College of Charleston alumna Neysa N. Williams ’95 wants to make sure Black students at CofC have a voice and feel empowered.
That’s why Williams, who is president of the Black Alumni Council and a member of the Alumni Association’s Board of Directors, worked with the Division of Student Affairs and the College of Charleston Foundation to create a philanthropic fund to support the Black Student Union.
Williams not only worked with the Black Student Union to establish this fund, she has contributed to the fund as well. She hopes to inspire other alumni to see the value in these activities and support the fund, too.
“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.
The Black Student Union is a student-led organization that promotes inclusivity and diversity on the CofC campus. The group’s 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.
Williams, a native of Camden, South Carolina, 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. She served in the U.S. Army, where she achieved the rank of Major before retiring in 2018. Williams supports a variety of areas on campus, each of which represent a priority she is passionate about, including scholarships for veterans, experiential learning and Black alumni engagement.
Read the full story on Momentum, CofC’s digital philanthropy publication.
