Dr. Jeff Hall: Flagstaff’s 2024 Male Citizen of the Year
Lowell Observatory proudly celebrates former Lowell Executive Director Dr. Jeff Hall, who has been honored as the 2024 Flagstaff Citizen of the Year by the Arizona Daily Sun. For more than 32 years, Hall has made a profound impact on the Flagstaff community, contributing to science, education, and the arts.
Leadership at Lowell Observatory
Hall first arrived in Flagstaff in 1992 for a postdoctoral fellowship at Lowell Observatory after earning his doctorate in astronomy and astrophysics from Penn State University. Over time, he took on increasing responsibilities at the observatory, culminating in his role as Executive Director. His tenure officially concluded in November 2024 following the successful opening of the Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center, a milestone achievement for the institution.
A Commitment to Education and Mentorship
Beyond his contributions to astronomy, Hall has been deeply involved in education and mentorship. He played a vital role in the Northland Preparatory Academy Governing Board, overseeing the school’s expansion to serve more students. Additionally, he has mentored young scholars, including a BASIS Flagstaff student. Speaking of the experience in a recent interview with the Arizona Daily Sun, Hall said, “He turned out to be so brilliant that I ended up hiring him the next summer before he went off to college. Now he’s working on his Ph.D. at Georgetown” (Cody Bashore, Arizona Daily Sun).
Kevin Schindler, the Historian and Public Information Officer at Lowell Observatory, worked with Jeff for nearly 30 years. He remembers, “Working with Jeff always felt like having inspiration in your back pocket. He was always able to lift staff up during stressful times, speak to our mission and science to the public, and represent what Lowell and, really, Flagstaff stood for.”
Looking Ahead
Now residing in Tucson, Hall has transitioned to a new chapter of life engaging in consultant work. Though he has moved on from Flagstaff, his influence on the city remains profound. Lowell Observatory congratulates Hall on this well-earned recognition as Flagstaff Male Citizen of the Year.