Dr. Harry L. Williams

Dr. Harry L. Williams serves as President & CEO of Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), the nation’s foremost organization exclusively representing the Black College Community. Leading TMCF, Dr. Williams oversees its 57 member schools, comprising America’s publicly supported Historically Black Colleges (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs), collectively educating 80% of students attending HBCUs.

Under his visionary leadership, TMCF has experienced unparalleled growth, witnessing a remarkable revenue expansion exceeding 250%. His strategic direction has elevated TMCF to not only serve as the premier representative of the HBCU community but also as a thought leader in equity, access, and inclusion.

Dr. Williams has successfully forged strategic partnerships with leading Fortune 500 companies, including The Boeing Company, Medtronic, Visa, Ally Financial, and Hennessy USA. His adept leadership has reimagined enduring partnerships with entities like Lowe’s, the NBA, and Wells Fargo, positioning TMCF as the foremost source for major employers seeking top diverse talent for competitive internships and corporate careers.

Emphasizing bipartisan collaboration, Dr. Williams has positioned TMCF to play a pivotal role in accelerating the legislative agenda for the sustainability of HBCUs. TMCF, under his guidance, has been at the forefront of significant national legislative victories, earning respect and trust from elected and appointed leaders on both sides of the aisle in Congress and the White House.

Formerly a distinguished HBCU president at Delaware State University, Dr. Williams utilized his tenure to increase student enrollment and foster groundbreaking public/private partnerships, securing multimillion-dollar investments into the campus. His commitment to institutional sustainability is evident through his efforts to enhance cooperation among TMCF member-schools, creating a supportive network for HBCU leaders to share best practices and act collectively.

In a forward-thinking move in 2022, Dr. Williams expanded TMCF’s impact by inviting Historically Black Community Colleges to join the membership, thereby supporting a diverse set of pathways to achievement.

Dr. Williams has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to higher education. His illustrious career includes senior positions at the University of North Carolina General Administration, Appalachian State University, and North Carolina A&T State University.

Dr. Williams earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Appalachian State University and a Doctorate from East Tennessee State University. Named President Emeritus of Delaware State University, he is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Dr. Williams is a devoted family man. Married to Dr. Robin S. Williams, a former tenured college professor and Senior HBCU college administrator who is focused on student success. They take pride in their two accomplished sons, Austin, and Gavin, both Howard University graduates. Gavin a graduate of Southern University Law Center and his wife Destiny a Howard University graduate. Dr. Williams is also a doting grandfather to Porter Rae, and Bloom Leigh the daughters of Austin and his wife Reagan who is a Howard Graduate and a North Carolina Central University Law Student Graduate.

• President and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. He oversees 57 member schools—public HBCUs and Predominantly Black Institutions—that collectively educate 80% of students attending HBCUs. Under his leadership, TMCF revenue has grown by more than 250%.
• Built Fortune 500 and employer partnerships. Partners include The Boeing Company, Medtronic, Visa, Ally Financial, and Hennessy USA, along with renewed relationships with Lowe’s, the NBA, and Wells Fargo.
• Advanced the legislative agenda for HBCU sustainability. TMCF has been at the forefront of national legislative victories, working with leaders in Congress and the White House on both sides of the aisle.
• Led Delaware State University and expanded TMCF in 2022. As president he increased enrollment and secured multimillion-dollar public/private investments. Delaware State later named him President Emeritus. In 2022 he invited Historically Black Community Colleges into TMCF membership.
• Career, education, and family. He has held senior posts at the University of North Carolina General Administration, Appalachian State University, and North Carolina A&T State University. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Appalachian State and a doctorate from East Tennessee State University, and he is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.