One of Albion’s own, Keena Williams, will become the director and president’s special advisor for global diversity at Albion College.

Williams (right), a 2009 Albion College alumna and a graduate of Albion High School, is currently the College’s interim director for intercultural affairs and has been a part of the Office of Intercultural Affairs staff for nearly four years. The promotion is effective April 1.

In addition to continuing to lead the office, she will foster an ethos of diversity that leads to an inclusive, pluralistic and culturally competent campus, and advise President Mauri Ditzler on diversity issues. Williams will also assess underrepresented students’ needs and implement and evaluate programs to increase student satisfaction and retention.

Her efforts will stretch beyond the campus as well, as she will facilitate collaborations that continue to build an effective culture of inclusion and pluralism between the local Albion community and the College.

“It is an exciting time to be a part of the Albion College community, and I am overjoyed to have the opportunity to serve my alma mater in this way,” said Williams, who majored in English-creative writing and ethnic studies at Albion. “I look forward to continuing to build relationships with faculty, staff and students, and working toward making our campus a more wonderful place to receive a great education.”

“A factor in this decision is Keena’s outstanding work at the College and in our City as interim director this year,” said Sally Walker, vice president for student affairs and dean of students. “Also, she grew up in the City of Albion; she’s an alumna of Albion College. She has unique qualifications for this position, and we are excited about the possibilities.”

Willilams began her career with the College and returned to campus in 2014. In between, she worked for three years as the language arts director for a high school in Houston, Texas. Her office will continue to be based within the Office of Intercultural Affairs, in the Journey House at 1000 E. Porter St.

“As I travel around the country and visit other institutions, I have come to realize just how lucky we are to have Keena at our College,” said President Ditzler. “Her remarkable work as interim director—raising awareness of important issues, and her tireless and successful efforts with our students—has simply made us a better institution this year.”