Escorting Faculty Marshal: Candis Watts Smith, Brown-McCourtney Early Career Professor in the College of the Liberal Arts and associate professor of political science and African American studies.
Nyla is the daughter of Donte and Rosalyn Holland of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is graduating with B.A. degrees in African American Studies and Political Science. Nyla is a fully-engaged member of the Penn State and State College community, serving as president of the Penn State Black Caucus as well as the former executive director of the MLK Jr. Commemoration Student Committee. Nyla was also a co-chair of the Student Code of Conduct Task Force and a 2021 recipient of the Rock Ethics Institute Stand Up Award. Following graduation, she will complete one additional year in the Public Policy program to earn her master’s degree, after which she plans to work in the social or environmental policy field at a nonprofit organization or in local government.
“My liberal arts education will help me to think critically in my future career in the public policy field. I will be able to make better sense of the world and connect with people of different backgrounds.”
