The Board of Trustees of Centenary College of Louisiana announced today that Christopher L. Holoman, Ph.D., the College’s 31st president, will retire effective June 30, 2027. His retirement will conclude more than a decade of leadership marked by institutional growth, financial progress, expanded philanthropic support, and significant campus initiatives.
The Board has accepted Holoman’s retirement plans and has begun a deliberate succession planning process, which will include a comprehensive national search for the College’s next president. With nearly a full academic year for the search and transfer of responsibilities, the timeline is designed to support continuity of leadership and sustain momentum across the College’s strategic priorities.
“Leadership transitions are among the most important responsibilities entrusted to a governing board, and we are approaching this process with care, transparency, and a long-term perspective,” said Ross P. Barrett, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “At the same time, this is an opportunity to recognize the remarkable impact of Chris Holoman’s leadership on Centenary College. We are deeply grateful for his dedicated service and many contributions to Centenary. His leadership has positioned the College to build on its recent successes, and the Board looks forward with optimism as we honor that record of stewardship and prepare for a new chapter.”
Since assuming the presidency in 2016, Holoman has led Centenary through a period of significant progress. 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. Markedly, the College has maintained a top 1% admittance rate to medical schools nationwide throughout his tenure.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve Centenary College,” said Holoman. “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.”
Holoman will continue to serve as president through June 30, 2027. The Board will engage faculty, staff, students, alumni, and other stakeholders as it identifies the qualities and experience needed in Centenary’s next president. Additional details regarding the search committee, process, and timeline will be shared with the Centenary community in the coming months.