HBCU STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
KENARD HOLMES
K enard Wilj’am Holmes is a senior honors business management major with a minor in human resource management. His journey began in Beaufort, South Carolina and has since taken him to Columbia, South Carolina, where he resides with his oldest sister and two nephews. As the youngest of seven siblings, Holmes’s unyielding drive and determination are deeply rooted in his family values and his love for his three brothers and sisters. Holmes’s academic journey is marked by outstanding achievements and a cumulative GPA of 3.85. His accolades include being a White House HBCU Scholar, Dr. Emily England Clyburn Scholar and recipient
of numerous awards, such as the first place recipient of the Stanley Black & Decker and Truist Innovation Challenges. He has also been honored twice as the first place recipient of the Annual Business Case Competition at South Carolina State University (SCSU). He was named the Brother of the Year 22-23 by the 101 Black Men of SCSU Society. Beyond academics, Holmes’s commitment to uplifting his campus and community shines through his active involvement in various organizations. He is serving his second consecutive term as president of the 101 Black Men of SCSU Society, president of Student Orientation Leaders and Mister Honors College. He has also served as a Career Center
ambassador, Knowledge is Power Mentor and an HBCU Times ambassador. Holmes’s academic experience has equipped him to garner and excel in opportunities for his professional development.
helped plan and facilitate camps and activities with 4-H Youth Development students. Holmes’s vision for the future is clear and ambitious. Post graduation, he has accepted a position with Molson Coors in a CDX Rotational Program in Atlanta, Georgia, where he will gain invaluable sales experience. His ultimate goal is to create a non-profit program in honor of his late mother, dedicated to providing access to higher education and opportunities for impoverished youth. His belief in continuous learning and embracing new perspectives is at the core of his philosophy. For Holmes, success is not measured by his own growth but by the development of those around him.
As a work study student at the University Writing Lab, he provided crucial English composition and editing services. He has completed
three internships, one at Tyson Foods in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, where he honed his skills in analysis and presentation. Another was with First Citizens Bank, where he showcased his aptitude for building relationships and identifying sales opportunities. Most recently, with 1890 Research & Extension, he
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