Monica Holland has been named associate vice chancellor and dean of students in the Division of Student Affairs. Holland, who has an extensive background in working with students at the U of A, will start her new position on July 1.

Holland becomes the 13th dean of students at the U of A, replacing Melissa Harwood-Rom, who recently retired after 36 years of service to the university.

"I am truly excited for this opportunity," Holland said. "I began my career in Student Affairs as a graduate assistant who was housed in the vice chancellors' and dean of students' offices, so this is a full circle moment."

Holland holds a doctoral degree in counselor education and a master's degree in counseling from the U of A, as well as bachelor's degree in psychology from Arkansas Tech University. Holland started her professional career at the U of A as an academic counselor for Pre-College Programs in 2003. She was named assistant dean of students for the office of Community Standards and Ethics in 2004. 

In her career at the U of A, Holland has served as interim associate dean of students and director for the office of Academic Integrity and Student Conduct from July 2006 to Oct. 2012. She has also served as the deputy Title IX coordinator and interim Title IX coordinator, executive director for the office of Academic Initiatives and Integrity, a clinical assistant professor of counseling and interim associate vice chancellor and executive director of the Pat Walker Health Center. 

Her most recent position was assistant vice chancellor and associate dean of students, overseeing Student Accountability, Sexual & Relationship Violence Center and U of A Cares.

"Holland is well-known and respected across campus by faculty and staff," said Jeremy Battjes, vice chancellor for Student Affairs. "She has a wealth of knowledge and experience of both academic and student affairs services, programs and laws, and her previous roles give her a common thread of student advocacy and development that will serve her well as the new dean of students." 

In this new role, Holland will oversee the Office of Student Accountability, U of A Cares, Sexual and Relationship Violence Center, Greek Life and Risk Management/Domestic Student Travel.

"I have had years of watching and learning from some incredible dean of students that have preceded me, and it is my privilege to continue the good work that has been done. Students are at the heart of the work we do, and I look forward to continuing working with them, our academic partners, the overall campus community and our stakeholders in my new role to help ensure that our students feel supported and have the tools to be successful in their academic journeys and beyond," Holland said. "I am grateful to Dr. Battjes for entrusting me with this opportunity, and I'm anxious to get to work!"

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About the Division of Student Affairs: The Division of Student Affairs supports the whole student by cultivating transformative experiences and environments that promote student well-being, sense of community, and success. We prioritize student access, well-being, and belonging, post-graduation success, and building a strong organizational culture.