Mississippi University for Women Opens Holland Hollow Student-Athlete Center
Mississippi University for Women officially opened the Holland Hollow Student-Athlete Center on Wednesday, Feb. 4. The 3,200-square-foot facility is designed to support the academic success and overall well-being of all 17 Owls athletic teams.
University President Nora Miller described the center as a reflection of the institution’s commitment to a holistic student experience. “This space reflects what is possible when alumni generosity and institutional priorities align to support student success,” she said during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The event featured remarks from university officials, including Miller, Athletic Director Buddy Foster, Foundation Executive Director Elise Wilson, Foundation Chair Deborah Hodges, basketball coach Dean Burrows, and Student Athlete Advisory Committee President Avery Watts. Rebecca “Becky” Smith and Sandy Holland, the namesakes of the center, also spoke to attendees that included faculty, staff, and community members.
Located on the second floor of the Hogarth Student Center, adjacent to Owls Athletics, the center offers a dedicated space for academic performance and student support. It includes a film room with theater-style seating and a projector, a lounge area with couches and a kitchenette, and an academic zone with conference tables and individual study stations equipped with charging ports and lamps.
The facility features athletic branding throughout and a brag board to display yearly athletic statistics of student-athletes. Renovations included new lighting, electrical updates, flooring, and fresh paint, with input from student-athletes during planning.
The center honors the contributions of alumni Sandy Holland, a 1986 graduate and former softball and tennis player, and Becky Smith, a 1983 graduate involved in campus organizations. Both have made generous donations supporting campus projects. The name ‘Holland Hollow’ references a natural hollow in a tree, symbolizing a nurturing environment where student-athletes can recharge, develop, and prepare for future success.
Source: Original Article
