Tamara Williams

Dr. Tamara Williams is a distinguished higher education executive with over two decades of transformative leadership in workforce development, strategic planning, and equity-driven education. In her current role as Chief Academic Officer at Forsyth Technical Community College in Winston-Salem, NC, she provides visionary leadership for academic affairs, career pathways, and instructional programs that shape the future of education in the region.

Throughout her illustrious career, Dr. Williams has demonstrated exceptional prowess in securing external funding, successfully obtaining over $15 million in grants to fuel workforce development and innovative academic programs. Her forward-thinking approach to curriculum redesign and strategic industry partnerships has catalyzed remarkable enrollment growth while significantly enhancing student outcomes across diverse educational environments.

Before assuming her current position, Dr. Williams excelled as Vice President of Workforce Solutions at Tidewater Community College, where she spearheaded the groundbreaking Off-Shore Wind Initiative and secured more than $5 million in workforce grants. Her professional journey includes impactful tenures as Dean of Academic Affairs at Central Piedmont Community College—where she pioneered the electrical vehicle technician certification program—and at Owens Community College, where she orchestrated comprehensive enrollment management strategies that revitalized institutional growth.

A devoted champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Dr. Williams has implemented transformative initiatives that substantially increased minority representation in technical programs. Her exceptional leadership has been recognized through prestigious accolades, including being named among the 100 Most Influential Women in Lake Norman and receiving the Over 20 Under 40 Leadership Award.

Dr. Williams holds a Doctor of Education in Community College Leadership from Ferris State University, complemented by a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from The University of Toledo.

With unwavering dedication, Dr. Williams continues to advance institutional excellence through collaborative leadership, data-driven strategies, and meaningful community engagement. Her overarching mission remains clear: enhancing student success and fostering economic mobility in the communities she passionately serves.