Administration

Communications

Gov. Nixon staff member visits Culver-Stockton
Thursday, December 15, 2011

CANTON, Mo. – Jason Hall, executive director for Missouri Technology Corporation, recently offered Culver-Stockton College students the opportunity to gain insight into his role as a key member of Missouri Governor Jay Nixon’s staff. Hall was appointed by Gov. Jay Nixon in March 2009 to lead the Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC) and serve as a senior member of the Governor's economic development team. In this role, Hall leads the State of Missouri's public-private partnership to grow the economy through entrepreneurship and high-tech innovation; focusing on venture capital formation, tech transfer, entrepreneurship training, build-up of scientific and incubator infrastructure, and related work particularly in bioscience fields. Hall is also a licensed attorney with experience in antitrust and competition law practice.

During his visit to Culver-Stockton, Hall toured the Mock Trial Court Room and met with Judy Abbott, senior lecturer in criminal justice, as well as students interested in pursuing a legal career. Hall also observed students participating in the Genomics Research program led by Dr. Wei Li, assistance professor of biology. In addition, Hall spoke with students in the “Corporate Experience” course taught by Dr. Dell Ann Janney, chair of the business program and professor of accounting, and Julie Straus, instructor of accounting; as well as students in Lecturer Eric Larson’s “Microeconomics” course. “Mr. Hall spoke during my ‘Corporate Experience’ class, as well as my ‘Microeconomics’ class,” explains Spencer McKeown, senior accountancy and finance major from Rushville, Ill. “The topics ranged from his practices as a lawyer to beginning his career as a member of Gov. Nixon’s staff. Mr. Hall is now the executive director at Missouri Technology Corporation. Through his tenure, the state of Missouri has jumped up the ranks in the technology field amongst the states. They are now working with China to bring business to Missouri and provide for an easier way to transport cattle and livestock overseas. He also informed us of their major role in the biosciences field and the advancements they have been making,” McKeown continued. Hall also spoke during Assistant Professor Jeanne Johnson’s “Principals of Organizational Structure” class, and was the featured speaker during an evening program.

“Jason provided insights into the recent legislation, Missouri Science and Innovation Reinvestment Act. His work as an advocate for promotion of entrepreneurship in the bio-technology area will lead to high-paying jobs in Missouri—jobs of the future for our students,” commented Janney following Hall’s visit.