Hall of Honor
Ronnie Williams was a four-year basketball player at Hendrix College under legendary head coach Cliff Garrison.
In 1980, Williams began his administrative career at the University of Central Arkansas as Assistant Dean of Students and was named the Vice President of Student Services in 1996. He retired from UCA in 2021 after 30+ years in administration.
Outside of UCA, Williams served as vice-chairman of the Arkansas Educational Television Commission. His service also includes the Arkansas Community Foundation Board, the Faulkner County Shelter for Abused and Battered Women and the Arkansas Supreme Court Committee on Professional Conduct.
He was also the first Black chairman for the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. The Conway Area Chamber of Commerce recognized Williams with the Guy W. Murphy Distinguished Service Award in 2018. The award is the highest form of recognition from the chamber and is presented each year to a person or group who has demonstrated special service to the community. The chamber cited Williams' inclusive, open leadership and guidance at UCA and toward people and organizations in Faulkner County.
Williams was also the first Black person to serve at the executive level at UCA. An endowed scholarship in his name was announced in 2021, and the Student Affairs building at UCA now bears his name.
Williams was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters by Hendrix in 2024. In 2026, Williams was elected to serve on the Hendrix College Board of Trustees.
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