David Williams
Lasting and Meaningful Change: NFL executive Adolpho A. Birch III, JD’91, discusses diversity on campus and athlete activism
Sep. 10, 2020—Birch, the new chief legal officer and senior vice president of business affairs for the Tennessee Titans, recently was named chair of a new Vanderbilt Board of Trust ad hoc committee that is partnering with university leadership to evaluate and recommend policies around equity, diversity and inclusion. Here he discusses the work of the committee, the rise in athlete activism, and his favorite Nashville sports memory.
‘Perry Wallace Way’ dedicated in honor of first African American varsity basketball player in the SEC
Feb. 24, 2020—More than 200 people gathered in front of Vanderbilt University’s Memorial Gym Feb. 22 for the dedication of Perry Wallace Way, the portion of 25th Avenue South recently named in honor of Vanderbilt trailblazer and Nashville native Perry Wallace, the first African American to play varsity basketball in the Southeastern Conference.
David Williams II honored with Pat Summitt Award
Jan. 20, 2020—David Williams II, former vice chancellor for athletics and university affairs and athletics director, has been named the recipient of the 2020 NCAA President’s Pat Summitt Award. Gail Williams will accept the award on her late husband’s behalf Jan. 23 at the NCAA Convention in Anaheim, California.
Open Mind: Telling our stories of diversity and hope
Jan. 13, 2020—In her latest "Open Mind" column, Interim Chancellor and Provost Susan R. Wente reflects on the words carved into the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C.: “Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.”
Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center celebrates 35 years
Oct. 25, 2019—The Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center marked its 35th anniversary during Reunion Weekend, celebrating the impact of its innovative programming, support and services to students, faculty and staff at Vanderbilt.
David Williams Fall Classic exhibition baseball game is Nov. 10, will honor history of Negro Baseball League
Oct. 25, 2019—The Vanderbilt and Michigan baseball teams will play each other in a Nov. 10 exhibition game named in honor of former Vice Chancellor for Athletics and University Affairs and Athletics Director David Williams II. Admission to the David Williams Fall Classic, scheduled to begin at noon at Hawkins Field, will be free.
Williams’ legacy honored with name on building close to his heart
Oct. 21, 2019—An Oct. 18 ceremony to unveil the new name—David Williams II—on the Vanderbilt Recreation and Wellness Center paid tribute to the university's first African American vice chancellor and athletics director.
Five Vanderbilt Trailblazer portraits unveiled during Reunion Weekend
Oct. 19, 2019—Interim Chancellor and Provost Susan R. Wente unveiled the Vanderbilt Trailblazer portraits of Kate Lupton, David Williams II, Dorothy J. Wingfield Phillips, K.C. Potter and Muhammad Yunus on Oct. 18.
New Game in Town: Vanderbilt athletics enters a new era with Malcolm Turner and Jerry Stackhouse
Aug. 20, 2019—Turner and Stackhouse developed a mutual admiration during their time in the G League. At the same time Turner was guiding the league through unprecedented growth, Stackhouse was leading the Toronto Raptors’ affiliate, Raptors 905, to the league championship.
David Williams, bowling team to be inducted into Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame
Jun. 4, 2019—Former Vanderbilt Athletics Director David Williams II and the Vanderbilt bowling team were among the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame honorees recently announced and slated for recognition at its induction ceremony on June 15.
Gail and David Williams honored with Francis S. Guess Bridge to Equality Award
May. 29, 2019—The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee has honored Gail and David Williams with the Francis S. Guess Bridge to Equality Award. The award, which honors the memory of civil rights trailblazer and civic leader Francis S. Guess, recognizes those who spur innovation leading to equality.
Chancellor’s Letter: What Comes Next
May. 23, 2019—It has been an honor to serve you during these past 11 years, and to devote more than three decades of my life to an institution so capable of driving enormous change.