Williams Named 2021 AAAED President's Award Recipient

University Relations

Danielle Williams

The American Association for Access, Equity and Diversity has named Danielle Williams as its 2021 recipient of the President's Award. Williams, associate vice chancellor and executive director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, Compliance & Title IX, has been an active member of the organization since 2005.

The recognition is due to Williams' "hard work and betterment of the AAAED," said Richard Anthony Baker, president, in the award notification. A virtual awards ceremony was held earlier this fall.

"The AAAED is the longest-standing national civil rights organization of professionals who engage in the important work of leading, directing and managing affirmative action, equal opportunity, diversity and other human resource programs," said Laura Jacobs, chief of staff. "That Danielle was selected for this award is a fitting honor reflecting not only of her service and dedication to the AAAED, but also her leadership as a partner and resource for our campus to create a more inclusive work and educational environment. I'm very proud of Danielle for this deserving recognition."

In May, Williams oversaw a significant expansion of OEOC, which included a merger with the Title IX office, the implementation of new compliance training resources for campus and new staff additions, all designed to create efficiencies and better serve the campus.

About OEOC & Title IX: The Office of Equal Opportunity, Compliance & Title IX engages with the campus community to proactively advance the University's initiatives and resources to create a more inclusive educational and work environment. For more information, visit oeoc.uark.edu.

About the AAAED: Founded in 1974 as the American Association for Affirmative Action (AAAA), it shifted its name to the American Association for Access, Equity and Diversity (AAAED) to encompass a wider range of issues. AAAED has four decades of leadership in providing professional training to members, enabling them to be more successful and productive in their careers. It also promotes understanding and advocacy of affirmative action and other equal opportunity and related compliance laws to enhance the tenets of access, inclusion and equality in employment, economic, and educational opportunities. For more information go to www.aaaed.org.