Welcome to Get to Know..., where we feature UT System Administration staff as they offer insights into their lives in and out of the office. Each new edition will be published here.
Archie Holmes
Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Office of Academic Affairs
What are your primary job responsibilities?
In collaboration with the Chancellor and other UT System executive officers, I work with leadership at our nine academic institutions to ensure that we are supporting them in achieving their missions related to education, research and service.
What do you most enjoy about your job?
I benefit greatly from the education that I received when I attended the University of Texas at Austin ... last century! Never did I imagine that I'd have the career that I have had as a faculty member and administrator. As such, giving back to help support the more than 228,000 students who attend our academic institutions is a great joy and privilege.
What is a fact about you that may surprise your colleagues?
I have an unhealthy relationship with pressure cookers. Most people own one, maybe two. I think I am up to seven currently.
What do you do to disconnect or de-stress?
I am a big believer in not checking email for at least 24 hours once a week (for me, it is from Friday evenings until about noon on Sunday). I also enjoying meditation and yoga.
What was your first car? Describe it and what you remember most about it.
A station Wagon that could seat at least 10 (although we pushed that limit in high school!). It was a blast trying to fit in a Gatti’s Pizza buffet during the lunch hour.
If you could have dinner with any 3 historical figures, who would they be?
Thurgood Marshall, Marie Curie and Mother Teresa.
