Hampton University selects Alumnus, Veteran Darrell Williams as New President
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Posted By: S. Moore on March 27, 2023 West Palm Beach native retired Lt. General Darrell K. Williams has earned a new honor and title. Williams is Hampton University's 13th president. The university is one of the most noted historically Black colleges or universities, or HBCUs, in the country. The investiture ceremony will take place from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on April 1 in the University Convocation Center. When Williams talks about growing up in the Pleasant City neighborhood in the city of West Palm Beach, he beams with pride representing his community. "Never in my wildest dreams, growing up in Pleasant City and growing up in a segregated neighborhood," Williams said. "It would have been inconceivable that since I left West Palm Beach and graduated from Hampton University that I would come back as the president." He is the eighth of nine children. "Although we grew up with modest means in Pleasant City," Williams said. "What a wonderful community we had." Williams graduated from the former Twin Lakes High School in 1979, graduated from Hampton University in 1983, and served for more than 37 years in the U.S. military. He will be inaugurated on April 1, 2023, and to mark the occasion, Palm Beach County Commissioner Mack Bernard said the board of commissioners has declared the date as "Darrell K. Williams Day." "The kids who are from Pleasant City, who are in West Palm Beach, they get the chance to know that," Williams said. "Even if you are from humble beginnings, if you work hard and also if you serve your country, there are plenty of opportunities available to you." Williams calls this a full-circle moment. "Being recognized by my hometown where it all began," Williams said. "Without the values you taught me, none of this would be possible." SOURCE wpbf.com If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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