Published on Oct. 15, 2024

Michael S. Williams, Ph.D., is more than just an educator – he’s also a coach for intellectual athletes and an advocate for community building. His journey into academia has been shaped by a deep-rooted passion for teaching, learning and understanding how people excel in different arenas.  

Growing up, Williams found himself drawn to the world of sports, where he explored the intricacies of team dynamics and individual excellence.  

“The ways to get to teaching and learning for me have always been completely different,” he said. “I’ve always been fascinated by how people get good at stuff.” 

His journey took him through various academic pursuits, from finance and information systems to higher education. It was during his master’s program at the University of Pennsylvania that Williams found his calling in academia, thanks to the encouragement of mentors like Shaun Harper, Ph.D. and Marybeth Gasman, Ph.D. 

“They saw something in me and suggested I explore higher education,” Williams recalled.  

With a newfound clarity of purpose, Williams embarked on a path that would lead him to join the faculty of the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Missouri.   

Research, collaboration and mentorship  

Williams nurtures and guides his students and colleagues to reach their full potential.  

“I see myself as a coach for intellectual athletes,” he said. “The better I get at this, the better everybody around me can be.”  

His research focuses on understanding and promoting success through interpersonal relationships, particularly within academia. He examines topics such as socialization, mentoring and sense of belonging, with an emphasis on supporting students, faculty and staff.   

Through programs like Connection, a faculty professional development group, he has helped create spaces for scholars from different disciplines to come together to share their expertise and support one another. 

“I have a deep and strong belief that everybody’s disciplinary expertise can be valuable to other people,” he said. “We just need to create spaces to share it.” 

Willams’ commitment to community building extends to mentoring the next generation of scholars. Whether it’s supporting former students through interviews for tenure track positions or coaching undergraduates to excel in their academic pursuits, Williams is always there, ready to offer guidance and support. 

Added value  

In reflecting on his journey, Williams remains humble yet steadfast in his mission to make a positive impact on others around him.   

“That’s what gives me excitement,” he said. “That’s what gives me passion. That’s what gets me coming to work every day.”  

As Williams continues to uplift those around him, his dedication to supporting others and his ability to connect diverse ideas and experiences enrich the academic community at Mizzou.