Presidential Search

The Centenary College of Louisiana Board of Trustees is conducting a comprehensive national search for the College's 32nd president.

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Presidential Search

About the Presidential Search

Following President Christopher L. Holoman's announcement that he will retire on June 30, 2027, the Board of Trustees has begun a deliberate succession process to ensure a thoughtful and seamless leadership transition as Centenary seeks its 32nd president.

Founded in 1825, Centenary is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River and is affiliated with the Methodist Church. The Board is committed to a thorough, inclusive, and forward-looking search that reflects the values and aspirations of the Centenary community. It will partner with [search firm] to identify and evaluate candidates whose leadership experience, commitment to the liberal arts and Methodist heritage, and strategic vision align with the College's mission and priorities.

Presidential Search Updates

September 9, 2026 • A Message from the Centenary College Board of Trustees

With deep gratitude, the Board of Trustees announces the planned retirement of President Christopher L. Holoman, 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.

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.

A Legacy of Leadership and Service. During Dr. Holoman's tenure, Centenary completed the largest fundraising campaign in its history, expanded academic and student-life offerings, strengthened community partnerships, and advanced major campus development projects, including the Bicentennial Village residence halls and the renovation of the Health Sciences building. Since becoming Centenary's 31st president in July 2016, he has also led the creation and implementation of two strategic plans and a new mission statement. Under his leadership the College introduced new academic majors and concentrations and six new intercollegiate sports, including the return of football after a 75-year absence. Centenary also built academic partnerships with LSU, LSU Health Sciences Center, BPCC, Northwestern State, ULM, Baylor University, and the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. Throughout his tenure, Centenary graduates have been admitted to medical school at a rate in the top 1% nationally.

The Board has accepted Dr. Holoman's retirement plans and has begun a comprehensive national search. With nearly a full academic year for the search and transition, the timeline is designed to support continuity of leadership and sustain momentum across the College's strategic priorities. President Holoman will continue to serve 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.

Sincerely,
Ross P. Barrett, Chair, Centenary College Board of Trustees

November XX, 2026 • Presidential Search Committee Announced

The Board of Trustees has established a Presidential Search Committee (PSC) to lead the search for Centenary's 32nd president. Trustee Keith Considine '96 will chair the committee, which includes trustees, faculty, staff, alumni, and a student representative. The PSC will recommend a finalist to the Board by early 2027.

Reflecting Centenary's commitment to shared governance, additional information about campus engagement opportunities will be shared in the weeks ahead.

Sincerely,
Ross P. Barrett, Chair, Centenary College Board of Trustees

November xx, 2026 • Search Firm Selected; Listening Sessions Scheduled

The PSC has engaged [search firm] to assist with the search. Listening sessions for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and Shreveport-Bossier community partners will be held [dates/locations]. Those unable to attend may share input through the [survey link] or by emailing presidentialsearch@centenary.edu. This input will shape the Presidential Leadership Profile, which will be published on December 1, 2026.

Sincerely,
Keith Considine '96, Chair, Presidential Search Committee

Presidential Search Timeline

*The timeline is subject to revision as details are confirmed by the committee.

Presidential Search Committee

Keith Considine '96 Search Committee Chair Trustee	Ross P. Barrett Chair Board of Trustees
Beth Bonner-DeVille '99 Trustee	Ed Crawford Trustee
Lucie Thornton '79 Trustee	Ian McElroy Trustee
Scott Chirhart Dean of Health Sciences	Priyanka Chobaraty Faculty Representative
David Hobson '98 Faculty Representative	Mark Missildine Staff Representative
Isabel Vasquez Student Representative (SGA)

Search Committee Staff

Connie Whittington
Executive Support

Mark Heckler
Board Advisor

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I nominate someone?

Nominations may be sent confidentially to [search firm contact] or to presidentialsearch@centenary.edu. Nominations open December 1, 2026, when the Presidential Leadership Profile is published.

Will the search be confidential?

Candidate confidentiality is essential to attracting a strong pool. The structure of the finalist stage, including any campus involvement, will be set by the PSC to balance confidentiality with Centenary's commitment to an inclusive, transparent process.

How can I share input?

Attend a listening session, complete the community survey, or email the committee. All input informs the Leadership Profile.

Who leads the College in the meantime?

President Holoman will continue to serve through June 30, 2027.

Questions or Feedback?

Email the Presidential Search Committee at presidentialsearch@centenary.edu. Messages are reviewed by committee staff.

Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy The institution does not discriminate in its educational and employment policies against any person on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, or on any other basis proscribed by federal, state, or local law.