LaMarcus J. Hall (MS EDU’19) chose to pursue an advanced degree at Purdue because he knew the program would be academically rigorous and that the Purdue name conveyed excellence around the world. However, his path at Purdue wasn’t easy.

“My experience was like no other,” Hall says. “I had to jump many hurdles to maintain my wellness and achieve.”

Among the barriers Hall faced were the stereotypes of black men.

“Many believed I was a professor because I was always professionally dressed,” he says. “Or that I was only at Purdue because I was an athlete.”

Despite the adversity, Hall found success. He is a two-time recipient of the Holmes Scholarship, receiving his Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue in 2019. He now works as an adjunct professor at Martin University. 

Hall is pursuing his doctorate at Indiana State University where his research focuses on perceptions of faculty of color in the academe at predominately white institutions.

Outside of the classroom, he enjoys community engagement and motivational speaking. A member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Hall has remained active in the fraternity, recently organizing Project Alpha in Indianapolis. He also belongs to the 100 Black Men Indianapolis chapter and sits on several boards of directors in the Indianapolis area.

His advice to other black students on predominantly white campuses: “Stay ahead and publish early. Don’t let anyone block your shot. Press on through racial battle fatigue so that the chain is not broken.”