Email: lrholsey@central.uh.edu

Lanita Reesie Holsey joined the Dean of Students Office in July 2023 as an Assistant Dean of Students. As part of her role, Dr. Holsey will serve as a University Hearing Officer focused on individual and organizational cases. Additionally, Dr. Holsey supports students with concerns while advocating and championing student success.

Dr. Holsey is a two-time North Carolina Central University graduate with a Bachelor’s and Master's degree in History. Dr. Holsey earned a Ph.D. in educational leadership from Florida A&M University with dissertation research focused on the Career Experience of Homegrown African American Female Administrators in an Under-Resourced, Rural School District. Dr. Holsey's other research interests are (1) administrative and organizational practices, (2) women's leadership and development, and (3) the development of hiring practices of higher education administrators.

Dr. Holsey has been an educator for 18 years, starting her career as a secondary education teacher and administrator in Durham Public Schools. Dr. Holsey went on to make an impact in higher education with appointments at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Bethune Cookman University, Edward Waters University, and most recently, as the Assistant Vice President of Students Engagement/Dean of Students at Texas Southern University. Dr. Holsey was inducted into her alma mater - North Carolina Central University’s 2020-2021 class of “40 Under 40” outstanding alumni. Lanita’s career has taught her the value of solid leadership fueled by best practices and the desire to be a lifelong learner.

Dr. Holsey is passionate about community service and youth services, specifically adoption and foster care initiatives. It has become a personal mission to give these children a voice. Dr. Holsey enjoys spending time with her family and friends and spoiling her puppy, Ramzi.