Betsy Holloway has spent her career demonstrating that true leadership blends strategic vision, purposeful service, and a commitment to nurturing others.

As Vice President for Advancement and Marketing at Samford University, Holloway leads all philanthropic, branding, and marketing initiatives across the institution. She oversees fundraising, corporate partnerships, charitable foundations, annual giving, and capital development, while also serving as the university’s chief marketing officer.

Her leadership has guided Samford through unprecedented growth in enrollment, fundraising, national reputation, and student engagement.

Holloway approaches every challenge with intention: “If you don’t know where you’re going, you’re never going to get there,” she says. This principle underpins her work, from developing strategic initiatives for the university to mentoring students, faculty, and staff.

“Every day is an opportunity to leverage your God-given talents to serve others and improve your community,” she adds, emphasizing the intersection of purpose, faith, and professional excellence in her life.

A career built on curiosity

Holloway’s professional journey spans multiple industries, continents, and disciplines. Before joining Samford University, she gained international experience living in Japan and working for the Japanese government immediately after college.

She later transitioned into global business, working for Scandipharm Inc., a pharmaceutical firm now part of Adare Pharma Solutions. In her role as Director of International Business Development, she oversaw operations in Argentina, Canada, Denmark, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

These experiences not only shaped her global perspective but also honed her ability to lead across cultures, navigate complex organizations, and execute large-scale strategic initiatives.

In 2002, Holloway returned to Birmingham and joined Samford University as a Professor of Marketing in the Brock School of Business. During her tenure, she held the Dwight Moody Beeson Chair of Business and the Hackney Family Research Fellowship.

Her research and scholarship have been recognized internationally, and she has published more than 65 peer-reviewed articles. She also served as a Visiting Professor at Kiev Business School, University of Jordan, and Beijing Institute of Technology. These opportunities allowed her to share her expertise globally, while also deepening her understanding of marketing, leadership, and organizational strategy.

Holloway transitioned to administrative leadership in 2013 as Samford’s first Chief Marketing Officer. She later became Vice President for Advancement and Marketing, where she now leads all marketing and philanthropic efforts.

Under her guidance, the university has experienced consecutive years of enrollment growth, record fundraising levels, and enhanced visibility on a national stage. Her leadership style emphasizes collaboration, vision, and the importance of empowering teams to perform at their highest potential.

Rooted in Alabama

Though her career has taken her around the world, Holloway’s heart has always been in Alabama. A Birmingham native, she has dedicated herself to strengthening her home state through professional excellence and civic engagement. She has served as past president of the Rotary Club of Birmingham, one of the largest and most impactful of the 46,000 Rotary Clubs worldwide.

She is a past president and board chair of the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama (PARCA) and Scholarships for Kids, which has provided scholarships to thousands of Alabama students.

Holloway’s community service also includes board leadership for the Independent Presbyterian Church Foundation, the Alabama Symphony Orchestra Endowment, Alabama Ballet, the American Red Cross, YWCA, and the Birmingham Sister City Commission.

She continues to serve on the boards of directors for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama and ServisFirst Bank, bringing her leadership and expertise to organizations with statewide impact.

“I see every day as an opportunity to use my talents and resources to serve others and contribute to the betterment of my community,” she says.

Inspiration through family and mentorship

For Holloway, family has been the foundation of her accomplishments.

She names her two daughters, Brooke (27) and Bebe (23), as her greatest source of pride.

“They are compassionate, kind, virtuous, intelligent, and accomplished young women who are already impacting the world,” she says. “I thank God for them every day. They are a tremendous blessing to me, my husband, and so many others.”

She also draws inspiration from the women who have guided her along the way. Holloway envisions a “personal board of directors” of mentors, including her grandmother, mother, former professors, and colleagues.

“We can learn so much by observing the lives of others and learning from their successes and failures,” she explains. She credits this network with shaping her professional approach, reinforcing the importance of integrity, resilience, and lifelong learning.

A service-driven professional life

Holloway’s dedication to Alabama and Samford University reflects her broader philosophy: leadership is a platform for service. Over the past three decades, she has leveraged her experience to serve students, the university, and her wider community.

Her work has impacted thousands of lives, from helping students reach their full potential to advancing initiatives that strengthen the local economy and quality of life.

At Samford, Holloway’s leadership has elevated the university’s brand, increased philanthropic engagement, and strengthened its national reputation. Her approach integrates strategic thinking with empathy, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to results.

“Leadership is not just about personal success,” she says. “It’s about helping others achieve their potential and creating opportunities that have a lasting impact.”

Defining attributes of leadership

Holloway believes that effective leadership requires vision, humility, hard work, self-learning, and the ability to build and empower a strong team.

She emphasizes the importance of attitude and goal-setting, explaining, “If you don’t know where you’re going, you’re never going to get there.”

She applies these principles not only in her professional work but also in mentoring the next generation of leaders at Samford University.

She believes in fostering a culture where everyone can excel. By providing guidance, support, and meaningful opportunities, Holloway encourages others to reach beyond their comfort zones while maintaining integrity and accountability.

Her leadership philosophy underscores that success is a shared endeavor and that lasting impact requires investing in people as much as systems.

A Woman of Impact

Throughout her career, Holloway has demonstrated that leadership is measured by the opportunities it creates for others and the legacy it leaves behind. Her work at Samford and her civic involvement illustrate the transformative power of vision paired with action.

Ralph Waldo Emerson’s words encapsulate her approach: “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”

By blending expertise, vision, service, and mentorship, Holloway has not only strengthened Samford University and her community but also set an example for others to follow.

She continues to invest in the next generation of leaders, support local initiatives, and advance opportunities for Alabama’s students and citizens.

Through her guidance, dedication, and impact, Betsy Holloway exemplifies the kind of leadership that transforms institutions, communities, and lives.

Yellowhammer News is proud to name Betsy Holloway a Woman of Impact.