Hampden-Sydney College announced today that Dean of Inclusive Excellence John Hollemon has been named director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at the National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC), effective September 15, 2022. NACAC is the world’s largest association for professionals in the college counseling and recruiting industry.
“John Hollemon has been an integral part of our senior leadership team, and while we will miss his leadership, counsel, and wisdom, we are thrilled for him as he undertakes this exciting opportunity,” President Larry Stimpert said. “Given NACAC’s stature and influence across the college admission space, the selection of Dr. Hollemon for this role is a testament to the impact his work has had here at Hampden-Sydney. His effective leadership and experience here will serve him well as he endeavors to positively influence diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts across the country.”
As director of DEI at NACAC, Dr. Hollemon will use his skills as a creative thought leader, strategist, and savvy collaborator to help create and cultivate an exemplary DEI experience for the association’s members and staff and help revolutionize the college admission role in making postsecondary education accessible, inclusive, equitable, and affordable. He will have wide-ranging involvement in all NACAC initiatives, developing an organizational strategy to identify, address, and assess DEI priorities throughout the association representing 26,000 members and 600+ schools, colleges, and universities. Dr. Hollemon will also assist in overseeing the Guiding the Way to Inclusion program and the Antiracist Education Institute.
Dr. Hollemon arrived at Hampden-Sydney in 2017, serving first as associate dean of students for housing and residence life and deputy Title IX coordinator, and then as associate dean of students for residence life, equity, and inclusion, before becoming the College’s first dean of inclusive excellence in August of 2020. Dr. Hollemon has been instrumental in leading the College’s efforts to become a more diverse, inclusive, and welcoming community, partnering with colleagues across campus to advocate for students, strengthen the College’s culture, and provide engaging educational opportunities and programming.
“A little over five years ago, I began my tenure at H-SC with the guiding principle of expanding programs and services to the underrepresented student, faculty, and staff populations,” Hollemon said. “During this time, I have been honored to work with many amazing students, colleagues, and organizations, building a DEI infrastructure that will support future community members. Despite our successes to date, given all that is happening in our world, there is still much work ahead of us to realize our DEI goals. I look forward to seeing the continued strides the H-SC community will make to support transformative work that will be sustainable for generations to come. Serving as H-SC’s inaugural dean of inclusive excellence has been a rewarding and inspiring experience that I will remember always.”
In addition to his important and effective leadership, Dr. Hollemon has been an incredible mentor to Hampden-Sydney students. In 2018, he established the Brother 4 Brother Mentorship program, which focuses on first-generation students and students of color from underserved communities. Since its inception, the Brother 4 Brother program has positively impacted the retention and academic success of its participants—the first cohort of which graduated in May. Students who have participated in the Brother 4 Brother Mentorship program have been retained at significantly rates higher than the College average.
“I am grateful for John’s many contributions to Hampden-Sydney and to our students, and I have no doubt that NACAC will benefit from his perspective, leadership skill, and passion for innovation as he leads their diversity efforts,” Stimpert added. “Please join me in congratulating him on this exciting new professional opportunity.”
The community is invited to attend a celebration of Dr. Hollemon’s tenure at Hampden-Sydney on Thursday, September 1 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM in the Chairman’s Room of Pannill Commons.
The College will share details about succession plans soon.