Christopher L. Holoman, president of Centenary College of Louisiana, will retire June 30, 2027, following 11 years leading the Shreveport institution.
The Centenary College Board of Trustees announced Holoman’s planned retirement Sept. 9 and said it has accepted his plans. The board has begun a succession planning process that will include a comprehensive national search for the college’s next president.
Holoman became Centenary’s 31st president in 2016. During his tenure, the college completed the largest fundraising campaign in its history, expanded academic and student-life offerings, strengthened community partnerships, launched new athletic initiatives and advanced major campus development projects.
In a Sept. 9 letter to the Centenary community, Holoman said he made the decision after “much reflection and with deep gratitude.”
“By that date, I will have had the privilege of serving as your president for eleven years,” Holoman wrote. “When I arrived in 2016, Centenary was navigating a challenging period in its history. Together, we set about strengthening the College’s academic foundation, financial position, and public standing while remaining faithful to our mission as a residential liberal arts college rooted in the United Methodist tradition and committed to serving our region.”
Holoman said the college is now “stronger, more resilient, and well-positioned for the future.”
He cited several accomplishments during his presidency, including resolving accreditation concerns, developing strategic and campus master plans, completing the FORWARD campaign with more than $52 million raised, opening Bicentennial Village, expanding academic programs and partnerships, investing in health sciences, restoring varsity football and celebrating Centenary’s bicentennial year.
“These achievements reflect the talent, commitment, and perseverance of countless members of the Centenary community,” Holoman wrote.
The college also maintained its position in the top 1% nationally for medical school acceptance rates during Holoman’s tenure, according to the announcement.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve Centenary College,” Holoman said in the announcement. “For more than two centuries, this institution has transformed lives. I am profoundly grateful to have worked alongside remarkable faculty, staff, students, alumni, trustees, and friends who care deeply about its mission and its future. I will remain fully engaged through June 30, 2027, as we continue the important work before us, support a smooth transition, and build on Centenary’s momentum.”
In a separate letter to the Centenary community, Ross P. Barrett, chairman of the Board of Trustees, said Holoman’s decision provides the college with nearly a full academic year to conduct its search and transition to new leadership.
“Leadership transitions are among the most important responsibilities entrusted to a governing board,” Barrett wrote. “Our commitment is to approach this transition with the same care, transparency, and long-term perspective that have guided Centenary through its most important decisions.”
Barrett said the board will engage faculty, staff, students, alumni and other stakeholders as it identifies the qualities and experience needed in the next president. The college plans to establish a search committee, engage professional assistance as appropriate and provide regular updates about the process and timeline.
“Our goal is not simply to find a successor, but to identify a leader who can advance Centenary’s mission, build upon its recent successes, and guide the College through the opportunities and challenges ahead,” Barrett wrote.
Holoman will remain president through June 30, 2027, while the search and transition process takes place.
Barrett said the college’s priorities during the coming year will include increasing non-student-athlete enrollment, investing in new facilities and academic programs and continuing fundraising efforts.
“As we celebrate President Holoman’s many contributions, we will also look forward with optimism,” Barrett wrote. “Centenary has thrived for more than two centuries because each generation has embraced both stewardship and renewal.”
Holoman said his remaining months as president will be focused on continuing the college’s work and ensuring a successful transition.
“The months ahead will provide an opportunity to celebrate our progress, continue advancing important institutional priorities, and ensure a thoughtful and successful leadership transition,” Holoman wrote. “Until my final day in office, I remain fully committed to the work before us and to the bright future of this remarkable institution.”
He also expressed appreciation for Centenary’s faculty, staff, trustees, alumni, donors, church partners, community leaders and supporters.
“Serving as Centenary’s president has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Holoman wrote. “Thank you for the trust you have placed in me, for your partnership, and for all you do on behalf of our students and our College.”
The college said additional details about the presidential search committee, process and timeline will be shared with the Centenary community in the coming months.
