The Mount Holyoke women’s college in Massachusetts announced on Monday that Danielle Ren Holley, a renowned social justice scholar and legal educator, has been named the 20th president–the college’s permanent (Black woman) president for the first time in its 186-year history.
President-elect Holley has been teaching law at Howard University School of Law since 2014 before being chosen for this position. Among her many achievements, she is well recognised for reviving the university’s historically significant law school and enhancing its position as the top training ground for social and racial justice lawyers.
Earlier in her career, President-elect Holley was an associate dean of academic affairs and distinguished professor of educational law at the University of South Carolina. She also worked as a member of the Hofstra University School of Law faculty and was a Houston, Texas, Fulbright & Jaworski attorney. Holley graduated from Yale University with a B.A. and Harvard Law School with a J.D.
“President-elect Holley is widely recognized for her broad intellectual interests and curiosity, as well as for her rigorous advancement of racial and social justice in the legal field and beyond. We look forward to welcoming her to the Mount Holyoke community, particularly as we continue our work together to create and maintain a culture of belonging and a society that advances the dignity of all,” Board of Trustees Chair Karena V. Strella said in an official statement.
Holley expressed her excitement in joining the Mount Holyoke Community. She believes her efforts both in her personal and professional lives are a reflection of her dedication to provide brilliant and deserving students with educational opportunities, particularly those who may run into closed or unwanted doors.
“Mount Holyoke shares this vision — here, I have found students who want to break down barriers and create lasting, equitable change for all, and faculty, staff and alums dedicated to helping these students strive for a brighter and bolder tomorrow,” Holley added.
Along with a rising number of other colleges, Mount Holyoke will have women in leadership positions starting in the autumn, following Harvard University and Columbia University, both of which recently announced the appointment of their first female leaders of colour.
Beginning on July 1, President-elect Holley will assume her position at Mount Holyoke College.
