The Barbara A. Holland Scholar-Administrator Award honors a bold, mid-career administrator-scholar whose scholarly approach to leadership illuminates and expands the transformative power of urban and metropolitan higher education. This annual award is administered by the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU).

Ideal candidates are individuals distinguished by an integrated record of administrative leadership and high-impact scholarship that has shaped ideas and actions both within and beyond their institution. Holland Scholars are respected, strategic leaders across their institution who are known for contributing to cutting-edge research related to their administrative role (may include, but is not limited to, areas of work such as  social and economic mobility, campus culture, faculty development, student health and well-being, curricular innovation, regional well-being, research productivity, planning and assessment, student retention and progress, and community engagement).

—Nominees should have an earned Ph.D. (or equivalent)
—A candidate’s current home institution must be a CUMU member
—An individual may only be named a Holland Scholar once
—Candidates may be considered multiple times

Individuals may self nominate or be nominated for the Barbara A. Holland Scholar-Administrator Award. Nominations are due by June 5, 2026. 

Upon receipt of nominations, CUMU will notify the candidate of the nomination with a request to submit application materials.

Completed application materials must be submitted by June 18, 2026 (close of business).

To review more information about the award and learn about the work of past winners, visit https://www.cumuonline.org/research/barbara-a-holland-scholar-award/.

If you have any questions, please email us at info@cumuonline.org.