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Holmes Hall

Guiding the Future of NC State

Holmes Hall is a three-story academic and student support building located on Cates Avenue on the university’s central campus. Originally completed in 2007, the building was named Holmes Hall in 2018 to honor Irwin Holmes, the first African-American to receive an undergraduate degree from NC State in 1960.

Holmes Hall is home to Exploratory Studies which is a comprehensive program designed to meet the needs of first-year students who wish to explore their options in order to find a “best fit” major. Holmes Hall is also where the Study Abroad and Disability Resource Offices are located.

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Honoring Irwin Holmes

Dedicated in 2018, the hall recognizes Irwin Holmes, the first African American to earn an undergraduate degree from NC State.

Home to Exploratory Studies

Holmes Hall serves as the central home for NC State’s Exploratory Studies program, helping students discover their academic and career paths.

Eliminating Barriers

Essential to the university’s mission, the Disability Resource Office, housed in Holmes Hall, works to ensure all students can participate in the NC State experience.

The front entrance of Holmes Hall
The front entrance of Holmes Hall.
The inside of Holmes Hall.
The inside of Holmes Hall.
The Exploratory Studies program office is within Holmes Hall.
The Exploratory Studies program office within Holmes Hall.

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Explore Your Interests

Discover your best-fit major through Exploratory Studies at NC State. With personalized advising, career assessment and guided exploration, students gain the clarity and confidence to choose a major and move forward with purpose.

Learn more about Exploratory Studies
Students work on physics homework at DH Hill, Jr. Library during the fall 2025 semester.
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