The veteran college administrator will provide overall leadership for the Multicultural Center while working closely with Elon University President Leo M. Lambert and members of the senior staff to advance institutional diversity initiatives.
Randolph “Randy” Williams Jr., a veteran college administrator with expertise in managing student life programs, has been named Elon University’s new presidential fellow and special assistant to the president / dean of Multicultural Affairs.
In his role, Williams will provide overall leadership for the Multicultural Center, as well as work closely with Elon University President Leo M. Lambert, Vice President Jim Piatt, and members of the senior staff to advance alumni ethnic and racial affinity groups, and fundraising related to diversity initiatives.
Williams also will assist the university and its Division of Student Life in meeting Elon’s strategic goal of an unprecedented commitment to diversity and global engagement. He will report jointly to Lambert and to Jon Dooley, assistant vice president for Student Life and dean of campus life. Williams will serve as a member of the University Senior Staff and the Student Life Vice President’s Council.
“I am eager to join a community where everyone deeply cares about developing citizens with the competencies to excel in and contribute value to a complex global society,” Williams said. “My roles on Senior Staff and in the Multicultural Center will allow me to serve students as they develop toward their full potential.”
Williams comes to Elon University from North Carolina Wesleyan College where he served as the vice president for student affairs and dean of students, providing leadership and ongoing training for directors in academic support services, orientation, residence life, health services, career development, counseling services, disability services, community engagement and more.
He worked previously as assistant dean of students at the College of William & Mary and associate dean of students at Hampden-Sydney College.
Williams earned his bachelor’s degree in physics from Hampden-Sydney, a master’s degree in education from Longwood University, and a doctorate in educational policy, planning and leadership from the College of William & Mary.
He joins the campus community with his wife, Chiquita, and their daughters Zanyah and Reagan.