Willie Williams

BIOGRAPHY: With over a decade of experience in higher education, Dr. Williams brings a wealth of expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Previously, he served as the Diversity Officer at SUNY Orange, where he spearheaded the development and implementation of a comprehensive diversity strategic plan and established a diversity commission. His work at SUNY System Administration focused on initiatives aimed at increasing diversity and inclusion, such as Women in Technology, the Native American Initiative, and student scholarships.

At the University of Virginia, he conducted research on socialization in higher education and worked with programs and initiatives designed to engage students and support the community. He also played a pivotal role in developing and teaching courses focused on the importance of race, identity, belonging and the institution of higher education.

Beyond academia, Dr. Williams is deeply committed to community engagement. He has taught at the Albemarle-Charlottesville County Jail and worked with the Gang Reduction through Active Community Engagement (GRACE) initiative. A firefighter in Piscataway, NJ, he also serves on the Board of Directors for Safe Harbors of the Hudson. Dr. Williams holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Shippensburg University, an M.S. in Organizational Development and Psychology from Saint Joseph’s University, and a PhD in Higher Education from the University of Virginia. He resides in Piscataway, NJ with his partner Joanna, their children Josie and Asa, and their two dogs, Cleo and Coco.