We are proud to recognize Damon L. Williams, Jr. on his appointment as Vice President of University Relations and Chief of Staff to the President at Adler University, effective September 15, 2026. Williams joined the Academic Leadership Institute (ALI) as a member of the 2023 cohort and recently returned to the institute to serve as faculty for the 2026 Alumni Program and Reunion.
Williams offers over 20 years of leadership experience across higher education, healthcare, corporate, and nonprofit organizations. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Outreach at the University of Kentucky. Previously, he helped Northwestern University reach a historic milestone by recruiting the largest cohort of traditionally underrepresented students in the Graduate School’s history. At Emory University, he established the Emory Diversifying Graduate Education (EDGE) program and collaborated with the United Negro College Fund to launch the Emory SOAR research program, supporting students from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). At his alma mater, Xavier University of Louisiana, Williams led the Office of Graduate Placement and the Ronald E. McNair Program, contributing to a 50 percent increase in the university’s graduate school placement rate.
Williams has also received national recognition for his leadership, including being featured as “The Access Architect” on the cover of Diverse: Issues In Higher Education in 2024. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Xavier University of Louisiana, an MBA from Fontbonne University, and a Master’s in Marketing from Tulane University. He is also a doctoral candidate in Leadership and Innovation at New York University, researching artificial intelligence and mental health.
At Adler University, Williams will partner with President Coleman to advance institutional goals, serve as the liaison to the academic portfolio, and take on responsibilities as the alternate secretary to the board of trustees.
“Adler was founded on the idea that our well-being is tied to the well-being of our communities,” said Williams. “That belief has guided my work at every institution I have served, and it is why I said yes to this role. I am honored to partner with President Coleman and with Adler’s students, faculty, staff, alumni and other leaders to extend the university’s global impact.”
We send our best wishes to Damon L. Williams, Jr. as he begins this new chapter at Adler University.
