College of Charleston alumni are leaders among the College’s loyal supporters and powerful advocates. A perfect example is Neysa N. Williams ’95, president of the Black Alumni Council and member of the Alumni Association’s Board of Directors.
Williams, a native of Camden, S.C., was active in the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority while at CofC and graduated with a degree in sociology. She went on to earn her M.A. in business administration and human resources from Webster University in 2017 as well as serve in the U.S. Army, where she achieved the rank of Major before retiring in 2018.
Although Williams had been away from Charleston and the College since graduating, she remained engaged with the College through Alumni Association events and contributing. She returned to Charleston in 2018, the same year she was elected to the Alumni Association Board of Directors. She serves as the Community Engagement Director for Joint Base Charleston.
Through her work on the Black Alumni Council, Williams works closely with the Black Student Union. She wanted to make sure that Black students on campus were being well-supported, so she worked with the Division of Student Affairs and the College of Charleston Foundation to establish a fund to do just that.
The Black Student Union is a student-led organization that promotes inclusivity and diversity on the College of Charleston’s campus. Their primary goal is to uplift and empower minority students through hosting a variety of events on social and political engagement, health and wellness, and professional development.
“Without community support we wouldn’t be able to do the important work of amplifying underrepresented voices and creating safe educational environments for our community,” says Black Student Union President, Anaya Waugh ’22.
Williams not only worked with the Black Student Union to establish this fund, she has contributed to the fund. She hopes to inspire other alumni will see the value in these activities and support the fund as well.
“I am honored and proud to tell people I am a graduate of the College of Charleston and I believe I continue the legacy of my ancestors every time I help a student realize and achieve their goal,” says Williams.
In addition, Williams supports a variety of areas on campus, each of which represent a priority she is passionate about – scholarships for veterans, experiential learning, and Black alumni engagement to name a few.