Berea College’s Recognition Ceremony for Mid-Year Graduates was held Sunday, Dec. 10 at 3 p.m. in Phelps Stokes Chapel. Dawneda Williams, an honorary Berea College trustee whose work has made a difference in the lives of many in Appalachia, addressed the 47 seniors who will complete their degree requirements at the end of the fall term. Williams is an advocate and supporter of educational opportunities for young people in Appalachia and beyond.
The Berea College graduates recognized at this mid-year ceremony represent 13 American states and three countries.
Williams earned an undergraduate degree in Education from the University of North Carolina and Master of Arts in Education from the University of Virginia. She taught various grade levels at schools in Virginia and Ohio early in her career. She also was a founding trustee of the Appalachian School of Law. Williams served Berea College as a member of the President’s Advisory Council at for eight years, then served on the Berea College Board of Trustees for 11 years. She has continued as an honorary trustee for four years. Currently, she is a member of the Advisory Board for the University of Virginia at Wise and the UVA-Wise Foundation Board.
Williams serves as partner for Fowler Enterprise, and director and general manager of B. F. Foundation. Her civic responsibilities include serving as director, Junior Achievement of Tri-Cities TN/VA Corporate Board; co-chair, “Investment in Tomorrow” Campaign, Appalachian School of Law; director, Big Stone Gap Bank & Trust Co., Big Stone Gap, Va.; and campaign cabinet member for UVA-Wise.
She resides with her husband S. Hoyt Williams, Jr., in Wise, Va.
Those who were unable to attend the ceremony can view the recorded live stream here: https://livestream.com/accounts/5135608/events/7824688