Holmes Community College Director of Financial Aid Clate Holleman recently earned
his Ed. D. in Higher Education from the University of Mississippi. Holleman's dissertation
was entitled "Exploring the Relationship Between Receipt of a Mississippi Need-Based
Grant and Grade Point Average Among Graduating Seniors at the University of Mississippi."
The purpose of the study was to determine if there is a correlation between receiving
the Mississippi Higher Education Legislative Plan (HELP) Grant and cumulative GPA
at the beginning of the final term among graduating seniors from 2014-2019 at the
University of Mississippi. The design of the study was quantitative and examined mean
GPA of those awarded the HELP Grant in their final semester compared to those not
awarded the HELP Grant but who were Mississippi-resident students demonstrating comparable
financial need as measured by a Pell Grant-eligible Expected Family Contribution (EFC),
at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA, at least a 20 ACT score and full-time enrollment (which
are all required for HELP Grant eligibility).
The de-identified student data were grouped as MS-HELP recipients or non-MS HELP recipients
examined by varying EFC ranges between $0-$5,500. Per the statistical analysis, it
was determined the HELP Grant was most effective in terms of GPA among those students
demonstrating the highest financial need.
"I am so proud to have you as part of the Student Affairs team, and more importantly
as part of the Holmes family," Vice President of Institutional Research and Student
Affairs Dr. Lindy McCain said. "You have certainly been an asset to the college and
this department. I look forward to working with you in the future, and your leadership
for the Financial Aid Department."
The Jackson resident holds a bachelor's degree in English and a master's degree in
Higher Education, both from the University of Mississippi.
He and his wife, Virginia, have one son, John. He enjoys playing golf, collecting
coins and spending time with his family.