Eric Williams named director of multicultural academic opportunities program
Eric Williams was recently appointed director of the Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program at Virginia Tech.
Established in 1993, the Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program provides undergraduate and graduate students with academic support, guidance and scholarships. The program works collaboratively with other on-campus departments; other colleges and universities; and government, private, and non-profit organizations to provide the support necessary for students to succeed at Virginia Tech. Part of the Academic Affairs division, the program reports to Karen Eley Sanders, assistant provost and director of academic support services.
“We are fortunate to have someone with a wealth of knowledge and experience in diversity initiatives, leadership in undergraduate and graduate student programs, diversity research, and a proven record of serving students effectively. Dr. Williams’ proven record of enhancing under-represented students’ academic success and retention is also a plus,” Sanders said.
Before joining Virginia Tech, Williams served as director of the student support services program at Radford University, and as director of the McNair Scholars Program and associate director of the Educational Opportunity Center at Marquette University. He recently returned from Kuwait after serving a one-year deployment as a transportation sergeant in the U. S. Army Reserves. Williams has extensive experience working with state and federal legislators, a significant factor because of the program’s strong ties to the Virginia General Assembly.
Williams earned his bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Virginia Commonwealth University, a master’s degree in student personnel from Kent State University, and a doctorate from Virginia Tech in higher education administration.
Founded in 1872 as a land-grant college, Virginia Tech is the most comprehensive university in the Commonwealth of Virginia and is among the top research universities in the nation. Today, Virginia Tech’s eight colleges are dedicated to quality, innovation, and results through teaching, research, and outreach activities. At its 2,600-acre main campus located in Blacksburg and other campus centers in Northern Virginia, Southwest Virginia, Hampton Roads, Richmond, and Roanoke, Virginia Tech enrolls more than 28,000 undergraduate and graduate students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries in 180 academic degree programs.
