Chris Holland

With nearly two decades of senior-level leadership across diverse institutional settings, focus remains on maximizing student success through innovative strategies and empathetic leadership. Proficiency in strategic planning, equity initiatives, and relationship-driven team guidance transcends mere management; it cultivates thriving student communities grounded in high-impact practices and solid program review. Focused on building a culture of evidence to transform challenges into opportunities allowing an institution to gain a passionate advocate for student excellence—someone unafraid to lead teams through the student lifecycle, re-imagining the student experience using best practices to create an engaging and supportive campus environment where students thrive.

Dean of Students, SUNY Purchase College, Purchase, New York

Director of Residential Communities, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL

Dean of Students, Brevard College, Brevard, NC

Dean of Students, College of St. Joseph, Rutland, VT

Director of Community Living, Mississippi University for Women, Columbus, MS

“The Future of Housing” 2020 Contributing writer to ACUHO-I Safe Return to Campus Guide around COVID-19 Pandemic

“The Residential Campus Climate: Fostering an Environment of Welcome and Inclusion” 2019 Young, Gifted, and Advancing: Promoting Mental Health and Well-Being Among Students of Color

“Things That Make You Go ‘Hmmm…’” 2017 NASPA Region III Summer Symposium Keynote Speaker

“Affordability, Access and Attainment: Policy and Practice” 2017 Florida College Access Network General Session (Recipient of the 2017 Innovators in Education Award)

“Reimagining Student Services” 2017 League for Innovation Annual Conference

“How Community Colleges Partner with Local Government to Advance Civic Engagement” 2015 Raising the Bar Conference

Holland, C.J., & Holley, K. (2010). The Experiences of Gay Male Students at a Traditional Women’s University. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice, 48(2), 179-194.

Daffron, E., & Holland, C.J. (2009). Honors Living-Learning Communities: A Model of Success and Collaboration. Honors in Practice 5: 197-207.

• The Community College and The Contemporary College Student, George Mason University, Graduate Courses (2019-2020)
• Writing about Texts, Florida State College at Jacksonville (2016 – 2018)
• Fundamentals of Leadership, Purchase College (2013-2014)
• 7 Habits of Highly Effective Students, University of Alabama, Honors College (2012-2013)
• Student Personnel Services, Mississippi State University, Graduate Course (2013)

• Recipient of the 2022 Pacific Business News’ 5th Annual Business of Pride Honoree for Service to LGBTQ+ Community
• Recipient of the 2020 ACUHO-I Hero Recognition (for work with COVID-19, racial injustice, and natural disasters)
• Recipient of the 2017 NASPA Region III Community College Professional of the Year and Jax Business News Innovator
• Recipient of the 2016 Jamestown Community College Alumni of the Year Recognition
• Recipient of the 2010 ACPA Research Recognition Award
• Recipient of the 2009 Staff Member of the Year at Brevard College
• Honorably Discharged from the U.S. Navv (2001) and finalist for the Naval Military Excellence Award (1993)

• Board Member, NASPA Region II and Region III
• Director, New Professionals Institute, (NASPA Region III) and AVP/DOS Institute (NASPA Region V and VI)
• Institute Chair, VP/Senior Student Affairs Officer, Western Regional Conference (NASPA Region V and VI)
• Institute Chair, AVP/DOS Institute, Western Regional Conference (NASPA Region V and VI)
• Sponsorship Chair (NASPA Region VI)
• Faculty Member, Mid-Managers Institute, (NASPA Region III)
• Board Member, Connections Public Charter School Governing Board
• 7 Habits of Highly Effective People certification from Franklin Covey
• Numerous certificates in Leadership Development, Crucial Conversations, Safe Space Training, and Title IX
• Student Trustee, State University of New York Board of Trustees
• President of the New York State Student Assembly