President Holley champions Mount Holyoke’s mission

Mount Holyoke College President Danielle R. Holley recently spoke with The Boston Globe about the College’s unwavering commitment to its mission and values, the challenges facing higher education and the historic $650 million Forever Uncommon campaign.

In an Oct. 27 interview with reporter Hilary Burns, Holley emphasized the importance of standing up for the College’s gender-diverse community at a time when institutions of higher education face increasing political and financial pressures. She reaffirmed Mount Holyoke’s commitment to providing an inclusive environment where students are empowered to pursue their ambitions, explore new ideas and realize their full potential.

The conversation also addressed the impact of changes in federal and private research funding. Holley noted that Mount Holyoke has lost approximately $6 million in research support since early 2025 as funding for work related to gender, diversity and equity has been reduced or withdrawn. Despite these challenges, the College remains committed to advancing faculty research, academic excellence and opportunities for students.

Holley highlighted Forever Uncommon: The Campaign for Mount Holyoke College, the largest fundraising campaign ever undertaken by a women’s college. With a goal of $650 million, the campaign will expand access to a Mount Holyoke education through scholarships and financial aid, support faculty teaching and research, and strengthen the College for generations to come.

“This is really grass-roots fundraising from women from across the globe,” Holley told The Boston Globe. “It’s an exciting moment to talk about women’s leadership, women’s philanthropy, and the way that women and girls can support their own causes.”

Throughout the interview, Holley underscored the enduring relevance of Mount Holyoke’s founding mission and the importance of investing in the next generation of leaders. Nearly 190 years after its founding, the College continues to champion the transformative power of education and create opportunities for students to shape their own futures.

Read the interview in The Boston Globe (subscription may be required).