SUNY Niagara President Dr. Lloyd Holmes Reflects on His Phi Theta Kappa Journey

In a special moment celebrating his own PTK roots, Dr. Holmes was presented with a custom embroidered Phi Theta Kappa jacket by the Alpha Pi Beta chapter officers on Wednesday, April 9, to commemorate his inauguration as the 8th President of SUNY Niagara this week. The gesture reflected both his personal connection to the Honor Society and the deep appreciation of SUNY Niagara’s PTK chapter for his ongoing support of student success and engagement.

Dr. Holmes recently shared his personal experience as a member of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK). His journey with PTK began during his sophomore year at Itawamba Community College in Fulton, Mississippi, where he majored in accounting.

Reflecting on his time as a PTK member, Dr. Holmes emphasized the vital role student organizations play in shaping a well-rounded college experience. “College isn’t about just the activities that take place in the classroom,” he shared. “College is about developing the ‘whole’ student: intellectually, socially, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Student activities and organizations, such as PTK, help colleges achieve this mission.”

As SUNY Niagara moves forward under Dr. Holmes’ leadership, his commitment to holistic student development stands as a guiding principle — one rooted in personal experience and a passion for education that reaches beyond the classroom.