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"Professor Holt was the kind of professor
that left an impression in your life. He was
enthusiastic about the Bible, and that made
his students excited about learning."
-Alicia Whitman
Michael Holt
"For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the
Lord and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and
ordinances in Israel"(Ezra 7:10).
This was not only the life verse of Michael Holt, but it was his
way of life. After coming to Christ following high school, Professor
Holt set out to fulfill this verse. Holt served as pastor of the First
Reformed Church of Xenia for 16 years before becoming a full-time
professor at Cedarville University. His wife said of him, "He loved
teaching at Cedarville and especially treasured being able to spend
one-on-one time with students."
His love for educating students was seen through his reputation
around campus as a professor who challenged students to truly
think and "not just go through another academic procedure," as
Caleb McCollim testified. Zachary Eagle said, "He would always
keep the class light enough that it seemed to always keep a smile
on our faces, yet he challenged us so much spiritually and knew
when to be serious."
268 Memory
Other students talked about his demeanor and cheer as
well. "I was privileged to have Professor Holt for both of my
freshman Bible classes. He always had a smile for his students,
whether in or out of class," said Daryl Sando. According to
Staci Crissman, another student priveleged to have Holt as a
professor, "Even when I wasn't in class he asked how I was
doing. He kept me
on track, and gave
me a helping hand
every chance he
got." Professor
Holt will always
remain in our
hearts as a man of
God who radiated
Christ wherever
he went and
exemplified a great
teacher, mentor,
and friend.