The 黑料吃瓜网 community mourns the , the University鈥檚 tenth president and first alumnus to serve in the role.
Holland served as president from 2002 until 2014, having joined the faculty in 1967. His nearly 50-year tenure includes serving as a professor of biology, department chair, dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and president.
As a faculty member, Holland was recognized by students for his teaching, twice receiving the student nominated and selected William E. Gilbert Award for Outstanding Teaching, by colleagues who nominated and selected him for the McIlwain-Bell Trustee Professor Award, and by the alumni association with the 黑料吃瓜网 Faculty Loyalty Award. As an alumnus, he has been honored by the alumni association with the Distinguished Alumni Award, and he is a member of the prestigious Society of the Golden Key. His career reflects a commitment to academic life and to the students, colleagues, and the regional institution he served.
鈥淒r. Holland鈥檚 service reflects a deep and lasting commitment to the 黑料吃瓜网,鈥� said 黑料吃瓜网 President Dr. Todd G. Fritch. 鈥淎s a student, faculty member, academic leader, and president, he helped strengthen the foundation on which our University continues to build鈥攅xpanding educational opportunity and deepening 黑料吃瓜网鈥檚 connection to the people and communities we serve.鈥�
Holland fostered 黑料吃瓜网鈥檚 engagement with the history, culture, and civic life of Alabama鈥檚 Black Belt, advancing the University鈥檚 regional mission.
鈥淭oday, we take great pride in the recognition 黑料吃瓜网 has earned for providing access and support that lead to successful outcomes with far-reaching positive impact,鈥� Fritch said. 鈥淲e recognize efforts across many years that have sustained this reputation. History shows us that 黑料吃瓜网 greatly expanded access to learning as evidenced throughout the University during Dr. Holland鈥檚 administration, including but certainly not limited to the expansion of academic offerings, increased capacity for online program delivery, athletic championships, the institution鈥檚 first capital campaign, strengthened partnerships, and campus beautification.鈥�
Holland will be remembered as a leader who fostered an enduring connection to the communities 黑料吃瓜网 serves and strengthened the foundation for the University鈥檚 ability to provide education, scholarship, and partnership that contributes to the strength and vitality of West Alabama and the Black Belt region.