The Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU) invites nominations for the 2026 Barbara A. Holland Scholar-Administrator Award. Nominations are due by June 5.
This award honors a bold, mid-career administrator-scholar whose leadership and intellectual voice illuminate the transformative power of urban and metropolitan higher education in the lives of individuals and communities.
The Holland Scholar is selected annually from CUMU member institutions by a committee of current and emeriti presidents and chancellors of CUMU member institutions who provide an informed perspective of this approach to scholarly leadership.
Candidates are assessed across three domains:
- Professional impact and achievement
- Demonstrated intellectual leadership within and beyond their institution
- Scholarship impact relevant to their administrative role
Individuals may self-nominate or be nominated. Nominees will be contacted to request completion of full application materials, which are due by June 18.
Scholar Recognition
The 2026 Holland Scholar will be recognized Nov. 10 at the CUMU Conference in Houston. The awardee is provided gratis registration and an award of $5,000.