said he would like to see a development of "time-enhanced learning," in which students could work at their own pace and fit their education into their lifestyle. "The most precious commodity in this modern life is time," he said. Time-enhanced learning encourages lifelong learning, he said. "You have to know how to kiss and kick," Hall said. "You also have to enjoy the success of others and take great pride in what others do." Hall said his top three goals are: to get to know his colleagues in the faculty and staff, to work with the budgeting process and to look for friends and partners in many places. "I will never sell the university out for athletics," Hall said. "I'd like to see this university be competitive on all playing fields." The 56-year-old from Ohio has had experience at two land grant-universities. He was the chief academic officer at North Carolina State University and the dean of the College of Humanities and executive dean of the College of the Arts and Sciences at Ohio State University. Hall has held administrative and faculty positions at four other universities. He has written several history books including The Magic Mirror: Law in American History. Hall is one of the five people asked to serve by President Clinton on The President John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Review Board. Phyllis Hall, the new first lady, said she plans to get involved in teaching and would like to work with at-risk students in particular. Hall said he and his wife met on a blind date to a military ball. "I was the General in the ROTC, and I couldn't even find a date," he said. They have no children, Phyllis Hall said. But, "We do have a cat," Hall said. Its name is Sam. Hall said his favorite hobby is deep-sea fishing, and said he might have to give Bear Lake a try.
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