Carleton Holt, an emeritus faculty member in the College of Education and Health Professions, passed away on April 15.

Holt, a long-serving faculty member in the college's educational leadership program, joined the faculty in 1999 after serving as a band director, coach and school administrator in public schools in Iowa and South Dakota for more than 30 years.

"Carl's work made a lasting impact on the educational leadership program and throughout the state of Arkansas. His most enduring legacy, though, was his kindness and the depth of how much he cared for students and his commitment to supporting communities most in need," said professor John Pijanowski, who teaches in the program and serves as its coordinator. "I will forever be grateful that I was able to work with, and learn from, Carl."

Ed Bengston, who worked with Holt in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, also mentioned his impressive dedication to students.

"He helped many students through very challenging times so they could complete their degrees," Bengston said. "He had a huge heart for his students and colleagues. His life was defined as being a University of Arkansas faculty member."

Holt retired from the college in 2017. Dean Kate Mamiseishvili was a faculty member in the higher education program during his tenure. "We overlapped as faculty in the college, and he was always kind and generous. He was a great storyteller," she recalled. "His dedication to students was inspiring, and I know it created a lasting legacy."

Holt's research included the successful marketing of school bond issues and millage rate increases to overcome the national problem of aging school facilities. He wrote a textbook for school leaders called School Bond Success: A Strategy for Building America's Schools. He also studied student learning preferences and school health programs to identify factors that may support improved student academic performance in K-12 schools.

While a faculty member, he served as president of the National Council of Professors of Educational Administration and on the council's executive board of directors. The Associated Student Government twice honored him as the Most Outstanding Faculty Member. He also won several college faculty awards and received the first Alumni Leadership Award given by the School of Education at the University of South Dakota, his alma mater.

According to Holt's obituary, he was a dedicated member of the Northwest Arkansas Garden Railway Society, Phi Kappa Phi and Tau Kappa Epsilon. His favorite pastimes included music, G-Scale model trains, RC airplanes, playing sports and attending events with friends, family and grandchildren.

Holt is survived by his wife of 55 years, Judith Kay Johnson Holt; his sons, Austin Roland Holt and Cody Roland Holt; and his grandchildren, Declan Roland Holt and Danica Marie Holt.

Holt's service is scheduled for 2 p.m. on May 3 at Cross Church in Springdale.

Donations may be directed to Cross Church (memo to "479 Food Bank") or the National Music Museum at the University of South Dakota.