Dean's Profile

Dawn Williams proudly serves as the Dean of the Howard University School of Education. Underlying all her work are premises that include the indoctrination of social justice through teaching, research, service, and professional development. With over two decades in the field, she has managed complex organizations; worked effectively with local, national, and international colleagues; secured and managed resources to support the institution’s strategic direction and vision; and built relationships with alumni, donors, school districts, and international academic communities. 

Dr. Williams is author and co-author of approximately 30 articles and book chapters that focus on leadership, governance, and macro-educational policies targeted for urban school reform. From her leadership and research record, she has appeared on BET, CNN, and ABC networks.  Over the past decade, she has been a recipient of several grants totaling approximately $3.3 million funded by the National Science Foundation. Her research in the STEM and educational policy arena is focused on issues of access and diversity while promoting a conscious social justice agenda.

Dr. Williams earned a Ph.D. and M.A. in Educational Policy Studies with dual residency in Educational Organization and Leadership from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.