Richard Holmes, Mississippi State University’s first African-American alumnus, approaches the 50-year anniversary of his enrollment at MSU.
MSU’s Holmes Cultural Diversity Center (HCDC), originally named the Office of Minority Affairs, was dedicated to and renamed forHolmes in 1991. 
According to HCDC’s website, Holmes is one of 10 children and was born in Chicago, Illinois, on Feb. 17, 1944. He moved to Mississippi when he was just 18 months old. He graduated from Henderson High School in Starkville, Mississippi in 1963 where he played the position of line-backer for the school football team. He spent the first two years of his college career at Wiley College in Marshall, Texas. He then transferred to MSU and became a student in 1965. Holmes said when he stepped foot on MSU’s campus he was greeted peacefully and respectfully.
“There were no catcalls, no racial slurs it was quiet and serene. Nothing happened; there was just curiosity and disbelief,” Holmes said.
Holmes left MSU to take a teaching position in Aliceville, Alabama in 1967 and returned to earn his MSU degree in microbiology and nutrition in 1969.
Cedric Gathings, assistant dean and director at the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center at MSU, said he believes Holmes is a pioneer for MSU.
“He was a trailblazer for all, and he started a trend. MSU is what it is today because of him,” Gathings said.
Gathings said Holmes’ attendance at MSU began a great appreciation for variety.
“He started a sense of diversity and because of that, the diversity at MSU has become even wider,” Gathings said.
Dominique Brown, a student at MSU, said she believes dedicating something in Holmes’ honor is a great idea because it provides a great understanding of the historical value of MSU.
“The dedication to Dr. Holmes would bring a little insight into our history as a student body,” Brown said. 
Plans of Holmes’ celebration have not been finalized but are underway.