MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Faulkner University and Harding University announced today in simultaneous press conferences that Faulkner’s President Mike Williams would be stepping down from his position at Faulkner effect May 6, 2022 and stepping into his new role as Harding’s president on June 1, 2022.
On behalf of Faulkner Board of Trustees Chairman Dale Kirkland, the following statement was read at the conference at 3 p.m. on Faulkner’s campus.
“The Faulkner Board of Trustees at this time congratulates Dr. Williams on his new position at Harding University becoming the 6th president and we wish him well in his new endeavor. The board has confidence in the strength of the administration and faculty at Faulkner. We know this school is in strong hands. We will work diligently to get us through this transition.”
Williams notified the board of his decision to resign on October 27.
Williams’ letter of resignation read in part, “Last night I accepted the offer to become the 6th president of Harding University. This decision has essentially ripped Lisa and me apart emotionally. We dearly love the people here at Faulkner. We love her mission. We love the vision we have cast for the future. We know God has blessed her heritage and He will shepherd her future.”
Williams is Faulkner’s 8th president in its 79 year history.
Williams came to Faulkner in 2015. Under his watch, Faulkner has grown to include a new College of Health Sciences, which acts as the foundation for Williams’ vision to create an autism center on campus. He has also been mission-driven since coming to Faulkner to help the community and has helped impress that vision on staff and students by partnering with Davis Elementary School and HEAL Alabama.
Before coming to Faulkner, Williams was at Harding for 28 years. During his time at Harding, Williams served as the director of admissions, assistant vice president of enrollment services and as the vice president of advancement. Williams received both his bachelor and master of business administration from Harding. He received a doctorate of education from the University of Pennsylvania.
The search for Faulkner’s next president will begin immediately. A special session of the Board of Trustees will convene October 28, 2021 to create a search committee.