Darrell K. Williams

President, Hampton University 

President Williams joined Hampton University in July 2022 from Leidos, a Fortune 250 information technology company where he served as vice president for Defense Group Logistics and subsequently as vice president and managing director of the $9 Billion global United Kingdom (U.K.) Ministry of Defense Logistics Commodities and Services Transformation (LCST) contract

Upon his graduation from Hampton Institute (University) and commissioning as a Distinguished Military Graduate into the U.S. Army in 1983, LTG Williams served throughout the Continental U.S., Europe, the Pacific, and the Middle East. In August 2020, LTG Williams culminated in his distinguished military career as director of the Department of Defense’s (DOD) Logistics Agency (DLA), where he led a global workforce of over 26,000 professionals.

Since returning to his alma mater as President the university has experienced a remarkable 44% increase in undergraduate enrollment and a 46% overall surge. His leadership is defined by a strong focus on academic excellence, innovation, and the enhancement of the university’s information technology infrastructure.

Beyond Hampton, President Williams serves on numerous academic and economic development boards and is a life member of several distinguished organizations, reflecting his unwavering commitment to service. His many accolades include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Army Distinguished Service Medal, and recognition as one of the “50 Most Important African Americans in Technology” by the Journal of Black Innovation. He was recently featured in two prominent magazines, “US Black Engineer & Information Technology” and “COI Views” for his leadership and innovation approach to higher education.

President Williams holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Hampton Institute (University); a Master of Science degree in business administration from the Pennsylvania State University, State College; a Master of Military Arts and Science degree from the Army Combined and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; and a Master of Science degree in National Security Strategy from the National War College, Fort McNair, Washington, District of Columbia as a distinguished graduate.

President Williams is married to First Lady Myra Richardson Williams, a career educator and a 1983 graduate of Hampton Institute (University). Together, they have two adult children, Jocelyn Williams Cooper and Colin E. Williams, Esquire. Jocelyn is married to Mr. Gerron E. Cooper. President Williams and the First Lady are also the proud grandparents of their grandson, Micah.

  • Under Dr. Abdullah’s leadership, VSU has experienced yearly enrollment growth and the highest retention rate in over twenty years. The University also increased the 4-year graduation rate to the highest recorded rate in the University's history. In 2023, VSU made history as the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) ever selected to host a General Election U.S. Presidential Debate.  

    His leadership has helped VSU gain a reputation as one of the most prestigious HBCUs in the country. In 2023, VSU was ranked as the No. 1 HBCU in Virginia by Washington Monthly Magazine and as the No. 13 HBCU nationally by College Consensus. In recent years, the University has extended its academic offerings with newly added undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Additionally, the University offers fully online programs/degrees and a free tuition program for students from area high schools. 

    Dr. Abdullah has led the launch of several major initiatives since taking office. These include the establishment of the John Mercer Langston Institute for African American Political Leadership to assess, develop and empower African American leaders; the establishment of The Center for Policing Leadership and Social Justice to address the critical divide between law enforcement and communities of color; and the establishment of the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging on campus to promote good relations toward and support those who may be subject to discrimination.