Catherine A. Williams, M.Ed., MBA

Catherine Williams first joined Ashland University in 2014 after completing her graduate studies at Kent State University. She began her career at Ashland as a senior admissions representative for graduate, online, and adult students. It wasn’t long before she discovered her true passion—supporting student success. This led her into a series of leadership roles, including Assistant Director, Director, and then Executive Director of Student Success for graduate and online students.

Catherine currently serves as Ashland University’s Vice President for Student Life and Success and Associate Provost for Student Success. In these positions, she provides strategic leadership across a broad range of student support areas, including Student Life, International Student Services, the Office of Christian Ministries, the Center for CommUNITY & Belonging, the Health Center and Counseling Services, Recreation and Wellness, and Title IX. She also oversees Student Success programs, including academic advising, tutoring, retention, the Career Center for Life Calling and the Student Accessibility Center.

In addition to her administrative leadership, Catherine is also an adjunct instructor in the College of Business and Economics. She has taught courses such as MGT 100: Contemporary Business, MGT 307: Organizational Theory and Design, BUS 151: Occupational Life Calling I, and MGT 343: Social Responsibility & Business Ethics. She is also currently pursuing her doctorate in Organization Leadership in Higher Education.

Catherine is married to Jacob Williams, also an Ashland University MBA alumnus. Together, they reside in Medina, Ohio, with their two children, Myles (7) and Jack (3).

Education:

• MBA in Executive Management – Ashland University
• M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration and College Student Personnel – Kent State University
• B.A. in Public Relations and Sport Management – Baldwin Wallace College