01 Jun 2025 Men of the Moment 2025: Dr. Michael D. Williams

Dr. Michael Williams chose a career in academics because of higher education’s crucial role in shaping lives.. 

“Many psychologists would suggest that the defining decade of your life is between the ages of 18 and 28. Higher education has the opportunity to shape the trajectory of people’s lives,” Williams said. 

The students inspire Williams every day. “This generation is passionate and preparing to change the world, and it’s staggering to think about all they will accomplish. I’m absolutely humbled to walk alongside them in these defining moments of their lives.”

Williams was the first person from his family to attend college, and that is one of his proudest accomplishments. He earned a doctorate from an Ivy League institution and has been the president of two institutions.

There are challenges in higher education. “The competition for students and the competition for philanthropic support has been escalating exponentially,” Williams said. “The financial model of higher education is being questioned in regards to our long-term sustainability and, tragically even in a knowledge economy, higher education has been under complete assault. Harding University continues to flourish by creatively adapting without compromising our mission.”

President Williams encourages young people to cultivate a passion to do something significant with their lives. “Find the collision between what God gifted you to do and the brokenness you see in the world. Lean into your passion and talent and look for opportunities to use them for good in the world around you,” he said As he considers his successes, he credits others. “There is a universal principle which states, ‘no great achievement is ever accomplished alone.’ I have been blessed by so many people who have poured truth, wisdom and love into my life.”

He and his wife have two sons, a daughter-in-law and an 18-month-old granddaughter “who is perfect.” Michael describes his wife as an incredible woman who welcomes all. In his free time, he finds it relaxing to play golf. He hopes to live his next chapter with “passion and intentionality, equipping and passing the baton to others.” 

Contact Dr. Williams at president@harding.edu.