Dean of Students Message
Valerie L. Holmes, Associate Vice President and Dean of Students
We are pleased to introduce Valerie L. Holmes as the newly appointed Associate Vice President for Student Success and Dean of Students at Texas State University. Bringing with her more than two decades of progressive leadership experience in higher education, Ms. Holmes possesses a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record in improving student success, retention, and engagement with a focus on health and wellbeing.
“We are excited to have Ms. Holmes join our Division of Student Success Leadership team,” says Vice President for Student Success, Dr. Cynthia L. Hernandez. “She is a proven administrator who will lead efforts to minimize systemic and individual barriers to student success related to basic needs, concerning behaviors, health, counseling, and wellbeing.”
Ms. Holmes comes to us from Ivy Tech Community College, where she held the position of Assistant Vice President for Student Success. In this role, she was responsible for overseeing student engagement policies and state-wide initiatives aimed at eliminating obstacles to student retention and degree completion. Her collaborative approach and commitment to student development and wellbeing have had a significant impact at institutions including Prairie View A&M University, Wake Forest University, University of Illinois at Chicago, and Grand Valley State University.
“I am excited to join Texas State University, and am eager to collaborate with students, faculty, and staff to enhance the student experience,” says Holmes. “Texas State University's dedication to fostering a supportive environment for all students aligns perfectly with my values and professional goals. I look forward to building meaningful relationships within the Texas State community and contributing to the university's ongoing success.”
Among her achievements are the establishment of new departments, the leadership of strategic planning and quality improvement efforts, and the initiation of large-scale student success programs. Particularly noteworthy is her role in establishing the Commuter Student Resource Center at the University of Illinois at Chicago and the Community Service Learning Center at Grand Valley State University.
In her new role, Holmes will concentrate on advancing the areas of student behavior, basic needs, health, and wellbeing at Texas State University. Her strategic foresight and innovative strategies will play a pivotal role in enhancing the overall student experience.
Ms. Holmes holds a Master of Science in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Iowa State University and a Bachelor of Arts in African American World Studies from the University of Iowa.