George Holmes, master scientific research tech for the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, has served the U of A for more than 36 years. He is retiring in July, and the department invites the campus community to a reception in his honor from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, July 18, in the 2nd floor atrium at the J.B. Hunt Transport Services Center for Academic Excellence.

Holmes served as a scientific research tech in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department since 2005, where he helped advance the department through reorganizations and changing leadership. He has been with the university in various positions since 1989.

"George has dedicated his career to serving students, faculty and staff at the U of A," said Jia Di, department head for electrical engineering and computer science. "He has positively changed the lives of so many over the years. His true impacts are immeasurable and reach well beyond this department, college and entire campus." 

Holmes is an alumnus of the university who returned shortly after graduation in 1987 to become an academic adviser in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. He was responsible for assisting students in navigating their college experience and staying on track for their degree requirements.

In 1994, he became a computer science instructor, coordinating all service courses and supervising graduate teaching assistants. His primary responsibilities included teaching computing skills, computer concepts and web programming.

In 2005, he took the position of scientific research tech. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing servers, computer labs and administrative and teaching systems. In 2017, Holmes was promoted to master scientific research tech and took on management duties overseeing a team of staff and student IT workers. This role continued after computer science and computer engineering combined with electrical engineering in 2023.

In 2019, Holmes was named president of the College of Engineering Staff Council. During this time of service to the college, staff council members hosted a food drive that gathered nearly 2,000 food items to be donated to the Jane B. Gearhart Full Circle Food Pantry to benefit the U of A community.

"It's great to know so many departments got involved," Holmes said in 2019. "Alleviating food insecurity requires a commitment, and so we intend to make this a regular ongoing staff council activity."

During his time at the U of A, Holmes received multiple awards for his work. In 2006, Holmes was named U of A Employee of the 3rd Quarter. Recently, Holmes was named College of Engineering Employee of the 2nd Quarter.

"Of course, I will miss the work and certainly the mission," Holmes said. "But most of all, I will miss the people. … I intend to find good reasons to volunteer and visit again in the future."

Dani Jackson, marketing and communication specialist for the department, has worked with Holmes for the past three years.

"Working with George has been a bright part of my career here at the U of A. His endless dad jokes, infectious positivity and deep well of sporadic knowledge made every day a new adventure," Jackson said. "I was incredibly lucky to start my career journey with a co-worker like George to support me. I'll really miss his presence in the department."

Jason Crawley, a scientific research tech in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department, has worked under Holmes' supervision for over 18 years.

"George was my first supervisor on campus," Crawley said. "On a stroll through campus, George would know, on average, about 85% of everyone he passed. He's been an excellent boss, mentor and friend. Campus will not be the same without him."

As for his plans in retirement, Holmes said he plans to continue working on the off-grid house he started building 25 years ago, spend more time with his wife, Lindi, and travel around the United States.

The department encourages anyone who knows Holmes to sign a digital retirement card with well wishes.