Roanoke College names new senior advisor to the president for community engagement, belonging and Title IX

Roanoke College is excited to welcome Ashlee K. Williams as our new senior advisor to the president for community engagement, belonging, and Title IX. Williams will join the college’s senior leadership team and report to President Frank Shushok Jr.

Williams, who was selected after a national search, currently serves in a broad leadership position that includes supporting student success and serving as both a deputy Title IX coordinator and an athletic academic counselor at Eastern University in St. Davids, Pennsylvania. She will be responsible for the design, implementation and evaluation of strategic initiatives that foster connections between students, faculty, staff and alumni, and scale the college’s investments in recruitment, retention and a culture of transformation. Williams will also oversee all aspects of reporting, investigation and resolution of sexual misconduct, harassment and gender discrimination cases. This position, which is new to the college, will help align divisions across the college in an integrated, cross-disciplinary model that provides support to all students.

“Throughout the interview process, it was clear that Ashlee has a sincere desire to see students succeed by championing their potential in an environment built on trust, care and a sense of belonging,” said Roanoke College President Frank Shushok Jr. “Her extensive knowledge of federal Title IX policy, strategic planning, and program development and assessment aligns with our mission of developing students as whole persons and preparing them for purpose-driven lives.”

Williams has built several programs and campaigns from the ground up at Eastern, including the creation of the Office for Student Conduct, the expansion of campus-wide Title IX training and initiatives, and the development of an Athletic Academic Support Office.

Williams is currently working toward a doctorate degree in organizational leadership with an education concentration from Eastern University and holds a master’s degree in Transformational Leadership from Seattle University. She has earned three bachelor’s degrees—in communication studies, African American studies and women’s and gender studies—all from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

“I am honored to step into the role of senior advisor to the president for community engagement, belonging, and Title IX leadership,” Williams said. “In this role, I aim to spark meaningful dialogue, inspire collective ownership of our values, and ensure that all members of the Roanoke community feel heard and considered. Together, we will create an environment where our students are empowered with the tools, resources and skill sets to thrive.”