Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Erika Bazaldua Holland, a 2014 Stephen F. Austin State University mass media graduate who anchors KLTV’s “East Texas News” at midday and 5 p.m., will serve as the interviewer for the fourth installment of the Nelson Rusche Distinguished Lecture Series. The free event featuring bestselling author, entrepreneur and Sprinkles Cupcakes founder Candace Nelson is open to the public and scheduled for 7:30 p.m. March 26 in SFA’s Baker Pattillo Student Center Grand Ballroom.
An Arlington native, Holland started her career in media at an early age when she worked as a “kid DJ” for ABC’s Radio Disney from ages 11 to 18. While at SFA, she was involved in the university’s TV programs and several organizations, including Alpha Chi Omega sorority and Jack Walkers. She earned SFA Alumni Association’s Lumberjack Pride Award in 2018.
Following her graduation from SFA, Holland began working at KTRE/KLTV as a reporter. She was later promoted to weekend anchor/producer and the weekday morning anchor on “Good Morning East Texas.”
In 2021, Holland married KLTV evening news anchor Blake Holland. They welcomed their daughter in summer 2023.
Outside work, Holland loves spending time with her family, cheering on the Texas Rangers and serving the community. She is a member of the Big Bend Conservancy board of directors, the main philanthropic body for the national park in Texas. In addition to her state and national park conservation efforts, Holland advocates for heart health, mental health and spreading awareness about foster children in need of forever families.
For the fourth installment of the Nelson Rusche Distinguished Lecture Series, Holland will interview Candace Nelson, a “Shark Tank” guest shark, New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, and an expert in turning one's passion into a profitable business. Nelson revolutionized the baking industry when she left a career in finance to start Sprinkles, the world's first cupcake bakery and Cupcake ATM.
Free tickets for the event are available at the Charles Bright Visitor Center in downtown Nacogdoches or on campus at the student center information desk and the McGee Business Building, Room 137.
To purchase tickets for the 6 p.m. private reception and book signing, contact SFA's Office of Development at (936) 468-5406 or rsvp@sfasu.edu. Tickets cost $100.
For more information about the lecture series, visit sfasu.edu/rusche.