Dr. Antonio Williams Named Interim Director of The David T. Kearns Center
The David T. Kearns Center is pleased to announce that Dr. Antonio Williams, Director for Graduate Diversity, has been named Interim Director of the Kearns Center effective April 21.
Williams takes over for Dr. Miguel Baique, who transitioned to another position within the university in mid-April. In addition to serving as Interim Director, Williams will continue in his role as Director for Graduate Diversity, a position he has held for three and a half years. “It’s truly a humbling honor to serve as the Interim Director of the David T. Kearns Center,” says Williams. “I’m most looking forward to deepening the Kearns Center’s reach and continuing to strengthen the critical pipelines we’ve built—from high school access programs to graduate school readiness and beyond. Having worked closely with the Kearns Center team, I understand the transformative impact this center has across the student journey. I’m proud to be able to help guide its mission during this pivotal time,” Williams says.
Williams has nearly two decades of experience working in higher education. Prior to working at the university, Williams worked for four years as the Assistant Director of the HEOP (Higher Education Opportunity) program at Rochester Institute of Technology. In his most recent role at the Kearns Center, Williams has led initiatives that support the recruitment, retention, and success of historically underrepresented students, particularly in STEM disciplines. Williams has played a pivotal role in expanding national partnerships with HBCUs and Minority-Serving Institutions, developing pathway programs, and overseeing student success strategies from high school through the PhD. “I’m grateful I’m able to keep working within our graduate area, which allows me to stay connected with our collaborations with HBCUs while supporting our graduate students. I feel more energized than ever and look forward to deepening the Kearns Center’s reach,” Williams says.
As a first-generation college graduate, he holds a BA in Sociology from Alfred University, an MS in Sports Management from American Public University, and an EdD in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education. His doctoral research focused on the retention and persistence of Black male students at predominantly white institutions.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Antonio Williams on his new appointment!