Dr. O. R. Holiday

Dr. O. R. Holiday has provided a lifetime of service in the field of agriculture education. After receiving an undergraduate degree from AM&N College in 1937, Dr. Holiday went on to earn a Master’s degree from Michigan State University and was later conferred an honorary Doctor of Letters degree from UAPB. Dr. Holiday served as professor and chairman of the Department of Agriculture at AM&N/UAPB for over 30 years. During that period, his leadership was instrumental in developing student-trainee positions for Agriculture majors with the Fish & Wildlife Service, the Natural Resource Conservation Service, USDA Rural Development Crop Reporting Statistical Service and the U. S. Forest Service. Dr.  Holiday’s service also led to new research and extension programs within his department, including the proposal to develop the Bachelor of Science degree in Fisheries Biology. After retiring Dr. Holiday has continued to serve as a consultant to the School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences. He has received numerous awards relating to his career in education as well as his civic endeavors, including the Distinguished Service award from the Jesse W. Mason, Sr. Foundation in 2000. The UAPB Rural Life Conference was dedicated to him in 1987.