Amber Williams, assistant vice chancellor for academic services and enrollment management at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, will become UT’s first vice provost for student success. She will join the university January 1, 2020.
This is a new position, which reports directly to Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor David Manderscheid.
UT has seen significant improvement in retention and graduation rates over the past 10 years, and is committed to doing even more to serve students and support their success. In this role, Williams will coordinate, develop, and guide innovative initiatives related to student retention, persistence, progression, and graduation rates.
“Dr. Williams has spent her career dedicated to leading initiatives that improve student experiences,” said Manderscheid. “She has numerous accomplishments in strategic enrollment management, student success, and building community.
“This new position reflects the university’s commitment to our land-grant mission of providing broad access to a top education and ensuring that our students are getting the resources they need persist and graduate. Dr. Williams’s entire job will be dedicated to helping our students succeed.”
In her current position at UNL, Williams leads enrollment management and financial aid strategies to attract and retain a diverse student body. She provides leadership to nearly 200 staff members in multiple offices across campus and collaborates with campus partners to develop research-based recruitment, retention, and enrollment strategies.
“I am grateful to Provost Manderscheid and the search committee for the opportunity to lead this inaugural office,” said Williams. “UT is a special place. I look forward to engaging the campus community as we collectively work to support each student’s unique strengths and goals.”
Previously, Williams served for six years as UNL’s director of admissions and associate dean for enrollment management. Before joining UNL, Williams was an admissions counselor for the University of Kansas.
Williams earned her bachelor’s degree in communications studies from the University of Kansas. She received her master’s degree in leadership education and doctorate in education and leadership studies from UNL.
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CONTACT:
Tyra Haag (865-974-5460, tyra.haag@tennessee.edu)