Richard E. Holmes, Mississippi State’s First African American Student, Dies at 82
Dr. Richard E. Holmes, Mississippi State University's first African American student and a distinguished alum, has died at 82. The university honored his contributions by naming its cultural diversity center and the Richard E. Holmes Plaza after him.
Columbus Tupelo West Point Starkville, MS, October 16, 2026 —
Dr. Richard E. Holmes, Mississippi State University’s first African American student and a distinguished alumnus, has died at the age of 82. The available information did not specify when or where he died, or provide a cause of death.
Holmes was recognized for his contributions to the university. Mississippi State named its cultural diversity center in his honor, as well as the Richard E. Holmes Plaza. The details provided do not include when either place was named or describe the specific work that led to the university’s recognition.
Holmes’s status as the university’s first African American student marks a significant part of its history. His distinction as a university alumnus and the two campus namesakes also reflect the institution’s recognition of his connection to Mississippi State.
Further biographical information, including the dates of Holmes’s enrollment and graduation, his career and other contributions, was not provided. The circumstances of his death and information about memorial arrangements were also not included.
The information available identifies Holmes’s age at death and his ties to Mississippi State, but does not give a date for his passing or further details about his life. His legacy at the university is represented by the cultural diversity center and the plaza bearing his name.
Story summarized from the original created by Eric Lampkin on www.wcbi.com, see more information here.
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