Dr. William R. Holland

Dr. William R. Holland, 87, of South Kingstown, former Rhode Island Commissioner of Higher Education, passed away Wednesday, September 10, 2025. Bill was the son of the late William H. Holland and Elizabeth (Dinosnie) Holland. He leaves his beloved wife, of 65 years, Karen, son Kevin and his wife Jennifer; daughter, Kathleen Meringolo and husband, Richard; and son Steven and wife, Katherine. He also was the proud grandfather of Kara Meringolo Lurio and her husband, Ben, Katie Meringolo Miller and her husband Jack, Zack Holland and his wife Dr. Alexis Holland, Maxx, Madison, Cameron, Braden, and Jade Holland, and his cherished great grandchildren, Drew, Ellie and James Lurio and Owen and Frankie Miller. He was the brother of Peter and Richard Holland of Peace Dale.

Bill had a long and distinguished career as a public educator in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts. After active duty as an Army officer, he began a 26 year career as teacher, school administrator, and superintendent in five school districts in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. While superintendent in Narragansett both the elementary school and high schools were recognized as blue ribbon schools by the U.S. Office of Education. He then spent another 18 years in higher education at Rhode Island College where he was professor emeritus while at the same time spending ten years as Executive Director of the RI Association of School Principals before being appointed Commissioner. As professor, he taught graduate degree courses for students who went on to become future principals and superintendents. He also taught in the joint URI and RI College PhD doctoral program in education.

Bill served as Commissioner from 1999 to 2002 during the Almond administration. He oversaw a centralized multi-million dollar state college budget which included a historic capital budget initiative for much needed upgrades and new construction on all three campuses. New dormitories, Ryan Center, Boss Arena at URI, new addition at Warwick CCRI campus and approval of a new CCRI campus in Newport, and the construction of the Nazarian Performance Arts Building at RI College are a few examples of initiatives that occurred during his tenure.

Bill received his bachelor's degree at URI, a master's degree at UMass, and a doctorate in educational administration at Boston University. He was the first educator to receive URI's Distinguished Achievement Award in 2007. While at URI his fondest memory was meeting and marrying Karen, his college sweetheart, and as a starting forward during Ernie Calverly's first years as head basketball coach. He was recipient of the Scholar-Athlete award from the RI House of Representatives and excellence professional service awards from several New England and national associations. He served as President of the New England Association of Colleges in 1985 followed by 20 years chairing NEASC overseas accreditation teams in 13 international schools in Europe.

The author of five books and numerous professional articles, Bill remained active in later years as a consultant and interim superintendent in Central Falls and Warwick where he led searches for new superintendents in those communities. He also served as chair of the board of trustees at College Unbound in Providence.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 10 AM in Christ the King Church, 180 Old North Rd, Kingston, RI. Burial with Military Honors will follow in New Fernwood Cemetery, Kingston. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 from 4 to 7 PM in the Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia St., Wakefield.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Harmony Women's Care or to the Alzheimer's Association Rhode Island Chapter.