Page 17 - TMCF CEO Impact Awards New York 2025

Dr. Harry L. Williams
President & CEO DThurgood Marshall College Fund
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, Williams expanded TMCF’s impact by inviting HBCCs to join the membership, thereby supporting a diverse set of pathways to achievement. 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.
He 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.
Williams is a devoted family man. Married to Dr. Robin S. Williams, they take pride in their two accomplished sons, Austin and Gavin, both Howard University graduates. Gavin, now a third-year law student at Southern University Law Center, carries on the family’s legacy of academic excellence. Williams is also a doting grandfather to Porter Rae and Bloom Leigh, the daughters of Austin and his wife Reagan.
Dr. Harry L. Williams serves as president & CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), the nation’s foremost organization exclusively representing the Black college community. Leading TMCF, Williams oversees
its 55 member schools, comprising America’s publicly supported historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), historically Black community colleges (HBCCs) 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%. 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, 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, Williams utilized his tenure to increase student enrollment and foster groundbreaking public/
CEO IMPACT AWARDS 2025 17