MSU sharpens student success focus, starting with Holmes Center
Contact: Sid Salter
STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State University (MSU) is embarking on a renewed focus on student success with the renaming of the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center to the Holmes Center for Student Success, subject to formal approval by the State Board of Trustees of Institutions of Higher Learning.
This change is not merely in nomenclature but signifies a broader vision and commitment to comprehensively supporting all students. This transition comes as MSU aligns Feb. 28 with the U.S. Department of Education’s directives outlined in the “Dear Colleague” letter and awaits further guidance from federal and state authorities.
“Mississippi State has long been a practitioner of student success as a model of how we operate,” said MSU President Mark E. Keenum. “Our goal has been and will remain to equip our students—all of our students—with a high-quality education that will afford them a better and more productive life. This structure reflects who we are and who we’ve been at this university.”
The rebranding of the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center to the Holmes Center for Student Success embodies MSU’s dedication to the academic achievement and holistic support of its students. The center’s new focus will encompass a wide range of programs and resources tailored to meet the diverse needs of the entire student body.
The center continues to honor the legacy of Dr. Richard E. Holmes—MSU’s first Black student—ensuring that the center remains a welcoming and inclusive space for students of all backgrounds. The Holmes Center for Student Success will serve as a hub where students can gather, learn, and grow in a supportive environment.
“Changing the name and focus of the Holmes Center is one of a series of strategies that reflects a comprehensive approach to our student success efforts. As we await additional guidance from multiple branches of government, we are evaluating new organizational structures that are better fits for how we intend to operate moving forward,” said Vice President for Access, Opportunity and Success Rasheda Boddie-Forbes.
The newly envisioned center will provide specialized programs aimed at assisting various student demographics, including first-generation students, limited-income students, students from the foster care system, and others who have obstacles in their academic paths.
These initiatives will offer critical resources, mentorship, and guidance, ensuring that every student has the necessary tools to thrive both academically and personally. The center’s expanded offerings will include career readiness initiatives, experiential learning opportunities, student success workshops and exercises, and mentoring opportunities.
By providing these essential services, the Holmes Center for Student Success aims to empower students to navigate their educational journeys with confidence. The center’s mission is to foster an environment where students can excel and reach their full potential.
The changes to the center reflect MSU’s efforts to comply with input and guidelines from both federal and state governments regarding discrimination in higher education. By aligning with these directives, MSU demonstrates its commitment to creating an equitable and supportive academic environment for all students regardless of their backgrounds.
In conclusion, Keenum said the transformation of the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center into the Holmes Center for Student Success “marks a pivotal step in MSU’s ongoing efforts to support and enhance the academic success of its diverse student population. Through expanded programs and resources, the university reaffirms its dedication to the success and well-being of all its students.”
Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.