Adrian T. Williams, 39, of Fayetteville, is an academic support specialist at Fayetteville State University.
He was nominated for 40 Under 40 “because he gives selflessly daily professionally in his classroom as an adjunct professor at Fayetteville State University and with the students on campus as a co-advisor of two Greek letter organizations (Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. and Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity Inc.), in his community with the students of Cumberland County Schools working with various marching band programs in the county such as E. E. Smith’s Magnificent Marching Machine and Westover’s Mid-South Powerhouse just to name a couple!” a nominator writes. “He has also emceed pageants and pep rallies while also being a pageant adjudicator, choreographer, coordinator and consultant for various schools in Fayetteville!”
Here’s what else you should know about this member of The Fayetteville Observer’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2023.
Who are your immediate family members?
Mother, Alice F. Williams; father, Pete Williams Jr.; bonus mom, Genetta Williams; brother, Markesce Patton-Williams; sister-in-love, Kyere Patton-Williams; brother, Randolph Williams II; and sister, Kimberly McCorory
What does your job entail?
• Retention programming where I collaborate with colleagues throughout the university to design, implement and assess retention programs to assist students in their successful transition into their major.• Coordinate freshmen and transfer orientation and assist with new student orientation. Assist the associate dean with other freshman programs and initiatives as assigned.• Teach 1-3 sections of university studies (freshman seminar) and advise university college students through their first year of enrollment and assist them in the selection of classes and the declaration of their majors.• Assess student academic and non-academic preparation for their major and construct in consultation with students an academic success plan incorporating academic support, academic advisement and academic enrichment activities as well as strategies to address personal, social, career and financial well-being! Furthermore, to monitor student progress and intervene as needed with students in academic difficulty, referring students to university resources as needed!
Where did you receive your education?
Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Fayetteville State University, Master of Science in leadership from Grand Canyon University, and currently enrolled in the Ed.D. program at Fayetteville State University
What community and professional groups are you affiliated with?
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.; Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity Inc.; Pi Lambda Theta Honor Society; Pan African Network of ACPA 30 Under 40 Sawubona Class for Mentorship; Institute for Community Leadership
How do you volunteer your time in the community?
Various high school marching bands around the county; Fayetteville State University Marching Band; Second Harvest Food Bank; Balm in Gilead; advise multiple student organizations on the campus of Fayetteville State University
What is one thing you wish people knew or understood better about your profession?
While being an academic support specialist is not only the process of analyzing the importance of general education for students, reviewing the services and policies of the institution, reviewing the student’s educational and career goals, and selecting the right courses for them, etc., but we are a support system, a listening ear, a shoulder to lean on and anything else the student needs us to be in times of distress and times of joy as well as happiness!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received and/or the worst advice you’ve ever followed?
The best advice I have given a student was to get acquainted with the student handbook and academic catalog. Maintain a social life, yet schedule your study time effectively as it is called work-life balance. The night before an exam or paper is due is not the time to start studying or writing. Dates should be noted on a calendar that has been provided for you and read your syllabi early. You can have a good time while you are here but your ultimate goal is graduation!!!
What goal have you already achieved, and how did you make it happen?
As a first-generation college student, I have joined the ranks of the 9.5% of African American males to obtain a master’s degree while enduring a pandemic! I made it happen by remembering my “Why” and who I was doing all of this for as I began with the end in mind! Furthermore, by going through this myself, I am able to speak from experience when guiding my students through the process as I know I am Born of need, destined to serve, and I strive to excel!
If you weren’t in your current profession, what would you be?
If I weren’t an academic support specialist, I would be a social media content creator on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok as I enjoy making people laugh and love to see them smile, bringing more joy and healing to the world!
What are five things (not people or pets) you can’t live without?
1. God 2. Cellphone 3. Music 4. Social media 5. Seafood
What’s something you do outside of work to enrich yourself?
Because school takes up a lot of time, I haven’t had much time to partake but I love to roller skate, bowl, dance and create content for social media.
