The National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education has recognized Randy Williams, the university’s vice president for inclusive excellence, with its 2026 Rising Star Award for work that “informs and advances the understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusive excellence in higher education.”
The senior leader of Elon University’s efforts to build an inclusive educational experience for all members of the campus community, one grounded in a commitment to diversity, equity, and intercultural learning, has been honored with a national award for his work.
Vice President for Inclusive Excellence Randy Williams received the 2026 Rising Star Award from the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education during the association’s annual conference held this year in Philadelphia.
The Rising Star Award is presented to a NADOHE member in good standing who has served as a chief or senior diversity officer for at least three years, but no more than 10 total years at a higher educational institution.
Nominees are considered for their “exceptional contributions to research, administration, practice, advocacy and/or policy informs and advances the understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusive excellence in higher education.”
“Receiving the Rising Star Award at this point in my career reminds me that I am, and always will be, a lifelong learner, continually striving to grow and improve,” Williams said. “I am also grateful to NADOHE for its support of the many professionals dedicated to creating high-quality learning environments for all students, faculty, and staff.
“Because awards are rarely earned alone, I share this recognition with my Elon colleagues, who prioritize inclusive excellence every day.”
Since his promotion to his current role in July 2020, Williams has led wide-ranging efforts to advance inclusive excellence at Elon University, driving measurable gains in faculty and staff diversity, student belonging and institutional accountability.
He has helped embed equity-focused practices across the university through initiatives such as a Shared Equity Leadership national research project and through guided reforms to faculty development and student services that have addressed structural barriers.
Colleagues credit Williams with fostering a collaborative, campuswide approach that positions inclusive excellence as a shared responsibility with leadership that contributed to national research partnerships and programs now serving as models for other institutions.
Beyond campus, Williams has strengthened community partnerships and helped shape institutional responses to social issues, extending the university’s impact regionally and nationally.
Laké Laosebikan-Buggs, Elon University’s director of inclusive excellence for graduate and professional education, nominated Williams for the award.
“What distinguishes Dr. Williams is not just his expertise but his bold, forward-thinking leadership,” she wrote in her nomination. “His ability to navigate institutional complexity, including the shifting winds of public opinion, while inspiring broad engagement, and implementing systems-level change, positions him as a future national leader in higher education equity and inclusion work.”