Legacy of Excellence: The Hall Family’s Commitment to Education and Philanthropy

In the heart of February, I had the privilege of attending the Ira D. Hall and Rubye Hibler Hall Endowed Lecture Series, invited by my dear friend Jessilyn Head, co-founder of the Coltrane Group. The theme, “Reflections on Leadership & Service: A Legacy of Leadership,” resonated deeply as we honored the remarkable lives and contributions of Jessilyn’s parents, Ira and Rubye Hall. This event, held on campus on February 6th, was more than just an academic engagement; it celebrated black excellence and the enduring impact of personal philanthropy on higher education. I have a fantastic relationship with Jessilyn and the late Andre Head while working at OBU. I was involved with numerous projects attempting to assist the Oklahoma Historical Black Towns. The Heads were dear friends, and we were St. John Missionary Baptist Church members in OKC.

Ira and Rubye Hall were pioneers in their own rights, with their lives painting a vivid picture of resilience, dedication, and commitment to educational advancement. Rubye, an esteemed educator and a beacon of leadership within the Oklahoma public school system, and Ira, a trailblazer in academic administration, embodied the essence of “Excellence in Progress”—a theme Jessilyn aptly used to describe her father’s journey at Langston. Their story is a narrative of individual achievement and a testament to the transformative power of education and service.

As the Dean of Langston University’s School of Business, I am no stranger to the challenges of striving for excellence in an environment that often overlooks the contributions of African Americans. Yet, the Halls’ legacy is a beacon of hope, illustrating the profound impact of perseverance and dedication. Their contributions went beyond their professional achievements; they were also deeply committed to uplifting their community through education, with Rubye’s service in numerous esteemed institutions and Ira’s pivotal role in improving the quality of education for African American students in Oklahoma.

The Halls’ legacy of leadership and service is further immortalized through the philanthropic efforts of their family. Jessilyn and her family’s dedication to sponsoring the endowed lecture series and introducing a new endowed scholarship in their family’s name are commendable acts of generosity that ensure the continuation of their legacy. These initiatives honor the memory of Ira and Rubye and pave the way for future generations to pursue excellence in their educational endeavors.

As we reflect on the Halls’ monumental contributions and the unwavering support of their family, it’s clear that their legacy is not just a chapter in history but a living, breathing inspiration for all of us. As a community, we are called to celebrate the high academic standards set by pioneers like the Halls and encourage our students to believe that anything is possible, regardless of the obstacles.