Keith Holland has a bachelor’s degree in integrated science and technology from James Madison University and a Ph.D. in mechanical and aerospace engineering from the University of Virginia. As a graduate student at UVA, he patented an invention for remote monitoring of air pollutants and helped to launch a related technology company in Charlottesville. In 2008, he joined James Madison University’s engineering faculty, was promoted to the role of interim vice provost for research and scholarship in 2018, and became the associate vice provost for research and innovation in 2020. In 2024, Keith stepped into a revised role at JMU as the associate vice president for research and economic development within the division of Research, Economic Development, and Innovation.

1. Can you tell me about your entrepreneurship background?

As a first-generation college student, I never dreamed an entrepreneurship pathway would be something I would pursue. Using my research to develop a commercial product from idea to worldwide distribution was incredibly fulfilling. I was excited to come back to academia and have an opportunity to inject entrepreneurship as a potential pathway for students. The reason universities, federal government programs, and private institutions offer grant funding to researchers is largely because of the impact those discoveries are going to have on society. To be a participant in the link between fundamental research and the application to economic advancement in the world is something that has always been central to my interest in academic research and economic development.

2. What projects are you currently working on at JMU?

JMU was recently designated the Carnegie Classification of Doctoral University with high research activity (R2). A lot of the work that I’m doing now is centered around growing the research support enterprise, the commercialization pipeline, and the broader impacts of the research conducted at JMU. I’m working to connect that to my most recent project, which is formalizing an office at the university that emphasizes and amplifies our institution’s economic engagement, much like CECE.

3. What is your proudest accomplishment?

My family. I have three wonderful children, and my son is going to be attending the University of Virginia to study engineering in the fall. The community we’ve created and been a party to because of our children is something I’m very proud of. Professionally, I am proud of the impact JMU has made, showcasing how a university can make a difference in business development, community development, and vibrancy in the Shenandoah Valley.

4. What made you want to be a part of CECE’s advisory board?

My current professional portfolio has me intersecting in a number of ways with the work CECE is doing at Virginia Tech. I grew up in Roanoke, so I’m personally invested in all the changes that Virginia Tech has been helping to drive in the region. I’m interested in learning and seeing how CECE has had an impact and what ways we can partner to advance the commonwealth and the East Coast region as a whole.

5. How would you like to collaborate with CECE in the future?

We have been interacting with CECE through the relaunch of the Virginia’s University Based Economic Development (UBED) group. In this group, public institutions are able to have regular touchpoints about the topics that matter the most around talent, place, and innovation. I would also be interested in connecting on projects where we are driving big thinking about economic vitality and vibrancy in our regions. That’s where we as universities can have significant impact – encouraging our partners to think big. Then we can provide the infrastructure, guidance, and support to make those ideas come to life.

6. What is the last book you read that you would recommend?

Impact Networks by David Ehrlichman. From a professional standpoint, that book guides my thinking and the work I engage in.

7. What activities or hobbies do you like to do in your spare time?

I’m still an engineer at heart so I love playing with the latest technology, creating new things, and tapping into that inventor side of my brain. I also enjoy running. I’m a distance runner and try to get out and put some miles on the pavement when I have time.