Executive Director
Sonya Y. Williams, MA
Executive Director
Upward Bound & Office of University Outreach and Engagement
Education
- MA, Curricular and Instructional Studies and English, University of Akron
- BA, Rhetorical Speaking and Communications, Kent State University
Job Description
Provide leadership, coordination and supervision for departmental-level projects and initiatives to support university outreach and engagement for the Kent State campus-system and surrounding community, including oversight of Upward Bound programs. Provide coordination to initiatives related to community outreach, professional development, education, and engagement on behalf of the Office of University Outreach and Engagement. Reports to the Associate Vice President for University Outreach and Engagement.
Direct reports
- Gaylen Moore, Senior Business Manager
- Jasmina Waters, Program Director
- Patricia Robinson, Program Director
BIO
Sonya’s previous role was Executive Director for the Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, as a member of the Executive Leadership Team. She led the division's human resources, fiscal/budget creation & monitoring, communications, the division training lab and the TRIO Upward Bound programs. A significant portion of Sonya’s job also included directly assisting the Vice President with high level projects and serving on several university committees. Prior to coming to KSU, she worked in both the corporate and non-profit sectors in top-tier management positions, serving lastly as Director of the Foster Grandparent Program for Summit County at Akron Summit Community Action. Sonya is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Sonya is most passionate about the education and success of all students, no matter their background, her motto is “If I made it, so can you!”
She has been married to the love of her life Kevin for 27 years, the proud mother of Kevin (KJ), 24, and Ms. Kendall, 19, and Nonny to grandson KTre (Kevin III).
Contact
swilli78@kent.edu, [o] 330-672-8540