Dr. Francine Hollis was recently appointed the chair and associate professor for Fort Valley State University’s Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) Department.
Hollis earned her Bachelor of Science degree in food science and technology from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University (Alabama A&M) in 2008. She also earned a doctorate degree in food science and technology with a concentration in sensory science from Cornell University in 2011.
Since 2013, Hollis served as assistant professor and assessment coordinator in the department of food science at the University of Tennessee until accepting the position of department chair at FVSU.
The Huntsville, Alabama native is no stranger to FVSU. From 2012-2013 she served as an assistant professor in the FACS Department. The Cornell University alumna said her experiences at FVSU played a role in her decision to return.
“I had a wonderful relationship with the individuals in the department, and I was able to see areas of opportunity where the department could grow while I was here. Now that I have acquired additional training and experience, I see it as a great opportunity to help the department reach higher levels of excellence in academic experiences and the training we provide to students,” Hollis said.
Hollis said her primary goal is to heighten the department’s effectiveness in three areas beginning with improving the academic experience for students. Secondly, she would like to improve core values with innovative programs and research. Thirdly, she aspires to enhance the department’s community and global partnerships.
She emphasized how improving academic experiences, core values and global partnerships is critical for student retention, building and improving the reputation of the department, and showcasing FACS’ impact and contributions to FVSU.
Moreover, she said food, nutrition, health, financial planning, hospitality management and fashion design are some of the areas touched by FACS that can lead to unlimited career opportunities.
“Family and consumer sciences is and will continue to be a highly relevant area that crosses all fields. It’s a field that involves looking at the science and art of individuals living and working in a complex environment,” Hollis said.
Hollis is married to Rachad Hollis, and they are the parents of a son, Aiden.
For more information about FACS, call (478) 825-6234.