Dr. Harry L. Williams

Dr. Harry L. Williams became the 10th president in the 118-year history Delaware State University on Jan. 10, 2010 after serving 18 months as the institution’s provost and vice president of Academic Affairs.

A native of Greenville, N.C., Dr. Williams has 24 years of higher education experience, particularly in the areas of enrollment management and academic affairs. He succeeded Dr. Allen L. Sessoms who resigned at the end of August 2008 to accept a president post at the University of the District of Columbia, and Dr. Claibourne D. Smith, who served as acting president during the presidential search period.

Since assuming the post of DSU president, under Dr. Williams’ leadership the University has established a new Vision Statement and set of Core Values, has moved up in its ranking among Historically Black Colleges and University’s to #15 in the country, experienced an increase in donations, as well as continued to expand its research portfolio and international collaborations. In addition, his early tenure has included the establishment of the state-supported Inspire Scholarship Program for Delaware students.

Prior to his arrival at DSU, Dr. Williams served at the University of North Carolina General Administration as interim associate vice president for Academic Affairs beginning in September 2007 and was later elevated in March 2008 to interim senior associate vice president for Academic and Student Affairs. He has also previously served in other academic affairs and enrollment management posts at Appalachian State University and North Carolina A&T University.

In addition, Dr. Williams has also served from 2002-2008 as a national marketing and recruitment associate consultant with Noel-Levitz, the top national consultation firm for enrollment and management solutions in the country.

Dr. Williams earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication Broadcasting, a Master of Arts in Educational Media, both from Appalachian State University. He earned an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from East Tennessee State University. He is married to Dr. Robin S. Williams, and they have two children: Austin, age 15 and Gavin, age 11.