Following an internal search, Amber Williams has been named the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s new assistant vice chancellor for academic services and enrollment management.
The announcement was made by Donde Plowman, the university’s executive vice chancellor and chief academic officer. Williams’ appointment is effective May 1.
“Amber has shown outstanding dedication and service to Nebraska, and I am very pleased she has agreed to lead the university in this key role and at this important time,” Plowman said.
Williams has been the university’s director of admissions and associate dean of enrollment management since 2011. She has been at Nebraska since 2002, when she was named assistant director for diversity recruitment. In 2006, she became the director of the Nebraska Preparatory Academy.
As assistant vice chancellor of enrollment management, Williams will report to the associate vice chancellor for academic affairs. She will lead development, implementation and ongoing evaluation of a comprehensive universitywide enrollment management plan for long-term strategic enrollment growth; drive decisions supporting recruitment, admissions and financial aid strategy; implement growth strategies to achieve enrollment targets that enhance the university’s academic profile and diversity; and oversee college access programs that support the recruitment and academic success of low-income, first generation and underrepresented ethnic minority students.
As admissions director, Williams has been responsible for developing enrollment strategy and implementing programs to recruit, admit and enroll an academically talented and diverse student body at Nebraska. Prior to coming to Nebraska, Williams worked in admissions in the University of Kansas Office of Admissions and Scholarships.
In addition to diversity recruitment, Williams has had responsibilities in freshman and high ability recruitment, events and campus visits, and several university retention programs. During her tenure, the university’s fall 2016 freshman class was the largest and most diverse in history. Under Williams’ leadership, the Nebraska Preparatory Academy has grown to more than 500 students, has a 90 percent freshman-to-sophomore retention rate and recently earned a $2.5 million grant from the Sherwood Foundation to expand its services. Williams also is responsible for the university’s Academic Services and Enrollment Management offices of marketing and communications, and recruitment technology.
She has been recognized by several organizations as a rising star in enrollment management and leadership and will be inducted into the African American Leadership Hall of Fame by the Urban League of Nebraska in June.
Williams earned a bachelor’s degree in communication studies at Kansas, and a master’s in leadership education and doctorate in educational administration at Nebraska.
Associate Director of Admissions Abby Freeman will act as the university’s interim admissions director until a permanent replacement is in place. Williams said a national search would be conducted in spring 2018.
“Abby’s understanding of the unique needs and opportunities within admissions and her inclusive leadership style will enable her to successfully serve as the interim director,” Williams said.
