Dr. Maurice Hall to be New Dean of the School of Communication and the Arts

Dr. Hall is dedicated to service and continued education. Photo by Alexa Gallery '27

The School of Communication and the Arts at Marist University will be welcoming a new dean, Dr. Maurice Hall, for the Fall 2025 semester. Hall is entering Marist for the first time with over 25 years of experience in academia and education.

Born in England, Hall grew up in Jamaica and later immigrated to the United States. His global background shaped his view of the U.S., and he aims to integrate his understanding of the world into his work with faculty and students. 

“I’ve always been aware of Marist,” Hall said. Previously a dean at the College of New Jersey, he became aware of the Marist and admired its focus on liberal arts. A strong study abroad population also drew Hall to the university. 

The dynamic and ever-changing world of communication is no stranger to Hall. The prominence of new forms of media and artificial intelligence is on his radar.

“I think communication and the arts are one of the most consequential disciplines in the twenty-first century,” he said. “Social media, and [other] media — the narratives we tell each other — shape reality and facts.”

In addition to his global background, Hall’s academic experiences also form much of who he is. With a background in theater, he animates both what he says and does to an extent that is beyond that of a traditional academic. His past includes acting, directing and writing.

“I tend to wrap [my theater background] in how I present myself,” he said. 

For the future of Marist, Hall anticipates building on the positive atmosphere he’s already seen on campus. Accessibility to dialogue with him and using him as a resource to shape Marist students is among his top goals as a future dean. 

“One of the earliest impressions that I’ve had is that students and faculty I’ve met seem really happy,” he said. “That for me is important and I want to do things and make decisions that add to that sense of wellbeing.”

Hall believes that colleges are an engine for a student’s future life and believes strongly in the positive, continued experience of the student after they graduate. 

“I think it’s responsible to prepare [students] for after they leave here,” he said.