Mavis Holmes
UNI 150: People you should know
A trail-blazing dean of students
Mavis Holmes blazed the trail as a woman in higher education in a high-ranking position. She was the first dean of students after serving as the associate dean of students for many years, beginning in 1958. When she was appointed UNI’s dean of students in 1971, she became the highest-ranking woman administrator at the university at the time.
In 1972, Holmes received the Outstanding Woman Educator Award. She played key roles in the development of the Towers and Redeker housing projects on UNI’s campus.
Throughout her career, Holmes belonged to numerous professional organizations. She was the national president of the Student Personnel Association for Teacher Education, president of the Iowa Association of Women Deans and Counselors and the chair of the Education Committee of the Governor’s Commission on the Status of Women. She consistently advocated for women’s rights, especially women’s right to an education.
Holmes retired in 1973. Several of her colleagues made monetary donations in her honor so the library could purchase books for a Women’s Studies Collection.
Her memory still lives on in Holmes, a hall within ROTH Apartment Complex.
Celebrate 150 years of the University of Northern Iowa by nominating individuals who have made a significant impact on our campus, community and beyond.
