Breaking Barriers at Southern Miss: The Legacy of Dr. Eddie Holloway

Dr. Eddie Holloway made history as the first African American to hold several leadership positions at the University of Southern Mississippi. What kept him grounded to push for his achievements was the support and mentorship he received from his own teachers, parents, church members and neighbors throughout his life.

One of his favorite words of wisdom by a teacher is: “We are preparing you while the days are dark so that you will be prepared when your light will come.”

This quote stayed with him throughout battles and whenever he felt different in society. For Holloway, the light came through the lessons of a large support system that helped him navigate isolation or challenges at a newly integrated campus.

“Although the system was segregated, the mission of the teachers was to lift and even the playing field of life,” said Holloway.

Today, Holloway serves as USM’s Dean of Students Emeritus and Senior Associate Vice President for Student Development and Special Projects. In 1997 he was named the first African American Dean of Students and retired in 2019. Holloway came out of retirement in 2023, to serve as Senior Associate Provost for Community and Belonging Success, to implement diversity, equity, or academic success efforts across campus.

Now Holloway also works on the Hattiesburg Public School District Board of Trustees and Board Foundation. Over his decades-long career, he’s broken barriers as USM’s first Black Resident Assistant, first Black Dean of Students, and a key leader in shaping student life and equity initiatives at Southern Miss. His journey from student to top administrator reflects both perseverance and a lifelong commitment to helping others find belonging.

Finding a Place in a New World

Holloway became a student at USM during its early stages of integration in the fall of 1970. Previously, Holloway washed dishes at the campus restaurant “Wimpy’s” in 1968 which is similar to the “Seymore's” area the university offers now. When he entered USM, it was his first time being among a large number of white peers. The adjustment wasn’t easy, but he leaned into opportunities others might have avoided. He applied to be a resident assistant and became the university's first African American R.A.

“If you were to see me sitting in the commons at a table with 10 or 12 Caucasians, many other African Americans could see it as demeaning,” said Holloway. “I would see it as the development of friendships or selling myself, my skill and talents in exchange for trust and better understanding of each other.”

The mindset of turning difference into opportunity became a hallmark of his career.

Lessons From Home

As a child from Hattiesburg, Holloway noticed the way his father interacted with others through his life and powerful bonds. His father did not attend college, but Holloway says he learned the principles of life. One of his father's quotes became a personal compass: “Don’t let your good be spoken ill of and whatever you do, do it right.” His father also said: “Live up to your word, always make your word good.” This was instilled in Holloway throughout his career.

It was advice Holloway carried with him as he sought direction in his own life. Unsure of a career path as a student, he turned to the USM placement center where his tests revealed a strength in social service. That discovery steered him toward residence life, a role that fit naturally with his skills for connection and leadership.

Returning to USM

Holloway took his first job at William Carey University in 1975 as a counselor and instructor. It all started with an unexpected phone call from Dr. Bill Schafer, director of the university’s counseling center, who invited him to join the staff as a psychology instructor and counselor. Sometime later in 1993 Dr. Paul called and asked him to consider the assistant or interim dean of the student's position, which he was thrilled to partake in.

The Dean of Students' opportunity was later available. Holloway was working at the University when Dr. Joseph S. Paul asked him to interview a candidate. Dr. Paul knocked on his door and said, “Eddie you need to prepare for this interview because it’s likely this man will be your boss.” Holloway also had his eye on the position as he was also an applicant during the search. A tall white male candidate came into Holloway's office and shared his experience. It turned out the candidate didn’t meet the necessary requirements for the position.

Holloway took a large leap in his career; he went before a panel of interviewers as the only Black administrator among white colleagues. Holloway spoke his remarks of why he should be the next Dean of Students at USM. It was another first: Holloway was offered the position, becoming the university’s first African American Dean of Students, serving for more than 20 years.

Leading While Different

Stepping into the role, Holloway often felt awkward in certain places. Conversations with colleagues could feel isolating, even when the subject was as simple as music.

“There were moments that were awkward for me, being the only minority but being different didn’t make me weird, it just made me different, and being different means, you have your own special qualities to bring to the world,” said Holloway.

Despite those challenges, Holloway used his leadership to expand diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at USM and appreciates the support he’s received. For Holloway, USM has been a place of development and growth since he first stepped foot on the campus in 1968.

“Throughout the course of my affiliation with USM since 1968, USM has been apart of my development, education and advancement and has served as a source of inspiration,” said Holloway. “It is for those reasons I want to thank all of those what have crossed paths with me since 1968, educationally, socially and professionally.”

Even with his achievements, Holloway said he never sought recognition. His drive came from wanting to honor the struggles of African Americans before him.

“I don’t do the things I do for my ego or for the benefit of myself,” said Holloway. “I want society to advance, and life has been too hard for the African American for me to not say thank you — and thank you by virtue of me.”