Associate Professor
Department of Educational Leadership & Workforce Development

Mitchell Williams

757-683-4344
https://www.odu.edu/directory/people/m/mrwillia

2322 EDUCATION BUILDING
NORFOLK, 23529

Dr. Mitchell R. Williams is an Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director for the Ph.D. Program and Graduate Certificate in Community College Leadership. He has over 25 years of experience in higher education, including 18 years as a faculty member in graduate programs in Community College Leadership.

Williams has served as committee chair for more than sixty doctoral students who have successfully completed dissertations on community college leadership, higher education, adult education, and related topics. He earned a Bachelor Degree from Hamilton College and has Master's Degrees from both Georgetown University and Western Carolina University. His Doctoral Degree is in Adult and Community College Education from North Carolina State.

Ed.D. in Adult and Community College Education, North Carolina State University, (2001)

M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration, Community College, Western Carolina University, (1998)

M.A. in Political Science, Georgetown University, (1980)

B.A. in Government, Hamilton College, (1978)

Expertise

Higher Education
Community College Leadership and Adult Education

Research Interests

Rural community colleges.
Academic and non-academic collaboration among institutions of higher education.
The role of the community college in addressing issues related to poverty.

Articles

Hanks, P. L., Williams, M. R., Bol, L. and Lynch, R. J. (2024). An instrument to assess faculty who support student with autism spectrum disorder at community colleges. Community College Journal of Research Publication.
Sartini, C. C., Gregory, D. E., Bullington, K. E., Williams, M. R., Howell, J., Nuckols, W. L. and Hou, M. (2023). Community college presidents and campus safety: Perspectives on critical issues. Inquiry: The Journal of the Virginia Community Colleges 26 (1) , pp. 1-22.
Daniel, R. C., Williams, M. R. and Bullington, K. E. (2023). Enrollment management strategies at rural community colleges resulting from the pandemic. Journal of Higher Education Policy and Leadership Studies 4 (3) , pp. 132-155.
Moore, K. and Williams, M. R. (2022). Factors Encouraging Student Enrollment Following Dual Enrollment Participation. Community College Enterprise 28 (1) , pp. 9-27.
Tabasum, W. and Williams, M. R. (2022). “Native speakers do not understand me”: Experiences of students from developing Asian countries with academic English at an American university. . Journal of Comparative and International Higher Education 14 (2).
Howell, J., Gregory, D., Bullington, K. and Williams, M. R. (2022). Transformational Leadership in Higher Education Programs . Journal of Higher Education Policy and Leadership Studies 3 (1) , pp. 51-66.
Myran, S., Sylvester, P., Williams, M. R. and Myran , G. (2021). Four Promising Practices from a Workforce Development Partnership. Community College Journal of Research and Practice.
Hardy, K., Williams, M. R., Bullington, K. and Commodore, F. (2021). Preparing to fill the leadership gap: The challenges facing women leaders in mid-level positions at urban community colleges. Journal of Women in Educational Leadership.
Prial , A., Zhu, X., Bol, L. and Williams, M. R. (2021). The Impact of Moderate Physical Activity and Student Interaction on Retention at a Community College. The Journal of American College Health.
Anderson, P., Pribesh, S. L. and Williams, M. R. (2020). A matched samples comparison of pass rates for students coenrolled in developmental education and college-level math compared to similar non-coenrolled students. . Community College Enterprise 26 (2) , pp. 24-36.
Forgey, S., Pribesh, S. L. and Williams, M. R. (2020). Pathways to success in anatomy and physiology at the community college: The role of prerequisite courses. . Commnity College Enterprise 26 (1) , pp. 9-26.
Maccariella, J., Pribesh, S. L. and Williams, M. R. (2019). An engineering learning community to promote retention and graduation for community college students. Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice 145 (4).
Williams, M. R., Tompkins, P. M. and Rogers, B. (2018). High school teachers’ perceptions of developmental education.. Journal of Developmental Education 41 (2) , pp. 2-11.
Dwyer, L. and Williams, M. R. (2018). Impact of early alert on community college student persistence in Virginia. Community College Journal of Research and Practice 43 (3) , pp. 228-231.
Williams, M. R. and Nourie-Manuele, M. (2018). The role of community colleges in addressing poverty. New Directions for Community Colleges 184 , pp. 17-26.
Maccariella, J., Pribesh, S. L. and Williams, M. R. (2016). Engaging Community College Students Using an Engineering Learning Community . Community College Journal of Research and Practice.
Tompkins, P. and Williams, M. R. (2015). A Comprehensive Review and Synthesis of the Literature on Late Registration. Community College Enterprise 21 (2).
Hayward, M. S. and Williams, M. R. (2014). Adult Learner Graduation Rates at Four U.S. Community Colleges by Prior Learning Assessment Method. Community College Journal of Research and Practice 39 (1).
Charlier, H. and Williams, M. R. (2011). The Reliance on and Demand for Adjunct Faculty Members in America's Rural, Suburban, and Urban Community Colleges. Community College Review 39 (2) , pp. 160-180.
Duggan, M. H. and Williams, M. R. (2011). Community College Student Success Courses: The Student Perspective. Community College Journal of Research and Practice 35 (1-2) , pp. 121-134.
Williams, M. R., Leatherwood, L., Byrd, L., Shuford, M. S. and Pennington, K. (2010). Alumni Engaging Students from Underserved Groups in Southern Appalchia. Community College Enterprise 16 (1) , pp. 23-35.
Sain, B. and Williams, M. R. (2009). An Examination of Portfolios for Faculty Evaluation at Community Colleges. Journal of Applied Research in the Community College 17 (1) , pp. 56-59.
Orr, R. and Williams, M. R. (2009). Institutional Efforts to Support Faculty in Online Learning. Innovative Higher Education 34 (4) , pp. 257-268.
Boyd, M. Shuford. and Williams, M. R. (2009). Community College Alumni Programs. Community College Enterprise 15 (1) , pp. 93-101.
Leatherwood, L. B.. and Williams, M. R. (2008). Gender and career paths to the North Carolina community college presidency. Journal of Women in Educational Leadership 6 (4) , pp. 261-273.
Williams, M. R., Byrd, L. A. . and Pennington, K. (2008). Intercollegiate athletics at the community college. Community College Journal of Research and Practice 32 (4) , pp. 453-461.
Williams, M. R. and Pennington, K. (2007). Collaboration in professional development. Society for College and University Planning Portfolio on Planning in the Community College Suppl. 1 , pp. 1-7.
Byrd, L. A.. and Williams, M. R. (2007). Expansion of community college athletic programs. The Community College Enterprise 13 (2) , pp. 39-49.
Williams, M. R., Pennington, K., Couch, G. and Dougherty, M. (2007). The changing role of colleges of education in preparing community college professionals. The Community College Enterprise 13 (1) , pp. 23-35.
Williams, M. R. and Pennington, K. (2006). Community college presidents' perceptions of intercollegiate athletics. The Community College Enterprise 12 (2) , pp. 91-104.
Williams, M. R. and Karvonen, M. (2006). The challenges facing rural community colleges: Issues and problems today and over the past 30 years. Community College Journal of Research and Practice 30 (8) , pp. 641-655.
Pennington, K. and Williams, M. R. (2004). Rural community colleges and economic development: Leaders' perspectives on collaboration. Journal of Applied Research in the Community College 12 (1) , pp. 27-37.
Williams, M. R. and Pettitt, J. (2003). Partnerships among institutions from different sectors of higher education: Expanding views of collaboration for outreach and community service.. Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement 8 (2) , pp. 25-40.
Williams, M. R. and Pennington, K. (2002). Collaboration in professional development. Planning in Higher Education 31 (1) , pp. 39-45.
Pennington, K., McGinty, D. and Williams, M. R. (2002). Community College Enrollment as a function of economic indicators. Community College Journal of Research and Practice 26 (5) , pp. 431-438.
Williams, M. R. and Wade, V. (2002). Sponsorship of community leadership development programs: What consitutes an ideal partnership?. Journal of the Community Development Society 33 (2) , pp. 61-71.
Pennington, K. and Williams, M. R. (2001). A primer for community college consortium building. . Academic Leadership: Journal for Community and Technical College Leaders 8 (2) , pp. 3-5.
Williams, M. R. (2001). Collaboration in presenting community leadership development programs: Two and four-year institutions of higher education working in partnership. The Journal of Leadership Studies 52-62.

Book Chapters

Lieberman, M., Rouughtin, D. and Williams, M. R. (2021). Increasing Access to Student Mobility: Sustainable Study Abroad Programs at Rural Community Colleges.
Williams, M. R. (2013). Still Trying to be All things to All People: What it Means for Students.
Williams, M. R. (2013). Still Trying to be All Things to All People: What it Means for Students at the Community College. Contemporary Colleges and Universities: A Reader New York: Lang.
Williams, M. R. (2002). Consortia and institutional partnerships for community development. (pp. 29-36) San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, New Directions in Higher Education.

Presentations

Williams, M. R. (March 30, 2023). Trends and Issues in Doctoral Programs in Community College Leadership New Horizons Conference Roanoke, Virgina.
Jenkins, S. and Williams, M. R. (April 7, 2022). A Comparison of Impostor Phenomenon in Community College and Public University Students Paper New Horizons Conference Roanoke, VA.
Jarboe, M. and Williams, M. R. (April 6, 2022). Experiences of Students who are also Parents at one Virginia Community College during COVID Paper New Horizons Conference Roanoke, Virginia.
Cimino-Johnson, T. and Williams, M. R. (April 2, 2022). Narratives From Appalachia: The Current Stories of LGBTQ Community College Students Annual Conference Tempe, Arizona.
Stilley, D. G. and Williams, M. R. (April 2, 2022). The Unique Experiences of African American Women that Impact Entry to the Community College Presidential Pipeline Paper Council for the Study of Community Colleges Tempe, Arizona.
Jenkins, S. and Williams, M. R. (April 1, 2022). A Comparison of Impostor Phenomenon in Community College and Public University Students Paper Council for the Study of Community Colleges Annual Conference Tempe, Arizona.
Williams, M. R. and Fox, R. (April 17, 2010). Washington State's Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST) Program Council for the Study of Community Colleges Annual Meeting Seattle, WA.
Williams, M. R. and Natalie, H. (April 16, 2010). International ization Efforts at US Community Colleges: A Comparison of Urban, Suburban, and Rural Institutions Council for the Study of Community Colleges Annual Meeting Seattle, WA.
Williams, M. R. (April 16, 2010). Recruiting Students from Under-Served Groups inSouthern Appalachia: A Role for Alumnki Council for the Study of Community Colleges Annual Meeting Seattle, WA.
Williams, M. R., Duggan, M. H. and Brown, J. (April 8, 2010). Doctoral Preparation for Community College Leadership New Horizons Conference Roanoke, VA.
Williams, M. R. (December , 2009). Continuing Your Education: Preparing Future Leaders for Community Colleges Continuing Education and Workforce Development Conference Hot Springs, VA.
Williams, M. R. (April , 2009). Early Colleges: The Effect on Adult Learners" Council for the Study of Community Colleges annual Conference Phoenix.
Brown, J., Duggan, M. H. and Williams, M. R. (April 1, 2009). Preparing Future Leaders for Community Colleges New Horizons 2009: Access, Excellence, Enlightenment Roanoke, VA.
Williams, M. R. (March 3, 2009). Faculty Perceptions of Non-degree Programming The Chair Academy Annual Conference Nashville, TN.
Williams, M. R. (April , 2008). Rural Community Colleges Council on the Study of Community Collees Annual Conference Philadelphia.
Williams, M. R. (April 13, 2007). Perceptions of Community College Presidents and Board of Trustee Chairs Regarding Community College Athletics Council on the Study of Community Collees Annual Conference Tampa, FL.
Williams, M. R. and Byrd, L. A. (March 23, 2007). Leaders' Perceptions of Community College Athletics North Carolina Association for Research in Education Annual Conference Hickory, N.C..
Williams, M. R. (March 31, 2006). Community College Presidents' Perceptions of Intercollegiate Athletics North Carolina Association for Research in Education Annual Conference Hickory, NC.
Williams, M. R. and LeBaron, J. (February , 2006). Strategies for Engaging Online Students Actively Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Faire Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC.
Williams, M. R. (January , 2006). Celebrating Our Differences: Diversity in the Community College Classroom Professional Development Workshop Haywod Community College, Clyde, NC.
Williams, M. R. (September , 2005). Professional Development Workshop for faculty and staff Southwestern Community College, Sylva, NC.
Williams, M. R. (June , 2005). Practical Tips for Teaching Adult Learners of English as a Second Language. Professional Development Workshop for ESL Faculty Mayland Community College, Burnsville NC.
Williams, M. R. (February , 2005). Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Faire Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC.
Williams, M. R. (October , 2004). Rural Community Colleges and Economic Development Annual Meeting of the Rural Community College Alliance Myrtle Beach, SC.
Williams, M. R. (September , 2004). Characteristics of Adult Learners and Strategies to Facilitate Adult Learning Professional Development Workshop for faculty Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC.
Williams, M. R. and Pennington, K. (October , 2002). Building Institution Capacity at Rural Community Colleges Through Consortia Annual Conference of the Rural Community College Alliance Memphis, TN.
Williams, M. R. (June , 2002). Collaboration in Leadership Development: Research on an Ideal Partnership Association of Leadership Educators Annual Conference Lexington, KY.
Williams, M. R. (September , 2001). Factors Affecting the Sustainability of Consortia Conference of the Association for Consortium Leadership Arlington, VA.
Williams, M. R. (June , 2000). Partners in Service: Universities, Nonprofits, and Chambers of Commerce Professional Development Workshop Pigeon Forge, TN.
Williams, M. R. (May , 2000). Location and Leadership: Regional Approaches to University-Business Partnerships Annual Conference of the Training Alliance ofWestern North Carolina Asheville NC.
  • 2023: Diversity Champion Award, Old Dominion University
  • 2020: 2020 University Doctoral Mentoring Award for the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies, Old Dominion University

Organizational Chart