Dr. Kirkland Hall

Civic leader, educator, and community advocate known for mentoring youth and preserving local Black history in Somerset County.

Dr. Kirkland J. Hall, Sr. is a respected civic leader, educator, and community advocate from Somerset County, Maryland. Raised in the Oaksville community near Princess Anne, he has spent decades strengthening local culture, education, and opportunities for residents of all ages. His work reflects a deep belief that community spaces and shared history are essential to preserving cultural identity and fostering civic pride.

A lifelong educator, Dr. Hall earned a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership and Government from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. He also holds a Master’s degree from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. His academic and administrative service includes roles such as Acting Chair of the Department of Exercise Science at UMES and Assistant Director of Athletics for Facilities Management.

Dr. Hall has served in numerous civic and civil rights leadership roles, including Chair of the Somerset County Democratic Central Committee and Chair of the Somerset County African American Leaders Partnership Committee. He has been deeply involved in youth development as a coach, mentor, and advocate, and is a Silver Life Member of the NAACP, where he has worked to advance equity, opportunity, and community empowerment.

He is also widely recognized for his commitment to preserving the history of Black life on the Eastern Shore, particularly through the legacy of the Oaksville Eagles baseball team. The Eagles were a cornerstone of community life for generations. When the Oaksville ball field fell into disrepair, Dr. Hall helped organize local residents and former players to restore and protect the field as a living community landmark. This effort ensured that the stories, traditions, and pride associated with Oaksville baseball continue to inspire future generations.

Dr. Hall continues to serve Somerset County through civic oversight and public accountability roles, including service on boards focused on community trust, children, and families. His leadership is rooted in service, memory, mentorship, and a lifelong commitment to strengthening the communities that shaped him.