Aloha to All

Holt Dean David Richard not only earned a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Hawaii but also brought with him a little bit of Hawaiian culture as he welcomed new employees Laura Raymond, Bob McKinlay, and Amber Taylor to the Holt School with a kukui nut lei. The presentation of the lei was Dean Richard's expression of peace and enlightenment to his new employees as they work together to bring an innovative and high quality educational program to Holt's evening students.

Greeting student prospects as they begin the enrollment process is Laura Raymond, who began working at the Holt School in June as an admission counselor.  Raymond served for two years as an enrollment guide at Full Sail University in Winter Park. She holds a BS in business administration from the University of Central Florida.  Raymond enjoys participating in career fairs and recruitment trips as "I like to meet people and help give them direction for their educational careers" she said. Born in Havana, Cuba, Raymond finds this to be "an exciting time to be at the Holt School with all the positive and innovative changes taking place." 

Bob McKinlay serves as the director of grants and contracts at the Hamilton Holt School. In this role McKinlay is charged with developing new health-related graduate programs and establishing a lifelong learning center for non-degree seeking students, including older adults, alumni, and local businesses. McKinlay's role involves program development, grant and fundraising, program administration and promotion including an annual Holt magazine. He earned a bachelor's degree in sociology at Eastern Michigan University and a Master of Professional Studies in Eldercare Administration at Lynn University. He holds a Specialist Certificate in Aging from the Institute of Gerontology at the University of Michigan. He comes to Rollins after 20 years as assistant dean and grant writer for the Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine.

Newest to the Holt School is Amber Taylor, who is serving as the new executive assistant to the dean's office. Taylor comes to Holt with a master's degree in hospitality and tourism management and a bachelor's in business administration from the University of Central Florida. Once she decided her true passion was higher education, she accepted a position as an administrative specialist with Disability Services at the University of South Florida. Her other skills include graphic design, magazine publication, and creation of electronic course materials for faculty. She served for two months as a temporary administrative assistant to the Art Department at Rollins College.

Please congratulate all the new staff at Holt School on their career accomplishments and bid aloha as we all look forward to a bright future in the Holt School.