KENNESAW, Ga. | Aug 9, 2017

Leadership position in WellStar College recognizes $1 million gift from philanthropists

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia on Tuesday approved Yvonne Eaves’ appointment as the Thomas and Elizabeth Holder Chair in Kennesaw State University’s WellStar School of Nursing.

Eaves, an associate professor of nursing, had been serving as interim director of the WellStar School of Nursing since Tommie Nelms’ retirement on June 30. The new School of Nursing Chair is in recognition of Thomas and Elizabeth Holder’s $1 million gift to the KSU Foundation.

“Dr. Yvonne Eaves’ extensive experience in nursing and higher education makes her an exceptional choice as the Thomas and Elizabeth Holder Chair,” said Mark Tillman, dean of the WellStar College of Health and Human Services. “She reflects the Holders’ long-standing commitment of making health care a major part of their philanthropy.”

“It is a tremendous honor to be named the inaugural Thomas and Elizabeth Holder Chair of Nursing,” Eaves said. “As the new director of the WellStar School of Nursing, the Holder Chair will increase the visibility of the WSON and further our efforts to recruit and retain talented faculty and students.”

Thomas Holder, the chairman and CEO of Atlanta-based Holder Construction Company, served as chairman of the Kennesaw State University Board of Trustees from 2002 to 2007. In recognition of his significant contributions to Kennesaw State, Holder received an honorary doctorate in 2007.

In addition to their involvement with KSU, Thomas Holder and his wife Elizabeth are active in community organizations and educational institutions including the Woodruff Arts Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and the American Cancer Society. Also, Elizabeth Holder serves as the chair of the Agnes Scott College Board of Trustees.

The WellStar School of Nursing produces more graduates than any other nursing program in Georgia, with approximately 230 nurses per year earning their undergraduate degrees. Kennesaw State is ranked among the nation’s best graduate online nursing programs by U.S. News and World Report, and the nurse practitioner track in the Master of Science in Nursing program is one of the oldest in the state.

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.