As President of Faulkner University, Dr. Michael D. Williams, Ed.D, knows he and his team are given an opportunity to impact students in multiple positive ways and to encourage them to go forth and share that impact with the world. It’s a privilege and responsibly he takes seriously.
How long have you been President of Faulkner University? I became the eighth President at Faulkner University in June 2015. I came to the University from Harding University in Arkansas, where I served as Vice President of University Advancement.
What are your primary duties in this role? My primary role is to champion our mission attainment. We constantly pursue ways in which we prepare graduates to lead a life of faith, service and accomplishment.
In your opinion, what makes Faulkner special? We intersect with students during their “defining decade.” It extends far beyond academic excellence and professional development. We seek to propel them to use their God-given horsepower to “run towards broken humanity.” We want every student to have a “1st Responder Mentality” that runs toward the challenges of our times. A tremendous example of this ethos is our clinic in the health sciences. Over the last two years, we have performed 24,000 pro-bono therapy sessions for underserved individuals of this community.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job? It is to believe in a student more than they believe in themselves. Then, to see them ascend to heights they never imagined.
What are your interests outside of work? I love being engaged in community development and being a part of the collective impact of community leaders and entities who are solving challenges.
Big Believer
President Michael Williams believes in the power of education to change lives. He believes in his students at Faulkner. And, he believes in his community. “As a relatively new resident of the River Region, I believe our collective strengths far exceed our challenges. God has already given us the capacity to forge a bold future.”
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