State Regent Ann Holloway was recognized as a state regent emeritus during today’s meeting of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. Appointed to fill an unexpired term by Gov. Mary Fallin in 2013 and reappointed by Fallin to a nine-year term in May 2015, Holloway will complete her second term on the board May 16.

“Regent Holloway’s leadership and dedication to Oklahoma’s students, colleges and universities is reflected in her many contributions as a state regent,” said Chair Jack Sherry. “We sincerely thank her for 11 years of exceptional service to ensure our state system continues to provide a quality, affordable education for students while producing more college graduates to meet changing workforce needs.”

Before being appointed to the State Regents, Holloway served a nine-year term as a regent for the Regional University System of Oklahoma. She was appointed to the Professional Responsibility Tribunal for the Oklahoma Bar Association by Gov. Frank Keating and to various boards and commissions by Gov. Henry Bellmon. She has been named Outstanding Young Woman of Oklahoma and among Who’s Who of Outstanding Women in America.

Holloway earned an associate degree from Murray State College and a bachelor’s degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. She was involved in oil field equipment manufacturing for 25 years and currently serves as president of Holloway Inc. and as a managing member of EAH LLC, which has investments in oil, gas and real estate.

“Regent Holloway understands the value of our higher education system for both individual Oklahomans and for our state,” said Chancellor Allison D. Garrett. “A champion for students, her unique perspective as an adult learner has benefitted our work to help more Oklahomans achieve their dreams. She will be deeply missed.”

The State Regents are the constitutional coordinating board for the 25 public colleges and universities of the Oklahoma state system of higher education. Oklahoma’s public universities have the eighth-lowest cost of attendance in the country. The number of engineering degrees and certificates conferred by state system institutions increased 43.1% over the last 10 years, and STEM degrees increased 19.2% at all degree levels. More than 95% of Oklahomans who graduate from a state system college or university remain and work in the state one year after graduation.