Pamplin Spotlight: Michael Williams
Michael Williams has established six scholarships, supported the Virginia Tech Master Gardener program, and contributed to Virginia Tech Advantage scholarships.
For Michael Williams, Virginia Tech and the Pamplin College of Business shaped both his career and his lifelong commitment to giving back.
Raised in Suffolk, Virginia, Williams grew up surrounded by Hokies. His grandfather graduated in 1927 and played baseball at Virginia Tech. His mother’s side of the family were all civil engineers, most of whom graduated from Virginia Tech. His father was a dedicated fan of the University of Virginia and he attributes his desire to attend college to attending football games in Charlottesville, Virginia. When it came time for his own collegiate experience, he chose Virginia Tech, beginning in aerospace engineering before transferring into Pamplin at the end of his first year.
In his sophomore year, an introduction to marketing sparked his interest and he soon declared a major in marketing management. Pamplin provided him with foundational skills, such as critical thinking, time management, and interpersonal skills, all of which still serve him personally and professionally today.
Williams points to Professor Ed Marsh, whose industry connections helped launch his career in marketing at Armstrong World Industries. This kickstarted a 25-year career across several companies, rising through the ranks by being willing to move and take advantage of career advancement.
“As with any job, there are people you love to work for and are supportive of your career development,” Williams said, “There is also the opposite. Be flexible and willing to adapt to your situation.”
Now retired, Williams continues to invest in the university that gave him his start. With his spouse Shirley, an “honorary Hokie”, he has established six scholarships across the University. Aside from scholarships that will support student-athletes and students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the Williams are supporting two future scholarships for Pamplin students through a generous estate provision. .
“We have been blessed, and we hope our legacy of scholarships helps others long after we are gone,” he said.
For Williams, supporting Pamplin and Virginia Tech is about ensuring future generations of Hokies have access to the same opportunities that shaped his own path. He encourages Hokies to be bold, take calculated risks, and use their strengths and weaknesses to their advantage. His story reflects the enduring power of a Virginia Tech education, and his generosity ensures that legacy will continue to inspire and uplift students for years to come.
