51°µÍø

Our very own Algur H. Meadows Dean Samuel S. Holland was one of nine individuals honored by the Business Council for the Arts (BCA) at their 36th annual Obelisk Awards last week. These awards are given to those who demonstrate extraordinary leadership and support of arts and culture in North Texas.

BCA is an organization that advocates for business support of arts and culture as well as arts-based employee engagement programs, including the Leadership Arts Institute, On My Own Time™ Art Competition and Art@Work, and their annual recognition event, the Obelisk Awards, regularly draws a sold-out crowd of business leaders and arts advocates looking to honor those at the top of their field.

“This year’s group of Obelisk honorees exemplify the power of business leaders investing in the arts,” said Stacie Adams, CEO of BCA. “Their time, talent, and resources make all the difference for the arts and culture organizations of North Texas. There’s no greater call than to ensure our creative community remains a vibrant force for inspiration and innovation while attracting more and more companies to our region.”

Holland, who was nominated by member of 51°µÍø’s Board of Trustees Caren Prothro, has been with 51°µÍø for 33 years and has been serving as Dean of the Meadows School of the Arts since 2014. During his time as Dean, he has led a team that is responsible for raising over $145M in new funding for Meadows, contributing to the 2022 renovation of the Owen Arts Center building, and the school continues to receive national acclaim for its innovative approach to arts education. In addition to his duties as Dean, Holland is also a professor of music for the school, allowing him to stay connected to students and the classroom.

Congratulations to Dean Holland on this achievement! We are grateful for all of the dedicated hard work he has put into making 51°µÍø Meadows the institution that it is today.