On July 1, 2025, Dr. J. Camille Hall will begin her role as director of McQueary College of Health and Human Services’ (MCHHS) School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences (SMHBS).

New to Missouri State University, she brings more than 20 years of academic and clinical leadership.

“This leadership opportunity gives me the chance to promote change and innovation,” said Hall, who grew up in rural Arkansas. “I want to make a tangible difference in the lives of students, faculty, staff and the broader academic community.”

A strong foundation

Hall’s path into leadership began with a deep commitment to social work and service.

She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in 1991 and 1993, respectively, both in social work from New Mexico State University.

After graduation, she worked in social service agencies across New Mexico before pursuing her PhD. She completed her PhD in Social Work in 2004 at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts.

Her doctoral research focused on evaluation of risk and resilience among African Americans and multicultural competence using mixed methods study.

Hall began her first academic leadership at Philander Smith University from 2000-04. There, she led field education and later became program director of the Bachelor of Social Work.

In 2004, she joined the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK), where she served for 18 years.

In 2011, she completed the Higher Education Resource Services Leadership Institute at Bryn Mawr College. The nationally recognized program equips women in higher education to lead transformational change and promote equity across institutions.

Her contributions at UTK were recognized through multiple promotions. In 2019, she became the first Black woman to earn the rank of professor in the College of Social Work.

Her leadership journey continued at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She served as vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion from August 2022 to July 2024.

Beyond academia, Hall also served her country. She began her military service in 1985 and worked as a clinical social work officer in the U.S. Army Reserve starting in 1990. She retired in 2020 after a distinguished 27 years of military service.

These diverse experiences shaped her approach to leadership, grounded in care and collaboration. Her vision includes growing partnerships, building community ties and advancing research and applied learning.

“Our curriculum must be shaped by research and evolving technology,” Hall said. “That’s how we prepare students to address complex and changing needs in society.”

Leading with empathy and strategy

Hall notes her experiences have taught her how to lead with care, communicate clearly and work together to solve problems.

“I believe these skills will help me support the school in meaningful ways,” she said.

As she steps into this new chapter, Hall plans to begin with listening.

“My first and ongoing priority will be listening to the school’s leadership, faculty, staff and students,” she said. “That’s how we’ll build a strategic plan that strengthens our role in the college and community.”

Beyond work, Hall enjoys traveling, reading and engaging in community service — pursuits that continue to shape her worldview.

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