Dr. William “Bill” Holland — the namesake of Appalachian’s prestigious William R. Holland International Business Study in Asia program in the Walker College of Business (WCOB) — was conferred an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters during Appalachian’s Spring 2019 Commencement.
The Holland Fellows program, established in 1996, has been the catalyst for many WCOB students to have the knowledge and confidence for international business careers. Each year, 12 Walker College students are selected through a competitive process to partner with 12 students from Fudan University in Shanghai, China.
Holland had a very distinguished career with United Dominion Industries and has served on many corporate and civic boards of directors. He earned his B.A. and law degrees from the University of Denver and served as a captain in the U.S. Air Force.
At Appalachian, Holland has received the Honorary Alumnus Award, served twice as a Boyles Distinguished CEO speaker, is member emeritus of the Walker College Business Advisory Council and was commencement speaker for the Walker College.
Appalachian Chancellor Sheri Everts, right, presents Dr. William “Bill” Holland with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. Photo by Chase Reynolds
Bill Holland, Sheri Everts