Episode 124 Dr. Christopher Holoman - "Shreveport-Bossier: My City, My Community, My Home"

Centenary College has experienced tremendous growth under Dr. Christopher Holoman, its president since 2016. When you sit down with Dr. Holoman, it's clear why. You can find my full discussion here.

 

Here are the questions I asked:

 

0:39 1. On March 17, 2017, you were formally inaugurated as Centenary College’s 31st President.

 

Since taking over, Centenary has experienced tremendous growth, including its largest enrollment since 2011 and the first time on-campus housing has been full in 20 years. Obviously one of your focuses has and always will be enrollment.

 

Talk to me about some of the ways you have successfully been able to grow enrollment. Where is enrollment today, and what do you see as the ideal enrollment goal for the College?

 

6:25 2. What are a few of the most challenging obstacles you have faced and/or continue to face in achieving your enrollment goals?

 

8:50 3. Since I’ve read that you are a fan and my wife and I are watching right now, who is your favorite West Wing character and why?

 

10:14 4. Centenary College is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River. In fact, starting in January and I believe all year next year, the college will be celebrating its bicentennial.

 

In conjunction with this very important milestone, the College put together its “FORWARD” capital campaign, the campaign for the college’s third century. Talk to me about some of the key projects and initiatives of the Forward campaign.

 

21:26 5. On May 31, 2024, it was announced that Birmingham-Southern College, an institution that first started in 1856, had to close its doors. What are some of the things we have to do at Centenary and as a community to ensure that never happens to us?

 

30:44 6. I’ve heard you say that 1/3 of your freshmen when they get out of college will take a job that doesn’t exist today. How do you as the President of a college use this knowledge about our changing world and strategize to prepare students to thrive in the world that awaits them?