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Student Spotlight: Marc Hall (MIS ’20)

sun sets over brick building

Anyone visiting the NC State website is familiar with Marc Hall’s work, even if they don’t realize it. Hall is a photographer in University Communications and the lens behind many of the detailed and colorful images of NC State’s campus and its faculty, staff and students.

He’s now a Class of 2020 graduate with a master of international studies (MIS) degree. Hall, a lifelong learner, also has undergraduate degrees in biology and photojournalism.

“No matter how subjects may appear unrelated, different viewpoints can add valuable texture to help solve problems and contextualize subject matter,” said Hall. “My master’s in international studies degree really helped give perspective to the connected world we live in — and how we got here.”

Marc Hall

Hall started out in the Master of Arts in liberal studies program and made the switch to the MIS program after taking the class “Science, Technology and National Security.” His coursework pushed him to dig deeper into core MIS subject matter: global problems and policy, international political economy, global governance and nuclear non-proliferation.

He credits William Boettcher, his advisor, and Heidi Hobbs, former director of the MIS program, with guiding him through his studies. 

“Dr. Hobbs encouraged me to take the step in the MIS program and Dr. Boettcher helped shape my capstone project and make it a labor of love for me,” said Hall. “All the faculty in the program truly are awesome folks who care deeply about knowledge.”

Even with COVID-19 disrupting the academic schedule at NC State, Hall didn’t experience much difficulty finishing up his degree. His capstone class and language requirements were the only classes he needed to complete remotely.

Now that Hall has completed his degree program, the 12-year employee of NC State will continue showcasing NC State through his camera with University Communications. He cherishes being able to see the many facets of NC State at work that unfold in front of his camera, from sweet potato research in the field, CRISPR processes in the lab or students doing amazing things all around campus. 

Though he will miss his fellow students and getting to experience those “a-ha” moments that come with the realization of new concepts, Hall will take what he’s learned into his work and daily life. He also wants to encourage other NC State staff members seeking to further their education at the university.

“Continuing your education is a great opportunity to further your knowledge at an institution that values knowledge,” said Hall. “It can help you in your personal life, it can help you in your professional life. It’s no secret: knowledge is power.” 

This post was originally published by the Provost’s Office.