Betsy Holloway has dedicated her career to demonstrating how genuine leadership combines a strategic vision with a genuine commitment to service and the development of others.

As the Vice President of Promotion and Marketing at Samford University, she spearheads initiatives related to charity, branding, and marketing throughout the institution. Her responsibilities encompass overseeing fundraising, corporate partnerships, charitable contributions, and capital development, in addition to fulfilling the role of the university’s Chief Marketing Officer.

Under her leadership, Samford has seen remarkable progress in enrollment, fundraising, reputation on a national scale, and student involvement.

Holloway approaches each challenge with clear intent. “If you don’t know where you’re going, you won’t get there,” she asserts, a philosophy that underpins her work, whether she’s crafting strategic initiatives or engaging with students, faculty, and staff.

“Every day provides an opportunity to employ our God-given talents for the betterment of our community,” she often reflects, illustrating the connection between her purpose, faith, and professional ambitions.

A journey rooted in curiosity

Her professional path has traversed various industries and continents. Prior to joining Samford University, Holloway lived in Japan, where she gained valuable international experience working for the Japanese government shortly after finishing her degree.

She then transitioned into global business, taking a position at Scandipharm Inc., now part of Adare Pharma Solutions, where as the Director of International Business Development, she managed operations across Argentina, Canada, Denmark, Switzerland, and the UK.

These diverse experiences shaped her global outlook and refined her skills in cultural leadership, organizational navigation, and executing large-scale strategic projects.

In 2002, she made her way back to Birmingham to become a marketing professor at Samford’s Block School of Business. During her tenure, she held the prestigious Dwight Moody Beeson Chair and Hackney Family Research Fellowship.

Her scholarly contributions are acknowledged globally, with over 65 peer-reviewed articles to her name. Additionally, she has shared her expertise as a visiting professor in institutions like Kiev Business School, the University of Jordan, and Beijing University of Technology, enriching her grasp of marketing, leadership, and organizational dynamics.

Holloway moved into an administrative role in 2013 when she became Samford’s first Chief Marketing Officer. She later progressed to Vice President of Promotion and Marketing, currently overseeing all marketing and philanthropic efforts.

Her leadership has propelled growth in student enrollment, record funding achievements, and enhanced national visibility for the university. She firmly believes in collaboration, vision, and helping her team reach their full potential.

Deeply connected to Alabama

While her career has taken her far and wide, Holloway’s roots remain firmly planted in Alabama. A Birmingham native, she is committed to uplifting her community through professional excellence and civic involvement. She was once the president of the Rotary Club in Birmingham.

Additionally, she has served as president and chair of the Alabama Public Relations Council (PARCA) scholarship, benefiting numerous Alabama students.

Her community service extends to organizations such as the Independent Presbyterian Foundation, the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, Alabama Ballet, the American Red Cross, and the YWCA, among others.

Holloway also contributes her expertise to the Alabama Blue Cross and Blue Shield Board of Supervisors and Service First Bank, making a meaningful impact throughout the state.

“I view it as a chance to use my talents and resources daily to serve others and improve our community,” she comments.

Influence from family and mentorship

For Holloway, her family forms the bedrock of her accomplishments.

She regards her two daughters, Brooke (27) and Bebe (23), as her greatest source of pride. “They are compassionate, intelligent, and skilled young women already making a mark in the world,” she says, expressing gratitude for their presence in her life.

She draws inspiration from the women who have guided her on her journey, likening them to a “personal board of directors” that includes grandmothers, mothers, former professors, and colleagues.

“There’s much to learn from observing the lives of others—both their successes and challenges,” she believes, noting how this network has shaped her professional ethics, resilience, and commitment to lifelong learning.

A life of service

Holloway’s dedication to Alabama and Samford University embodies her overarching philosophy—that leadership is fundamentally about service. For over three decades, she has channeled her expertise into supporting students, universities, and the broader community.

Her efforts have positively affected countless individuals, from empowering students to enhancing initiatives that benefit the local economy and quality of life.

At Samford, her leadership has elevated the university’s brand, intensified philanthropic efforts, and reinforced its public standing. Holloway merges strategic insight with compassion, collaboration, and steadfast determination.

“True leadership goes beyond personal accolades,” she asserts. “It’s about fostering others’ potential and creating lasting opportunities.”

Essence of leadership qualities

Holloway contends that effective leadership demands vision, humility, diligence, self-education, and the capacity to cultivate and empower exceptional teams.

She stresses the significance of attitude and goal-setting, reiterating, “If you don’t know where you’re going, you won’t make it there.”

These principles inform her professional life and her commitment to mentoring emerging leaders at Samford University.

She champions a culture in which everyone can excel, encouraging individuals to step out of their comfort zones while upholding integrity and accountability.

Her philosophy underscores the notion that success arises from collective effort, and that making a lasting impact entails investing equally in people and systems.

A legacy of empowerment

Throughout her career, Holloway has shown that true leadership is gauged by the opportunities it creates for others and the legacy it perpetuates. Her engagement at Samford, along with her civic contributions, reflects the potential for action and meaningful change.

Ralph Waldo Emerson’s words beautifully articulate her approach.

By uniting expertise, vision, service, and mentorship, Holloway has not only strengthened Samford University and her community but has also set a standard for others to emulate.

She remains committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders, backing local initiatives, and broadening opportunities for students and residents of Alabama.

Through her influence, dedication, and impact, Betsy Holloway exemplifies a type of leadership that transforms institutions, communities, and lives.

I’m proud to recognize Betsy Holloway as an influential woman.