CCU unveils portrait of founding father Holliday
Holliday, a native of Galivants Ferry, was a leader in the governance of Coastal Carolina in its formative years.
"Coastal is very grateful for the significant roles Joseph Holliday played during the University's early years," said CCU President David A. DeCenzo. "He and his fellow visionaries were determined to expand and enhance the educational offerings for the citizens of this region. Today's Coastal Carolina University, which draws students from around the country and the world, would not be possible without the longtime leadership and support of Joseph Holliday and his family."
In 1958, Holliday was named chairman of the Coastal Educational Foundation (CEF), the college's primary governing board. The following year, he became the first chairman of the Horry County Higher Education Commission, which was organized to oversee the use of the county tax millage dedicated to the college. His first official duty as commission chairman was to preside at Coastal Carolina Junior College's inaugural commencement ceremony. On the evening of May 27, 1959, in the auditorium of Conway High School, he awarded associate degrees to five students.
A few months after that historic occasion, Holliday and fellow members of the CEF's executive committee met with representatives from the University of South Carolina at the Chat 'n' Chew restaurant in Turbeville, the geographical halfway point between Conway and Columbia. During that meeting, the two sides forged a partnership that established Coastal Carolina Regional Campus of the University of South Carolina. The longstanding partnership between Coastal Carolina and USC lasted until July 1, 1993, when legislation was signed to establish an independent Coastal Carolina University.
"I remember how hard my father worked in those weeks leading up to the Chat 'n' Chew negotiations," said Holliday's son, J. William F. Holliday. "He was totally committed to Coastal's merger with USC's extension system. As chairman of the Higher Education Commission, he sought to convince all the uncommitted commissioners to get on board for the July 13, 1959, vote. I was young at the time, but I remember that it even made me nervous. It all worked out in the end. I am sure my father would be amazed at the growth and development of Coastal's beautiful and ever-expanding campus."
Holliday continued to serve on the CEF until he passed away in 1981. In 1987, he was posthumously awarded Coastal's Founders Medallion in recognition of his numerous contributions and steadfast service to the University.