By Blair Hoover Conner and Jenny Wells-Hosley 

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 7, 2024) — It’s University of Kentucky Homecoming week — a time when the UK community comes together to celebrate and honor its alumni. This week, UKNow is shining a spotlight on just a few of the thousands of alumni who embody the university’s mission to advance Kentucky. 

Colby Hall, a 2015 graduate of the UK College of Arts and Sciences, is from Somerset, Kentucky. A former UK Homecoming king (2014), Hall now serves as executive director at Shaping our Appalachian Region Inc. in Pikeville, Kentucky. This regional nonprofit focuses on economic revitalization in Kentucky's 54 Appalachian counties through local projects and programs.

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UKNow: What’s your favorite UK memory?

Hall: Wow! So many... 

First,  I met my now wife at UK, so that's definitely at the top of the list.

Second, the basketball run we had during my years on campus (2011 - 2015) was insane, and it was awesome to experience that firsthand as a student.

Last, I really miss being on campus during this time of year with the perfect weather and beautiful colors. The feeling of walking back to your dorm/apartment after your last class on a Friday knowing a big football game was happening that next day was second to none!

UKNow: What did you study at UK, and how are you using your degree(s)/UK education to advance Kentucky?

Hall: I was a pre-med biology major and Spanish minor. After graduating I spent a year abroad in Ibiza, Spain, teaching English as a way to become a proficient Spanish speaker.

Pre-med science classes were no joke. While I ultimately decided on a different path professionally, I have taken with me the work ethic that was required to make sure I was successful in my coursework.

UKNow: What does it mean to you to be a graduate of UK?

Hall: I'm a proud UK graduate, and I'm grateful for how my time at UK prepared me for the opportunity to serve the interests of Eastern Kentucky in the full-time position where I am now. No matter where I am or what I'm doing I feel like I'm always representing this state and its flagship university. And I'm motivated to make it proud!

UKNow: Were there any specific professors, mentors or student organizations that had a lasting effect on you? 

Hall: I loved my experience being involved through UK Student Government Association (SGA) and DanceBlue. During my senior year, in my role at SGA, I hosted a weekly radio show on WRFL, and that was a lot of fun. DanceBlue was a grounding experience that was a testament to the belief that, in life, you get more when you give more. In terms of mentors, I had the opportunity to be connected to Nate Morris my senior year through his connection to UK's Gatton College of Business and Economics. I credit much of where I am today to the conversations we had almost 10 years ago.

UKNow: How did UK prepare you for life after graduation, both personally and professionally?

Hall: Achieving success on a college campus requires the same basket of ingredients as having success in life. You have to work incredibly hard. You must treat others the way you want to be treated. And you should choose to adopt a positive and optimistic attitude about the world around you. I credit UK for teaching these values as they have translated into me being a better person and professional.

UKNow: What advice would you give current Wildcats?

Hall: Life's short, so don't sweat the small stuff. You're in control of your future, and you can achieve anything you set your mind to doing. 

Read more about Hall in this "Advancing Kentucky" profile.

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The UK community and the public are invited to celebrate UK Homecoming 2024 all week long by taking part in some of the 50+ events happening on campus and beyond this week. Learn more here or visit https://homecoming.uky.edu/.