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Office of Access and Opportunity

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Julian R. Williams, J.D.

Title: Vice President
Office of Access and Opportunity
Email: julian.williams@sc.edu
Phone: 803-777-0405
Office: 1600 Hampton, Suite 414
Julian Williams

Julian R. Williams, is a visionary higher education leader with over 15 years of progressive experience in university administration. As Interim Vice President for System Affairs and Vice President for Access, Civil Rights, and Community Engagement at the University of South Carolina, he coordinates strategic initiatives across an eight-campus system serving more than 50,000 students. 

In these roles, he leads system-wide efforts to enhance collaboration, improve operational efficiency, and align individual campus goals with overarching university objectives.

A steadfast believer in the transformative power of higher education, Williams has established himself as a catalyst for innovation and institutional excellence throughout his career. Throughout his career he has been a catalyst for the creation of campus environments that are designed to cultivate student success, growth, and a steadfast commitment to inclusive excellence.  

Williams earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and a Juris Doctorate from Michigan State University College of Law.

Prior to his current role, Williams served as Vice President for Compliance, Diversity, and Ethics at George Mason University, where he managed institutional compliance efforts and served as a strategic advisor to senior leadership. His experience also includes leadership positions at Vassar College as Director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Officer.  He has also worked as a civil rights attorney in the state of Michigan. 

A futurist, a visionary leader, and a recognized national expert in the area of student success, inclusion, and access, he has been an American Council on Education (ACE) Fellow, completing an academic year-long placement at Kean University in New Jersey. 

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctorate from Michigan State University College of Law. 

Williams currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Columbia Museum of Art and maintains active involvement in various professional organizations, including the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education. He also serves as an adjunct professor at USC's Darla Moore School of Business.


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