Melva Williams

Melva K. Williams, Ph.D., is a prominent figure in higher education with an extensive background in leadership and advocacy. She currently serves as the seventh President and Chief Executive Officer of Huston-Tillotson University, a historically black college and university (HBCU) located in Austin, Texas.12

Career Highlights

Dr. Williams has over 20 years of experience in higher education, holding various leadership positions throughout her career. Prior to her current role at Huston-Tillotson University, she worked as a chief of staff, vice chancellor, and associate dean, managing multiple aspects of student affairs and enrollment management.1

Contributions to Higher Education

Co-Founder of Higher Education Leadership Foundation: One of Dr. Williams' most notable achievements is co-founding the Higher Education Leadership Foundation (H.E.L.F.).1 This organization has provided leadership training to over 500 HBCU leaders across the United States, many of whom have gone on to serve as university presidents, vice presidents, directors, and deans at HBCUs nationwide.2

Other Initiatives: In addition to H.E.L.F., Dr. Williams co-founded the Shreveport Charter Foundation in 2011, which led to the establishment of two schools in Shreveport, Louisiana: Magnolia School of Excellence and Magnolia High School.2

Recognition and Honors

Dr. Williams has received numerous accolades for her contributions to higher education:

• Selected for the Oxford Round Table at the University of Oxford, England
• Honored by the United Negro College Fund as a president in leadership
• Named one of the Texas 100 Top Influential Professionals to Watch by Austin Business Journal in 2023
• Alumna of Leadership Louisiana and 40 under 40
• Named Top Professional of the Year by the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce2

Education

Dr. Williams holds the following degrees:

• Ph.D. in Urban Higher Education from Jackson State University
• Master's degree in Public Administration from Grambling State University
• Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communication from Grambling State University2

As a respected leader in higher education, Dr. Melva K. Williams continues to make significant contributions to the field, particularly in the development and support of HBCU leadership.