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[hr]Dr. Walter L. Reed and Mara Hall have been selected as honorees for the upcoming 2020 National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc. Both Reed and Hall will be officially inducted during the 35th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on September 25, 2020 in Atlanta, GA.
“I have had a very rewarding career marked with awards, honors, recognitions and promotions. However, I cannot think of any accomplishment more fulfilling than being inducted into the National Black College Hall of Fame,” says Reed.
Hall says, “It is truly an honor and a privilege to be selected for the NBCA Hall of Fame Foundation. Being recognized by the institution that built my confidence, my intellect and artistic acumen is a dream come true and I am forever grateful.”
Reed’s multi-faceted career as an educator, coach, athletic director and administrator included a position at Lawrence Elementary School (MS); N.H.Pilate High School (MS); Jackson State University, Mississippi State University; Greater Miami Legal Services; Florida International University; Florida A&M University and the University of Miami, (FL).
He has also been involved at all levels of athletics from elementary school to college. At the collegiate level, he served on several NCAA and NAIA committees, (SWAC and MEAC) committees, and chaired the NCAA I-AA Football Committee.
Reed says, “I am certainly honored, humbled and thankful. To be named among an amazing caliber of legends and pioneers such as Jerry Rice, Walter Payton, Doug Williams and April Holmes, is a privilege that many dream of and only a few realize. I certainly thank God, my family and the selection committee.”
Hall is best known for her recent co-star roles in the ABC hit show, Scandal, the BET popular television series, The Quad, supporting role in A Question of Faith (Silver Lining Entertainment), lead role in the comedic film Loqueesa, and her role as nurse Kathleen on the award-winning ABC series, Grey’s Anatomy.
“I learned work ethic, determination and the reward of hard work from the Sonic Boom of the South. I also learned how to stand out as a confident plus-sized woman on the Insatiable Modeling Squad. I was taught the importance of sisterhood and scholarship from Thee Glamorous Gamma Rho Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.,” says Hall. “I gained my skill-set and musical greatness from the Department of Music. My time and experience on the yard at JSU ultimately taught me how to take on any situation, obstacle, or challenge and overcome it with grace and finesse. Jackson State University made me the woman that I am today.”
Reed also accredits JSU for molding him into his best self and assisting with his successful career.
“Jackson State University laid the foundation for my educational matriculation, athletic accomplishments and professional career advancement. It was there that I learned the value of hard work, the joy of giving back and the appreciation of being a part of the family of HBCUs. JSU taught me that despite any odds, if you are willing to work hard, perseverance will always prevail. It was at JSU that my life took meaning.”