MSU mechanical engineering school namesake wins DoE ITAC Alumnus of the Year Award

Michael W. Hall, alumnus and namesake of Mississippi State University’s mechanical engineering school.

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Michael W. Hall, alumnus and namesake of Mississippi State University’s mechanical engineering school, has been named the Department of Energy’s 2025 Industrial Training and Assessment Center Alumnus of the Year.

The award is given to an ITAC alumnus based on their impact and professional achievements in the energy industry, as well as their continued support of the ITAC mission.

A 1995 MSU mechanical engineering graduate, Hall is the former managing principal of Mas Energy LLC, founder and CEO of Shady Grove Road Investments, LLC and a 2022 Distinguished Fellow for the James W. Bagley College of Engineering.

Hall was recognized at the annual ITAC conference in Atlanta, where directors, assistant directors and staff from 37 ITACs hosted at universities, including MSU, met to discuss program updates and collaborate on improvements from July 21-23.

John Davis, program director of MSU’s ITAC, presented the award to Hall on July 22 on behalf of the university.

Hall said he was honored to receive the award, noting MSU’s ITAC as instrumental in launching his career in the energy industry.

“I encourage current and future engineering students to take advantage of the internship and co-op opportunities available to them,” Hall said. “These experiences offer far more impact and direction than you might expect.”

Hall has developed and lead the design of multiple biogas to energy conversion facilities across North America, including biogas to power and biogas to renewable energy facilities. Currently, he plays a major role in developing cost-effective methods and systems to meet the clean energy needs of the U.S.

As an undergraduate, he worked in MSU’s Patterson Engineering Laboratories and investigated energy opportunities for over 100 Mississippi manufacturers, saving them millions in energy costs.

Created by the Department of Commerce in 1976, ITACs provide free energy, productivity and waste assessments to small- and medium-sized industrial facilities and commercial buildings. The program also offers cybersecurity, smart manufacturing, and prognostics and health management assessments.