Cathy Hall ’77, ’97

Retired clinical supervisor at Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and chief of social work at the Veterans Administration in Boise

College of Health SciencesCollege of Business and Economics

Cathy Hall is a double Bronco, completing her associate’s degree in Marketing in 1977. Twenty years later — after a career in retail management — she returned to her alma mater to chase a new career, this time in an area she felt passionate about: social work. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Boise State in 1997 and her master’s in Social Work at Saint Louis University in 1998.

Hall went on to become a social work star. She worked for eight years as a clinical supervisor in adult mental health for the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare, helping to create the state’s first forensic team, participating in making recommendations about mental health laws to the Idaho Legislature, and supervising the Mobile Crisis Team. She then accepted a position as a clinical supervisor at the Boise Veterans Administration Medical Center, receiving a promotion to become the chief of social work after two years. During her time at the VA, Cathy served the needs of both veterans and social workers in the community, through providing necessary mental health support. She regularly worked with Boise State student interns  – where she prioritized providing rewarding experiences under her supervision.

Hall retired after 12 years at the VA, and now enjoys pickleball, hiking and riding her bike. She currently serves on the advisory board for the School of Social Work at Boise State, and on the St. Luke’s Treasure Valley Community Board.

Hall’s impact has been continuously felt on campus as a champion of the School of Social Work as she has shared the gifts of her time and talent for nearly three decades. Recently, through an endowed scholarship to support students working to earn their MSW,  the community will feel her impact in perpetuity. Hall demonstrates what it means to be a “forever” Bronco — through her leadership and passion to give back. She has made a difference in the world, especially in Idaho and at Boise State University.