COE Assistant Dean Builds on NSF Division of Human Resource Development’s Commitment in STEM

Using fellowship to expand participation in underrepresented groups

Dr. Alfred Hall, assistant dean in the College of Education, has been selected for a National Science Foundation (NSF) Fellowship. Beginning October 11, 2022, Hall will serve as a Program Director in the Division of Human Resource Development within the Directorate for Education and Human Resources.

In this role, Hall will support NSF’s Division of Human Resource Development’s “commitment to enhancing the quality and excellence of STEM education and research through broadening participation of groups historically underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) - minorities, women and persons with disabilities.”  

Hall says of the fellowship, “I am honored to have this opportunity to serve the nation in improving STEM education pathways for underrepresented students. I have been involved in this work throughout my entire professional career, and I look forward to engaging with other colleagues at the National Science Foundation to broaden the impact of these efforts.” 

As part of the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA), Hall will serve on a detailed assignment from the UofM to NSF. As a former administrator in the legacy Memphis City Schools, Hall served as Chief Academic Officer and Chief of the Staff for the district. His experiences in K-12 and Higher Education administration have uniquely qualified him for this opportunity. In this assignment, he will gain useful experience in the development, coordination and management of large and complex Federal programs, as the NSF benefits from his academic, scientific and administrative insights.

After being selected by a national search, Hall will be responsible for long-range planning and budget development for STEM education program areas, including managing the merit review and awarding process, as well as post-award management. Additionally, he will work to advise the national community of current and future funding opportunities, and coordinate and collaborate with other programs at NSF and other Federal agencies and organizations.

As a program director, Hall will also work to advise and assist the division director in the development of long-range plans that ensure the Directorate’s investments are targeted to challenges and opportunities in research and education fields. This work is done to ultimately ensure that investments are made in a diverse mix of bold, cutting-edge projects that promise to advance the frontier and contribute to the attainment of NSF’s strategic goals.

For more information on this fellowship, contact Hall at alhall1@memphis.edu.