Bio:

Dr. Robert A. Holmes served as a Professor in the Political Science Department at Atlanta University and Clark Atlanta University for well over 30 years where he helped establish the doctoral program. Dr. Holmes earned his undergraduate degree from Shepard College. He went on to earn a master’s degree in public law and government and a doctorate degree in Political Science from Columbia University. 

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Dr. Holmes served as a State Representative in the Georgia General Assembly for 34 years, representing Georgia District 53. During his 17-term tenure in the Assembly, Dr. Holmes was a member of the House Appropriations Committee for 20 years and was the first Black member on the Budget Committee where he served for 16 years. He also was a member of the Black Caucus, Rules Committee, and served as Chairman and member of several other committees. 

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Dr. Holmes also served as the director of the Southern Center for Studies in Public Policy at Clark Atlanta University from 1985-2005, as well as the director of the W.E. B. Dubois Institute from 2002 to 2005. Professor Holmes has also authored and edited over 50 books and journals including the Autobiography of Maynard Jackson, the Georgia Legislative Review, and the Status of Black Atlanta.  In addition, he was co-founder and board member of Capital City Bank and North Georgia National Bank. Dr. Holmes currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia.