Morehouse College announces the selection of Dr. Herman Holt Jr. as dean of the STEM division following a national search, effective July 1, 2026. His appointment comes as the College strengthens STEM education, drives academic excellence, and expands opportunities in emerging technologies to prepare students to lead in a rapidly evolving workforce.
A respected educator and higher education administrator, Dr. Holt brings more than 25 years of experience advancing academic and student success, faculty development, and scholarly innovation. He currently serves as chief research officer at the University of North Carolina (UNC) Asheville, where he provides strategic vision for institutional research initiatives, sponsored programs, and compliance activities, securing more than $6 million in research awards under his oversight.
“Dr. Herman Holt brings to Morehouse a rare combination of administrative breadth, scholarly integrity, and genuine commitment to student success,” says Dr. Kendrick Brown, provost and senior vice president of academic affairs at Morehouse College. “He has served as a department chair, dean, and interim provost. At every level, he has led with transparency, intentionality, and care for people that define excellent institutional stewardship. I am confident that under his guidance, the STEM division will grow in ways that are both ambitious and deeply grounded in the Morehouse mission.”
As co-director of undergraduate research and later a senior academic leader, Dr. Holt expanded opportunities for student scholarship, mentorship, and faculty-student collaboration while supporting grant-funded initiatives that strengthened research capacity. A professor of chemistry and biochemistry, Dr. Holt specializes in organic and bioorganic chemistry and has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications. He has mentored generations of undergraduate researchers whose work has been presented at regional and national conferences and published in scholarly journals.
“Students are the most important asset of any college or university, and I have always approached my work as both a faculty member and administrator with that belief at the center,” Dr. Holt said. “Morehouse's rich culture of brotherhood, academic excellence, and leadership development is inspiring. I am honored to join the College and look forward to working alongside faculty, staff, and students to advance STEM education, expand research opportunities, and prepare Men of Morehouse to lead and serve in a changing landscape.”
Before becoming chief research officer, Dr. Holt served as interim provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at UNC Asheville, overseeing more than 300 faculty and staff, over 30 majors, and a multi-million-dollar budget. During his tenure, he led initiatives focused on student success, faculty development, internationalization, research growth, and innovation. He also served as dean of natural sciences and dean of special and graduate programs, where he provided guidance for STEM departments, undergraduate research, graduate education, and interdisciplinary programs.
Dr. Holt earned a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry from Kenyon College, a Master of Science in chemistry from Furman University, and a Ph.D. in chemistry from University of Cincinnati.
For more about Morehouse College, visit morehouse.edu.