SFCS Alumnus Followed God’s Open Doors To A Successful Career

On any given day, you will find Shannon Forest Christian School (SFCS) alumnus Jeff Holt reporting to work in the Senate offices of Jim DeMint. Rewind 30 years and you would have found Holt sitting in a 4th Grade classroom at SFCS! Holt has fond memories of his school days at Shannon and along with the guidance of his parents Richard and Rosemary; he credits his SFCS education for the building of a solid foundation in his young life. “My foundation of right and wrong was reinforced and complemented through Bible classes and instruction at Shannon,” remarked Holt.

It was at Shannon that Holt gained great friendships that still continue today. “ Participation in school plays, sweating it out at soccer camps, playing on the tennis team with my best friend and the senior trip to Washington, D.C. are all reminders of a well-rounded, educational experience,” Holt added. He has a particularly fond memory of former SFCS History teacher Bob Downing. The teacher and his wife Mary gave Holt and his classmates special care throughout their school career – even hosting class get-togethers in their home. “Bob Downing’s History and Ethics classes strongly influenced my interest in politics,” said Holt.

After he graduated in 1985, Holt went on to attend Clemson University where he received a Management degree and a minor in Marketing. It was at Clemson that he became active in student government, eventually being elected Student Senate President. He also ran for Student Body President. After graduation, he tested the waters in retail sales, advertising and worked in the insurance field. In 1997, a door was opened to become Congressman Bob Inglis’ State Field Director for his Senate Campaign. Holt went through that door and never looked back. For the past eight years, he has enjoyed working in the political arena – first with Jim DeMint in his Congressional office and currently in his Senate office. Holt is responsible for Veterans & Military Outreach and the Service Academy Nomination process.

Holt and his wife Sherrie Glandon have been married for 13 years and live in Taylors, South Carolina. The couple have two children – Emily Reagan who is six and Jonathan David who is three-years-old. Taylors First Baptist Church has been their home church all of their lives and both husband and wife remain very involved in church ministry. Holt serves as a deacon in the church, he assists in the Singles Ministry and also coaches the children’ soccer team. His wife handles all publications and publicity for the church.

When asked to share a piece of advice to current SFCS seniors about heading off to college, Holt urged students to search out a good Christian group to become involved in at whatever college they attend. “These organizations really helped me in the transition from Christian to public education,” Holt said. He also advised students to network. “It can be the key to finding the right vocation,” he added. “God may surprise you with the doors He will open through other people.”