Alumni Highlight - Judge Eric Hall

Judge Eric Hall graduated from Prestonsburg Community College in 1970 with an Associate of Arts Degree. He continued his education at the University of Kentucky and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science. He went on to the University of Louisville and received his Juris Doctor in 1977. He worked with several well-known attorneys before accepting the position as Floyd County District Judge in 1998.

Judge Hall has many passions in life including the great outdoors. He loves archery, hunting, fishing, hiking, birding and canoeing. He instituted the Archery Program into the Floyd County Schools in 2007. He strongly believes that archery is a way to reach kids that may not otherwise have the opportunity to compete in traditional sports activities therefore giving them the chance to be a part of a team.

Judge Hall realizes that the drug epidemic in our area is out of control and growing at an enormous rate, and he is passionate about the role of Drug Court, which not only allows individuals a second chance to make their life better but is also an alternative to those who are facing jail time. Drug Court allows individuals to enter an intensive treatment program as an alternative to jail. Since its inception in 2004, data indicates that those who have graduated from the program are less likely to return to drug use. In fact, approximately 90% will remain drug free.

Judge Hall is a hardworking, compassionate man who believes in people. When asked about life experiences, he said, I learned early in my career how not to treat people. He added, The decisions I make each day affect peoples lives; you must always treat people with respect and honesty.
One of the most important people in Judge Halls life is his wife Cara. She keeps me grounded and reminds me that people come first. They have one son, Nathan.

His advice for others is to stay in school and be practical. Our world continues to change and a general college degree does not guarantee you a job. Young people need to explore areas of employment and focus on degrees that provide marketable skills, he said.

Written by: Leslie M. Bays