Walker College of Business

The William R. Holland Fellowship is a selective leadership experience for Walker College of Business students who want to understand how business, sustainability, and innovation shape communities around the world.

For nearly three decades, Holland Fellows have engaged with executives, entrepreneurs, alumni, and organizations across the US and Asia while developing the skills needed to lead in an increasingly interconnected economy. Through immersive coursework, professional mentorship, industry engagement, and international travel, fellows gain experiences that challenge assumptions, expand perspectives, and inspire action.

The William R. Holland Fellowship honors the vision, leadership, and generosity of William R. Holland and the Holland family. Created to expand global opportunities for Appalachian students, the fellowship reflects Mr. Holland's belief that future business leaders should develop international perspectives, cultural intelligence, and the confidence to create positive change in an interconnected world.

BE different. Develop the confidence to lead, contribute, and create value in unfamiliar environments.

As a Holland Fellow, you will engage with accomplished alumni, industry leaders, and peers who challenge you to grow beyond the classroom. Through mentorship, professional development experiences, and intentional networking, you will strengthen your leadership presence, expand your professional network, and build a portfolio of experiences that distinguish you in graduate school and career opportunities.

THINK different. Cultivate the curiosity and mindset needed to challenge assumptions, connect across disciplines, and explore new possibilities.

The Holland Fellowship challenges students to examine business through new perspectives, exploring the intersections of innovation, sustainability, technology, and global markets. Fellows learn to approach problems as systems thinkers, connect ideas across disciplines, and translate knowledge into action through applied learning and collaborative problem-solving.

DO different. Apply your learning through real projects, global experiences, and engagement with people shaping the future.

Throughout the fellowship, students move beyond theory and into practice. Industry projects, executive engagement, alumni partnerships, and immersive international experiences provide opportunities to observe, question, and apply what they are learning in real-world contexts. Grounded in principles of circularity, strategic innovation, and responsible leadership, fellows develop a deeper understanding of how organizations create value while contributing to a more sustainable future.

Application Deadline: October 19