Celebrating Black History Month: Honoring Dr. Eddie Holloway

Dr. Eddie A. Holloway, a Rowan High School Class of 1970 graduate, has made a tremendous impact on the Hattiesburg community through decades of dedicated service and leadership. Holloway served 40 years as an administrator at The University of Southern Mississippi and 16 years as a Hattiesburg city councilman. Dr. Holloway made history as the first African-American Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Southern Miss, retiring in 2019. 

A lifelong resident of Hattiesburg, Holloway earned four college degrees from The University of Southern Mississippi, including a doctorate in educational administration. He was inducted into the Southern Miss Alumni Association Hall of Fame in 2004 and held numerous roles within the university throughout his career, including counselor, instructor and assistant professor of psychology, assistant dean of students, interim dean of students, and dean of students.

Holloway was the first elected African-American member of the Hattiesburg City Council, serving from 1985 until 2000, and during that time served as council president and vice president. He was also a charter member of the Hattiesburg Public School District Foundation.

In addition to his civic and educational leadership, Dr. Holloway is a member of the Mississippi Civil Rights Commission and the Area Development Partnership. His honors include the Jaycees’ Outstanding Mississippian Award (1989), the Juneteenth Committee Humanitarian Award (2000), and induction into the HPSD Foundation Hall of Fame, among many others.

Today, Dr. Holloway continues his legacy of service as a member of the Hattiesburg Public Schools Board of Trustees, helping to shape the future of the Hattiesburg Tigers and inspire generations to come.