UTICA – Hezekiah Williams, a Ӱ sophomore on the Utica Campus, is no stranger to hard work and public service.
Hezekiah Williams of Edwards has been selected as part of the 2018-19 HBCU Competitiveness Scholars class as part of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Williams, a sophomore at Ӱ’s Utica Campus, was named one of 63 students from 54 HBCUs.
The 19-year-old Edwards native has put his best foot forward and made tremendous strides in his first two semesters at Ӱ. Serving in a number of roles on campus including Mr. Utica, district president for the Ӱ Student Government Association and formerly freshman class president, as well as having membership in Phi Theta Kappa, Williams continues to add achievements to his list of accomplishments.
Williams’ latest endeavor has positioned him among some of the most elite students in the United States – selection as part of the 2018-19 HBCU Competitiveness Scholars class as part of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Williams was named one of 63 students from 54 HBCUs.
The honor is the White House Initiative’s highest student recognition and serves to recognize undergraduate, graduate and professional students for successfully preparing to compete for top opportunities that improve long-term outcomes.
The Competitiveness Scholars will receive national recognition during the Initiative’s Excellence in Innovation and Competitiveness Awards ceremony scheduled for Sept. 17. Students will spend Sept.16-18 attending activities and events during the 2018 National HBCU Week in Washington D.C.
“I was ecstatic when I received the news that I was selected. This is such an honor. I’m proud to be representing the Utica Campus and hope to make my family and friends proud,” said Williams, who plans to major in biomedical engineering.
During the one-year appointment, the Competitiveness Scholars will learn and share proven and promising practices that support individual and HBCU competitiveness, with the goal of strengthening prospects for career and life success. Selectees are required to participate in workshops designed to improve leadership, encourage ongoing personal- professional development and discover areas of innovation and entrepreneurship.
“My goals in this program are to continue bridging gaps between cultures, unifying students and motivating the next person to go beyond the norm. I am no stranger to hard work and I look forward to this year of service. I want to inspire as many students as I can to go for their dreams. Sometimes that can truly be a task, but my faith keeps me grounded and gives me the strength to do all things I set out to do,” Williams said.
As Mississippi’s largest community college, Ӱ is a comprehensive institution offering quality, affordable educational opportunities with academic programs of study leading to seamless university transfer and career and technical programs teaching job-ready skills. With six locations in central Mississippi, Ӱ enrolls about 12,000 students each fall semester. To learn more, visit or call 1.800.ӰCC.