Dr. Barry Hall II
Helping students, educators, and organizations move from setbacks to success through purpose, destination, and action.
From a 0.5 GPA to a doctorate
Dr. Barry Hall II is a nationally recognized student success leader, keynote speaker, author, and coach. As Senior Director of Charter Through College Programs at Grand Valley State University, Dr. B has dedicated his career to helping students persist, graduate, and achieve their goals.
His journey from a 0.5 GPA college student to earning a doctorate inspires audiences across the country to overcome obstacles and take action toward their future. People hire stories — not résumés — and Dr. B brings both.
Two signature talks. One mission.
Each keynote is grounded in research, lived experience, and Dr. B's proprietary frameworks — and tailored to your audience.
From Setbacks to Success
Turning obstacles into opportunities through Purpose, Destination, and Action.
- Overcome setbacks and adversity
- Build confidence and resilience
- Develop a personal success roadmap
- Take action toward meaningful goals
- High schools
- College prep programs
- First-year students
- Youth leadership programs
Beyond Belonging
Creating pathways from access to completion for student success.
- Improve engagement and persistence
- Understand barriers impacting student success
- Foster meaningful support systems
- Create actionable retention strategies
- Colleges
- Universities
- Student affairs professionals
- Educational conferences
Five topics. Depth over breadth.
Every topic is customizable to your audience, time slot, and learning outcomes.
The credentials behind the keynote
Lived experience, academic rigor, and a track record of helping students rise.
Built for the rooms that shape futures
Dr. B speaks to the institutions and programs serving the next generation of leaders.
See Dr. B on stage
A short clip is worth more than a thousand words. Watch Dr. B in action.
What audiences are saying
Real feedback from educators, program leaders, and the students Dr. B has worked with.
Educators & program leaders
Dr. Barry Hall has a unique ability to connect with students from all backgrounds. His story is powerful, but what makes him truly effective is his ability to turn that story into practical lessons students can immediately apply to their own lives. Our students left feeling motivated, inspired, and equipped with a clearer vision for their future. Dr. B’s message is one that stays with students long after the presentation ends.
Dr. B was one of the highlights of our program. Students were engaged from the moment he began speaking. His message about overcoming setbacks, finding purpose, and taking action resonated deeply with our participants. What stood out most was his authenticity. Students saw someone who had faced challenges, persevered, and achieved success. His presentation sparked conversations that continued throughout the remainder of our program.
Students often hear messages about success, but Dr. Barry Hall delivers those messages in a way that feels real and relatable. He combines humor, personal experience, and practical strategies that students can immediately connect with. After his presentation, many of our students talked about feeling more confident, more hopeful, and more motivated to pursue their goals. His impact extended far beyond the time he spent on stage.
In their own words
Unfiltered feedback from high school students after Dr. B’s keynotes and workshops.
I liked Dr. B’s presentation because he not only highlighted his success and failures, but he also gave a really important starting point for when you start college.
Dr. B — I like his energy.
Dr. B’s Failing Forward presentation — because I’m strict with myself and always need to know that failing can be a good thing.
The SMART Goals presentation — because Dr. B’s energy and vibe is great.
I loved Dr. B’s College Success presentation. I liked how he broke down how to set attainable goals by first figuring out why you’re doing things.
After hearing Dr. B’s Failing Forward presentation, it made me realize that I can fail and still succeed later in life.
Dr. B — because I got valuable written notes from it.
Dr. B’s presentation touched me the most. I really got something out of it and it stuck with me. It made me reflect on who I am, who I can be, and who I want to be — along with the steps I need to take to get there.
Dr. B’s presentation was the best because it showed me that even if you’re going through something, still push — because you should never give up.