2026 Alcornite of the Year

alcornite of the year 2026 ralph holloway

Ralph J. Holloway is a seasoned human resources leader, community advocate, and dedicated alumni steward whose career and service reflect a deep commitment to leadership, governance, and community impact. Born and raised in College Park, Georgia, Ralph currently resides in Suffolk, Virginia, where he continues to balance professional excellence with meaningful civic, fraternal, and philanthropic engagement.

Professionally, Ralph brings more than 14 years of progressive experience in human capital management and currently serves as Senior Benefits Manager at ADP, a global leader in human resources solutions. In this role, he is recognized for his people-centered leadership, strategic execution, and commitment to service excellence within a complex corporate environment. His professional influence is further reflected through active involvement in ADP’s IDEB and Cultivate Business Resource Groups, where he contributes to initiatives that promote inclusion, leadership development, and organizational growth.

Ralph’s leadership extends well beyond his professional career. He maintains active involvement in numerous fraternal, alumni, nonprofit, and community organizations, consistently applying his expertise to strengthen institutions and advance their missions. He is an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., where he currently serves as Vice President of the Alpha Phi Lambda Chapter in Norfolk and Virginia Beach, Virginia. He previously served as Director of Membership and Reclamation, leading strategic efforts to engage, renew, and reclaim members while fostering a culture of accountability, service, and brotherhood.

Ralph’s commitment to leadership and cultural preservation is further demonstrated through his life membership in Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, Inc., Iota Beta Chapter. This affiliation reflects his continued advocacy for the performing arts, particularly the enduring legacy of music programs such as the legendary Alcorn State University band program. He also serves as Past President and Charter Member of the Braves Spirit Area Alumni Association, which supports alumni from the Iota Beta and Theta Gamma chapters.

A devoted alumnus of Alcorn State University, Ralph has demonstrated sustained and impactful service to the institution through leadership, advocacy, and cultural engagement. He currently serves as Second Vice President of the Alcorn State University DC Alumni Chapter, having previously served as First Vice President. At the national level, he is actively involved in the Alcorn State University National Alumni Association, where he has served on the Nominating Committee and as Technology Committee Chair, contributing to leadership development, governance continuity, and operational modernization.

Ralph also serves as President of the Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite (SOD) Club, where his leadership culminated in the highly successful March to Macy’s campaign in partnership with the Alcorn State University Foundation. Under his direction, the organization raised $62,000 and helped secure the Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite Marching Band’s participation in the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This historic achievement significantly elevated Alcorn State University’s national and international visibility. He additionally serves as Co-Chair of the DC Alumni Chapter’s 50th Charter Celebration, scheduled for June 2026.

His nonprofit and community leadership includes service as Secretary of the G.W.C. Brown Legacy Education Fund, an organization that awards $21,000 annually in scholarships to Black youth in the Hampton Roads area. He is also an active member of the Hampton Roads Committee of 200 Plus Men, an organization dedicated to mentorship, leadership development, and community uplift.

Ralph’s service is grounded in faith and community. He is an active member of Second Calvary Baptist Church in Norfolk, Virginia, and regularly supports church-based outreach initiatives, including food bank services addressing food insecurity across the Hampton Roads region. His passion for youth mentorship and educational access remains a guiding force across every organization he serves.

In recognition of his leadership and impact, Ralph has received multiple honors, including Brother of the Year from Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Phi Lambda Chapter, recognition as a 1871 Alumni Group Honoree, and continued leadership recognition across alumni, nonprofit, and professional organizations. These honors reflect the trust he has earned from peers and the measurable outcomes of his service.

Across corporate, nonprofit, fraternal, faith-based, and alumni spaces, Ralph J. Holloway exemplifies service-oriented leadership, sound governance, and unwavering stewardship. His influence is marked not only by accomplishment, but by integrity, humility, and a lifelong commitment to uplifting people and institutions, qualities that make him a distinguished leader and an exemplary representative of Alcorn State University.