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President Claudette H. Williams
Claudette H. Williams began her tenure June 1, 2007 as the 28th president of the Jacksonville-based Edward Waters College. President Williams has begun to create a new vision and a new direction for the historically black college centered in the double e principle of “ethics and excellence sustained through unity of purpose, integrity, and effectiveness practices.” She believes that assuming the presidency in this chapter of Edward Waters College history is very sobering. Our College was founded in 1866 to educate those who were not welcomed at other institutions of learning. It is the goal and intent of President Williams to continue the legacy of assisting students who wish to use education as the tool to reform and to redirect their lives. Inherent is her belief that today, more than at any other time, education is about choice.
With an educational career spanning more than two decades, it is no wonder that education accountability is a top priority for the Jamaican native. Dr. Williams has been an advocate of educational reform and accountability since graduating with distinction from the University of the West Indies in 1981 with a bachelor’s degree in education. Later, she received both a master’s degree and an Ed.D. in educational administration and supervision from Clark Atlanta University. In 2004, President Williams attended the prestigious Harvard University Graduate School of Education Institute for Educational Management as a Bush Scholar.
A prolific writer, Dr. Williams has authored numerous scholarly papers that run the academic gauntlet from ethnic diversity and its implications for school administrations to understanding the role of civic engagement and service learning as it pertains to historically black colleges. Actively sought after by community and education groups to provide keynote speeches and workshop presentations, Dr. Williams’ calendar is seldom empty.
Dr. Williams served more than two decades as a college administrator and professor, most recently as the Executive Vice President at Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, North Carolina. In this senior-level administrative position, she was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the female college to include supervisory oversight of the senior cabinet.
Prior to being named Executive Vice President, Dr. Williams ran the institutional effectiveness division of Bennett College. In this executive-level position, she guided the college through a comprehensive strategic planning process; revised the college’s missions and goals; and developed an institutional, program and course assessment system. In addition, she successfully led the college through the reaffirmation process required to remove an institution from probation and maintain Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) accreditation.
Before accepting positions of responsibility at Bennett College, Dr. Williams served in leadership roles at Clark Atlanta University. While chair of the Department of Educational Leadership, she managed and monitored all departmental operations, including student recruitment, advisement and retention. In addition, she was accountable for the department’s faculty and staff and oversaw the implementation of policies and procedures to ensure SACS compliance.
She held additional responsibilities while serving as chair, such as Director of the Community Educational Leadership Institute; Consultant to the Distance Learning Instructional Technology Education Program; and Consultant and Trainer for a Nome, AK, head start program.
Dr. Williams has received numerous accolades and awards. Some of her most cherished awards are the Outstanding Service and Dedication to the College Community Award presented by the Bennett College Student Government Association; and the Outstanding Contribution and Commitment to Service Learning Award received from Clark Atlanta University.
Dr. Claudette H. Williams currently serves on the Board of the Jacksonville Symphony, is a member of the Mayor’s Jacksonville Journey Positive Youth Development Sub-committee, the Board of the Non-Profit Center of Northeast Florida, and the Community Engagement Committee. She has the distinction of being the first female president in the 142-year history of Edward Waters College. <Top of Page>
CSX CEO donates $1 million to Edward Waters College after presidential inauguration
By ADAM AASEN, The Florida Times Union
 The history of Edward Waters College is full of struggles and successes. Even early in its history, the school faced problem such as financial issues and the Great Fire of 1901. Recently, the college has stuggled with declining enrollment, low graduation rates and a battle to win back its accreditation. <Full Story>
EWC Leader say ‘hiccups’ fixable
She is seeking funds to overcome the school's various problem
By BETH KORMANIK, The Florida Times Union
 Edward Waters College President Claudette Williams came into the job knowing the challenges that the private, historically black institution faces. She will make her case – and make history – when she is inaugurated as the Jacksonville college’s 28th and first female president Saturday. <Full Story>
EWC president, guest of Army at 50th Anniversary Daytona 500, meets Army Commanding General
By Cynthia Rivers-Womack, Public Affairs Specialist - Jacksonville Recruiting Battalion
 Dr. Claudette Williams joined eight other special guests of the United States Army at the 50th anniversary of the Daytona 500 on February 17, 2008. Dr. Williams is known as a Center of Influence or COI, in Army recruiting parlance. As a COI she is considered a person of leadership and prominence in the community and in her career field who can educate young people about the benefits and opportunities offered by joining the United States Army. <Full Story>
Pleased with support, she knows challenges await
By TIA MITCHELL, The Times-Union Edward Waters College President Claudette Williams says she is overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the Jacksonville community during her four months on the job. She credits assistance from local businesses, alumni, students and faculty for fueling a new optimism for the local private college's future. <Full Story>
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