SHSU has named a new vice president for university advancement, ending months of intense searching.Frank R. Holmes, assistant headmaster for advancement at Christ School in Arden, N.C., will take over the position effective Jan. 1, 2003.Holmes, who previously spent about 15 years in the Houston area, said a combination of factors contributed to his interest in SHSU.”The reputation of the university itself caused me to want to explore it. I knew a little about the university, then read the job description,” Holmes said. “After that, I looked at the Web site and at some of Dr. Gaertner’s visions and realized I would like to be a part of that.”Holmes said the responsibilities of his new position closely reflect those of the position he holds at Christ School, a traditional boys boarding school. The campus of Christ School resembles a small college campus, with residence halls and cafeteria facilities.”We have a very active alumni group here, and many of our advancement programs are similar to those on university campuses; in fact, more than some,” he said.Holmes said he feels he can provide the leadership needed to fulfill the responsibilities of the office of university advancement, and the transition to SHSU will be a “good fit.””I have a commitment for higher education, and not just for how much money a person can make, but the difference it can make in their life,” Holmes said.With more than 20 years working in education, Holmes feels he has the experience and knowledge to make a difference at SHSU.”More importantly, I share Dr. Gaertner’s visions for continued growth and development,” he said.Holmes graduated from the University of Memphis in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He has previously served as the executive vice president and chief operating officer for the University of Houston Alumni Organization, Inc., and associate vice president for advancement/alumni at the University of Memphis.The Division of University Advancement encompasses alumni relations and public relations, as well as development. According to the SHSU Web site, “the division promotes and encourages the continual growth of Sam Houston State University.”Frank Krystyniak, director of public relations, has served as interim vice president for university advancement since Dr. Gary Bouse left on June 30.Holmes and his wife, Maria, will begin searching for a new residence around the beginning of October, and hope to start getting settled about Dec.1.”I’ll be ready to get started the first day in January,” Holmes said.
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