Honoring Dr. Holmes

Honoring Dr. Holmes

An environmental portrait of Dr. Richard Holmes at MSU
Photo by MSU Office of Public Affairs

October 16, 2026

Dr. Richard E. Holmes, 幺力视频鈥檚 first African American student who enrolled in 1965 and became an honored and beloved university alumnus and mentor, passed away Oct. 16 at 82. When Holmes first enrolled at MSU, rather than being met with animosity and hate, his acceptance was rather peaceful and calm just three years after James Meredith鈥檚 forced entry to the University of Mississippi. His MSU enrollment, acceptance and academic journey was a historic milestone and a key component in the Civil Rights Movement鈥檚 push to integration.听听