Dr. Ellis Madison Hall, first African-American Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR) and former ACVR president, passed away on August 4, 2021, in Tuskegee, Alabama at the age of 91.
Dr. Hall was born in Leland, NC in 1930. Orphaned early in life, he was fostered by Freddie and Theresa Moore of Southport, NC, and Hosea and Mattie Gerald of Fairmount, NC. Dr. Hall became known for raising blue ribbon swine and corn on the Robeson County family farm, where Dr. Beard, a local veterinarian, inspired him. Dr. Hall graduated from Rosenwald High School and studied at North Carolina Agriculture and Technical College (NCA&T), obtaining degrees in Agriculture, Chemistry, and Physics. Upon graduation, Dr. Hall entered Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University) School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating with his DVM in 1956. Continuing his education, Dr. Hall obtained a Master of Science in Surgery from The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, and a Master of Science in Veterinary Radiology and Ph.D. in Radiation Biology from Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO. Dr. Hall also gave back to his country, serving in the Air Force Reserve Veterinary Corps before retiring with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
“…first African-American Diplomate of the ACVR and former ACVR President”
During his tenure as faculty at Tuskegee University for more than 44 years, Dr. Hall taught generations of veterinary students and inspired many graduates to pursue advanced degrees and board certification. Assuming many roles, he taught radiology and surgery, served time as director of the veterinary teaching hospital and director of veterinary admissions, and eventually retired as Professor Emeritus. Dr. Hall was actively involved in the recruitment of members from the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina to attend veterinary college at Tuskegee University and was given the distinct honor of ‘Father of the Lumbee Veterinarians’. An endowed scholarship has been established at Tuskegee University to honor Dr. Hall’s vision of increasing the diverse representation of veterinary practitioners. His untiring efforts and contributions to Tuskegee University helped the College of Veterinary Medicine become the most diverse veterinary school in the USA.
An active member of his community, Dr. Hall was past chair of the Mason County Board of Education, member of the Tuskegee Chamber of Commerce, board member of the Atlanta Zoo and Alabama 4-H, and a life-long active leader of the Tukabatchee Area Council Boy Scouts of America.
He is survived by his wife, three daughters, three sons, ten grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and thousands of beloved students and protégés. His son, Dr. Paul B. Hall (Tuskegee ’98), and daughter-in-law, Dr. Nancy Betancourt (Tuskegee ’98), are also veterinarians.
Contributed by Dr. Ruby Perry DVM, PhD, DACVR, Dean CVM Tuskegee University, Dr. Michael Q. Bailey DVM, DACVR, and Dr. Kemba Clapp DVM, DACVR