Colin Hall, a political science major from Jones County, is Georgia College & State University’s first-ever Truman Scholar. 

Created as a living memorial to United States President Harry S. Truman, the Truman Scholarship is a highly competitive national award given to exceptional college juniors who demonstrate outstanding leadership potential, a commitment to public service and academic excellence. 

“The Truman wants someone who's dedicated to a life in public service,” Hall said, “and I can say that one of my big missions in life is to serve people.”

Hall joins a class of 62 new Truman Scholars selected from 705 applicants representing 275 colleges and universities nationwide. This year, Hall is the only student in Georgia to earn this prestigious honor recognizing his commitment to public service.  

Hall applied for the Truman Scholarship upon the recommendation of National Scholarships Office Coordinator Anna Whiteside, who first learned about Hall through his participation in GCSU’s Election Administration Certificate program.

“While we've had several students make it to the finalist level over the past few years, Colin is our first Truman recipient,” Whiteside said. “I am thrilled that the rest of the country is going to get an opportunity to learn through Colin how much GCSU students care about improving the world around them.”

Hall credits his parents, Geoffrey and Valerie Hall, and his Christian faith for instilling his strong sense of duty to others. 

“Something that really motivated me is being able to witness my mother as a teacher,” Hall said. “She's been a teacher for 28 years and seeing how much time she invests into students year after year in her classroom has made me gain an appreciation for educators and administrators in education across the state.”

Hall has volunteered as a Sunday school teacher since age 12 and regularly seeks opportunities to share his academic experiences with students at Mattie Wells Elementary School, where his mother teaches fourth grade. At Georgia College, Hall assists peers in résumé writing and mock interviewing at the university’s Career Center. 

Hall aspires to a life of public service as an elected official with the ultimate goal of being elected governor of Georgia. He looks forward to participating in the Truman Foundation's Summer Institute, during which Hall hopes to meet and work with elected officials and career civil servants to better understand constituent services and policymaking at the federal level.

“One of the best ways you can serve others is being able to listen and have productive conversations with people from different lifestyles who have different views on issues,” Hall said, “and being able to then take things they say and make sure we're not forgetting about anybody and that everybody's getting equal representation.”

Georgia College administrators joined Hall’s professors and Career Center colleagues in surprising him with the Truman Scholarship announcement during a reception. 

"We are incredibly proud of Colin and this tremendous achievement," said President Cathy Cox. "He embodies the service-oriented values of the Truman Scholarship and proudly represents the mission of Georgia College & State University to produce graduates who are committed to ethical leadership and public service."

The Truman Scholarship provides funding for graduate studies, leadership training, career counseling and special internship and fellowship opportunities within the federal government.

The experience of applying for the Truman Scholarship has helped Hall prepare for his next steps, which include pursuing a master’s degree in public administration and a law degree. 

You can learn more about the Truman Scholarship and read Colin Hall’s scholar bio on the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation website. Learn more about applying for the Truman Scholarship and other national academic honors on the GCSU National Scholarships Office website.