Biography

Dr. J. Michael Williams is the Chief Information Officer at Bethune-Cookman University. His career spans nearly two decades across higher education administration, data strategy, enrollment management, and technology leadership.

Prior to joining BCU, Dr. Williams served as Executive Director of Decision Support Services at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Worldwide Campus, where he led data and business intelligence operations supporting over 21,000 students across more than 100 locations globally. During his tenure, he introduced artificial intelligence technologies to enhance decision analytics, driving strategic enrollment innovation that generated a 300% return on the university's initial investment.

Dr. Williams holds a Doctor of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix with a focus on higher education administration and organizational leadership, a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in strategic implementation, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Bethune-Cookman University. His academic roots in STEM inform a career-long commitment to placing data and technology in service of student success.

A recognized thought leader in higher education, Dr. Williams has presented at multiple AACRAO Strategic Enrollment Management conferences and received the Outstanding AACRAO SEM Research Presentation Award in 2019. He also serves as a Senior Data Strategist with Banyan Group Ventures, developing data governance frameworks and conducting strategic research for institutional clients.

His leadership philosophy centers on Equity, Enablement, and Excellence. At the intersection of technology, strategy, and mission-driven work, Dr. Williams is passionate about using IT leadership, data governance, and digital transformation to advance access and opportunity at HBCUs and beyond.