Emporia State’s new director of diversity student programs comes to the Kansas campus from St. Louis.
Deanna Williams is completing her master’s degree in higher education administration in May from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. She hearned a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from Fontbonne University, also in St. Louis.
Williams, who will assume her new role in June, currently is the graduate assistant for service, diversity and social justice at Fontbonne. As a student at UMSL, Williams also services as president of the Higher Education Student Association.
“Deanna is committed to engaging students and colleagues in diversity and inclusion and is devoted to helping students discern their passion and discover their calling,” said Jason C. Brooks, ESU assistant dean of students. “We are pleased that Deanna has accepted this appointment and know she will represent Hornet Nation well and will contribute much to this diverse community.”
During her time at Fontbonne University, Williams received the Living the Mission Award for her work with Black Student Union and her participation in the Peace and Justice Committee on campus. She also wrote and was awarded a grant through the Fontbonne Community Connection, a women’s philanthropic group, that created a mentor program for students of color called GAP or Griffins Achieving Progress. She advises the GAP program, which has developed into a scholarship to continue to support students of color and their experience at Fontbonne University.