Will Holt took on a lot during his college career. He played starting fullback for the Christopher Newport University Captain’s football squad and received a Bachelor of Science degree in business. He did both well, which was not an easy accomplishment, then began his current pursuit – a law degree at the College of William and Mary’s prestigious Marshall-Wythe School of Law. Quiet and unassuming, you have to know the right questions to get Mr. Holt to admit to the legacy he left behind at the University, and the one he is starting in the field of law. His journey has been blessed by support from family, friends, professors and coaches and driven by his passion to succeed and embrace a future of possibilities.

In many ways Mr. Holt’s journey began at CNU.

“I chose CNU for the small and friendly atmosphere. I was accepted at other schools, but I didn’t want to go somewhere where I would just be a number,” Mr. Holt said. “My experience at CNU has opened many doors for me and allowed me to pursue whatever path I wanted.”

CNU’s business school provides “a great education from great faculty with many different personalities and styles,” he said. The school also provides opportunities for students to get involved outside the classroom with internships, networking and other clubs and activities that help students transition to the job market.

“CNU has an excellent business school. I chose to major in business because it would expose me to a broad subject area, and hopefully I could find something I liked,” Mr. Holt said. “That happened during my junior year when I took a business law class from Dr. Stephanie Bardwell.”

Dr. Bardwell’s Business 361 course helped solidify his interest in attending law school. During his senior year, he spent a lot of time in her office applying to graduate schools. In return, the professor offered advice, wrote letters of recommendation, and helped him with scholarship applications.

“The moment I expressed an interest in law school, she became my biggest advocate,” Mr. Holt said. “She has been very supportive. I felt fully prepared and confident that I could have gotten a good job right out of CNU.”

As the department chair of Management and Economics at CNU, as well as the director of the Small Business Institute,

Dr. Bardwell has enjoyed mentoring students as passionate and determined as Mr. Holt.

“It is a distinct pleasure to give encouragement and advice to a serious scholar who demonstrates an interest in the law,” Dr. Bardwell said. “Will Holt epitomizes the serious, hard-working, capable student who is a pleasure to assist in the classroom and in future educational endeavors.”

Mr. Holt’s success in class spilled onto the football field. When he wasn’t hitting the books, he was tackling opponents as a fullback for the Captains. For Mr. Holt, who routinely was nominated to the USA South Athletic Conference All-Academic Team, playing football “created a special bond for me with the team and the school,” he said.

Coach Matt Kelchner agrees.

“Will Holt is the real deal when we discuss the term student-athlete. He was always prepared in academics and athletics and gave everything for his team and CNU,” Coach Kelchner said. “In my 25 years as a college football coach, he is one of the most trusted, respected and liked young men I have ever come across. CNU football is truly blessed to have him as one of our own.”

Mr. Holt said he found it was often difficult to juggle both academics and football. He believes it made him a better student and prepared him for the educational struggles ahead.

“Though many times I felt stressed, and I had a lot on my plate, I think the experience has helped me deal with the stressful times and heavy workload in law school,” he said.

A devoted member of CNU’s business honor society, Beta Gamma Sigma, Mr. Holt continues to stay in touch with both Dr. Bardwell and the University. Returning as a graduate, he said that being back at CNU makes him feel like he has accomplished a lot. Dr. Bardwell agrees.

“When I do hear from my students, like Will, it is often via e-mail, or a note or card in the mail and sometimes at an Alumni event held at CNU,” said Dr. Bardwell. “The Alums who are able to visit, share and give back to our current students by attending functions, supporting programs and serving as role models truly represent the best of CNU’s educational philosophy.”

Success has followed Mr. Holt to William and Mary, where he is leaning toward estate planning and real estate law. In just his first semester, he was awarded Honors in Legal Skills for his good grades. Although he finds the school of roughly 620 students to be nourishing his appetite for law, he said the initial seed of interest was planted during his undergraduate years.

“I have been very fortunate in my life, and I wouldn’t have any excuse not to work hard and do well. Much of the credit should go to my parents, who have been extremely supportive of me. They have worked hard and put many of their interests aside to help make my dreams possible.”