COSET Dean’s Office

Meet Our Dean 

Dr. Melinda Holt

Dr. Holt holds a Ph.D. in Statistics, an M.A. in Mathematics, and a B.A. in Mathematics from Baylor University. Her research interests include Bayesian statistical methods for disease testing, clinical trials, nursing, and public health. Dr. Holt has received several National Science Foundation grants to expand student access to STEM education and research opportunities.

Prior to joining SHSU in 2006, Dr. Holt held faculty positions at Northern Kentucky University, Texas Woman’s University, and Southern Louisiana University; she has spent her faculty career in regional universities with diverse populations, recruiting students and mentoring them in STEM disciplines.

Dr. Holt has served Sam Houston State University and the College of Science & Engineering Technology in a variety of roles, these include: COSET Associate Dean of Curriculum and Assessment (2021-2022), Chair for the Department of Mathematics and Statistics (2017-2021), and Associate Chair for the Department of Mathematics and Statistics (2014-2017).  Additionally, she has also served the statistics profession both regionally and nationally as a member of the American Statistical Association’s Board of Directors, Vice-Chair of the American Statistical Association’s Council of Chapters Governing Board, and President and Secretary of the Council of Texas Statisticians.