Dr. Vicki-Lynn Holmes participates in the scholarly blend of mathematics and education. Her research focuses on the pedagogy of teaching mathematics and the statistical underpinnings that allow research to drive instruction. Her passion is education reform that enables all children to learn and excel in mathematics.

She has served as the regional director of Michigan’s National Council for Teachers of Mathematics (MCTM), conducted Teaching Algebra Concepts through Technology (TACT2) workshops for the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District, and has written three books, two algebra textbooks and numerous peer-reviewed journal articles. Dr. Holmes holds two doctorates (in mathematics and religion), two master’s degrees (in mathematics and English) and a bachelor of arts degree in linguistics.

Dr. Holmes joined the Hope faculty in 2009. Earlier, she founded Wilson Academy, a school in Atlanta for boys who had fallen through the cracks. Dr. Holmes also has served as a principal and a teacher of English and of mathematics at public and private schools in California, Georgia and Maryland. While completing her doctoral studies she taught as an adjunct instructor at Brown Mackie College and DeVry University.

Areas of expertise

• Curriculum design and development
• Statistical software and analysis
• Writing and editing

Education

• Ph.D., mathematics curriculum instruction, University of Louisville, 2009
• Ph.D., religious counseling and education, Grace Bible College, 2005
• M.A., mathematics education, University of Louisville, 2006
• M.A., English equivalency, Maryland Department of Education, 1998
• B.A., English and linguistics, College of William and Mary, 1981

Honors and awards

• Phi Beta Kappa, national liberal arts and science honor society
• Pi Mu Epsilon, national math honor society
• GROW Diversity and Inclusion Award, Hope College, 2018
• Diversity, Service, and Leadership Award, GROW Council, Hope College, 2015
• Christian Choice Book Award, counseling/recovery category, Evangelical Christian Publishers Association, 2013
• “Best Paper” award (NSF Advancing the Careers of Women in STEM at Predominantly Undergraduate Institutions category), Journal of Statistics Education, 2011

Selected recent publications

• I Can Understand Algebra! Algebra One with K. Spence, J. E. Finn, and S. McGee Ingram, North American Linus Publications, 2018
• “Factors Impacting the Sociological Construct of Adulthood in Adults with Moderate Intellectual Disabilities: A Case Study,” with J. Finn, L. Horton and T. Smith, Journal of Education & Social Policy, 2018
• I Can Understand Algebra! Pre-Algebra with K. Spence, J. E. Finn, and S. McGee Ingram, North American Linus Publications, 2018
• “Conquering Worrisome Word Problems – Algebra Success,” with K. Spence et al., International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 2017
• DING DANG Diversity: Racial Insensitivity in a College Setting, Blurb Publication ebook, 2017
• “Successful Transition to Adulthood: Do We Really Need to Teach Shopping, Sex and Social Skills?,” with J. E. Finn and L. Horton, Journal of Advances in Educational Research, 2016

View a more extensive list of Dr. Holmes’ publications.

Outside the college

Dr. Holmes has been an engaged resident of Holland for more than a decade. She currently serves on the Human Relations Commission and is an elder at her church. She loves Holland — the richness of its culture and its people. She has been an enthusiastic supporter of the community, working with the Women’s Shelter, Westcore Neighborhood and various charitable organizations. She’s an avid reader, a life-long learner and a committed advocate for others.