Holland Leaving a Legacy of Successes, Model of Servant Leadership at FranU

Dr. Tina Holland has made split-second decisions to say ‘Yes,’ during her life that have provided positive, meaningful experiences which she utilizes to help others cultivate successful, faith-filled lives.

Holland retires after 11 years as president of FranU on July 13.
As Holland grew up, her mother, a first-generation American of Japanese parents, stressed the importance of academics. Her constant reply to Holland’s childhood complaints of drudgery of school was, “School is work. Work is good. Now get to work!”
With that admonition imprinted in her mind, Holland always looks to learn something “within the next 24 hours” that helps her do something meaningful and to solve a problem.

“That’s what education is all about and that’s what forms the way I teach, the way I lead,” Holland said. “I see leading people as preparing them for increased responsibilities, not just being good at what they’re doing now, but preparing them to do more good in the future. Our students get the opportunity to do good now, to do important things to make valuable contributions now as students through their service, learning through their practicum work, through their clinical work.”
The results of these efforts is that students will be highly skilled professionals, integrated thinkers, and faith-filled citizens, noted Holland.

Looking back at life, Holland said if she had not accepted certain opportunities, she would not have received the lessons that impacted her life.

A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Holland said, “Somone may say, ‘Hey do you want to row on the crew team? and I say, “I don’t know the first thing about rowing.” (They may reply), ‘Yeah, but do you want to row with us on the crew team?’ The difference between saying ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ is the difference between learning something valuable about teamwork, about taking risks, and losing with dignity.”

Holland knows this to be true from her own experiences. Prior to coming to FranU she started out as an adjunct professor of mathematics at Holy Cross College in South Bend, Indiana. The president at the time, Brother Richard Gilman, told her, “You’re good at this … I’d like to see you try that …”   If Holland told him she had never tried it before, he would tell her, “Here’s some books, you’ll figure it out.” Through the successes of the projects she was involved in over the years, she eventually became executive vice present and provost at Holy Cross College.

She was about to retire when she was notified that the position of president at FranU was open. She talked with Brother Richard, who asked her, “What do you think we’ve been preparing you for all these years?” He discussed the similarities and differences in the charisms of both colleges.   

“He said, ‘You’ll wrap your heart around the Franciscans the way you did around Holy Cross, and you will fall in love with the mission,’” said Holland.

She found that to be true.

During Holland’s tenure, FranU grew in its mission of integration both internally and with its partners in the community; the college developed sophisticated enrollment management strategies that allowed it to compete successfully in a shrinking market; it continued its engagement with the community in serving those most in need; it grew its programs in response to the needs of the community while achieving record high academic outcomes; and it improved its fundraising capabilities and results.

Holland worked equally hard to develop the relationship-based aspect of education, where the faculty and students see the face of Christ in each other. Among her list of accomplishments include the building of St. Francis Hall, which serves as a spiritual hub and gathering place for students and faculty.

Holland sets aside all personal accolades by saying it is through the support of the FranU Board of Trustees, the students and faculty and others that she was able accomplish such goals. She also maintains that things such as metrics, the pass rate, enrollment, and tuition revenue are not the “end all and be all” of her presidency.

“You first work for the Church. If you’re doing that work and you are doing well and decisions are based on the Church, the best you can, you will do what’s necessary to meet those metrics of success,” said Holland.

Upon her retirement, Holland plans to pour her energies into her primary vocation as wife, mother, and grandmother. Since her husband, Peter, is also retiring, they plan to spend time with their four children, who live in four different states. The Hollands will also enjoy recreational activities. 

“My husband and I love to go to minor league baseball games, and we’ll go to major league baseball games as well,” said Holland. “Whenever we travel, we’ll look for a place to catch a game.” 

And she will continue to serve Catholic higher education through board development work. That will enable her to continue providing opportunities that help students excel intellectually and professionally and use their life lessons to serve others.

Holland said, “‘Yes, school is work, and work is good.’ Like St. Francis, we as educators and as students are commanded to ‘get to work’ as we create living stones of each other. And it is with these living stones that we are to build his Church. Through education and formation, we are called to do his work, a true labor of love for all whom we serve."