Professor Kenneth Octavius Hall became Jamaica’s fifth Governor General on February 15, 2006. He succeeds Sir Howard Cooke, who served as Governor General for 15 years. Professor Hall brings to his post of Governor General extensive academic, administrative and professional experiences gained in the Caribbean and elsewhere.

Professor Kenneth Hall was born on April 24, 1941 and hails from the Parish of Hanover. He is married to Rheima Holding and has one daughter. He earned a Degree in History from the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona in 1966; he obtained a postgraduate diploma from the Institute of International Relations, UWI, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago; a Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy Degrees from Queen’s University, Canada. In 2004 Professor Hall was the recipient of one of Jamaica’s national honours, Order of Jamaica and is a member of the Order of Nation.

His Excellency began his career as a teacher at Ruseas High School in Hanover, where he taught from 1961-1963. Professor Hall’s professional experience at the tertiary level began with the post of teaching assistant at UWI, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago 1966-1967. He then lectured in History at the University of the West Indies, Mona 1972-1973.

Most of Professor Hall’s professional experience was gained at the State University of New York (SUNY) where he served a professor from 1982-1994. At SUNY he was Professor of American Studies and History at the University’s’ Old Westbury and Oswego campuses respectively. In addition to holding the position of Professor at SUNY, Prof. Hall also held administrative positions of Dean of Faculty, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Old Westbury and Assistant Provost and Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Albany.

Upon his return to the Caribbean in 1994, Professor Hall was appointed Deputy Secretary General of CARICOM. Two years later, in 1966 he took up the post of Pro-Vice Chancellor/Principal of UWI, Mona. In 2003 he was appointed Chairman of the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC). Professor Hall also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Mona Institute of Business located at UWI, Mona.

Professor Hall has been affiliated with several associations. He has also served as Consultant, to several local and international organizations. His Excellency also has to his credit several books, articles and papers. His publications include: