Hall, who is from New Allen, in Floyd County, majored in Sustainable Agricultural and Industrial Management at Berea, completing his degree requirements in December 2009. While a student, Hall developed an interest in bio-diesel and founded his own production company to serve Floyd County residents. His winning proposal, titled “Inspiring vision for a new world: Rural economies as sustainable pioneers” will allow him to travel to Argentina, India, Austria, Hungary, Bosnia, and Herzegovina for a year beginning this June, in order to immerse himself in local solutions to a variety of economic and energy challenges facing rural communities – and seek to apply them in rural Appalachia.

The Watson Foundation is a charitable trust founded in 1961 by the widow of Thomas J. Watson Sr., the founder of International Business Corporation. The Thomas J. Watson fellowship program was established in 1968 by the Watsons’ children to honor their parents’ long-standing interest in education and world affairs.

Interested in applying for the Watson Fellowship? Visit https://legacy.berea.edu/cie/thomas-j-watson-fellowship/ to learn about deadlines, eligibility, and how to apply!