ALBANY, GA – Albany Technical College and Southern Regional Technical College have appointed a new CDBG-DR Project Director. Michelle Williams will assume the position on August 2, 2021.
Three years after the devastation of Hurricane Michael. Albany Technical College and Southern Regional Technical College continue to support Southwest Georgia’s recovery effort through workforce development, career training, and education. Thanks to the Georgia Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Program, the colleges can do even more for students. The plan is to implement workforce and economic development initiatives such as on-the-job training, customized training, and job readiness courses, as well as additional funding for dual enrollment and adult education students. The grant may provide direct aid to individuals who qualify for assistance. By providing more residents of impacted communities with essential skills training and education, the grant will support students and sustain the long-term economic recovery of the area.
Mrs. Williams commented, “I am humbled to serve as the Project Director for the Community Development Block Grant. I personally experienced as well as witnessed the damage caused by Hurricane Michael in 2018. While my family and I have been able to recover, there are many who are still in the recovery stages. It brings me joy to work closely with ATC and SRTC in supporting current students, prospective students, and the workforce during this restoration process.”
Mrs. Williams has over 25 years of experience in postsecondary education to include Academic and Students Affairs. She has served in a variety of administrative positions to include Teacher Education Coordinator, a collaborative position between Broward Community College and Florida International University. As the Evening Campus Administrator and Student Success Coordinator at Broward Community College, she was responsible for the supervision and training of faculty who taught the Student Success Courses on the college’s main campus. Between Broward College and Tennessee State University, she has acquired over seven years of experience as an Enrollment Services Officer, which has been the foundation of working collaboratively with industry partners, school systems, and the community.
Currently, Williams is in her 9th year serving as the Project Director for Albany Technical College’s Engineering Prep Academy (ATCEPA). During this tenure, she has been responsible for leading a team of five, and managing a 3 million dollar budget while introducing minority students to the field of engineering technology. Michelle has served on numerous college committees and has served as a Board Member for the Albany area YMCA for several years.
“There is a lot that needs to be addressed. The two top priorities will be the intake process to identify qualifying recipients, and to continue the collaboration with the workforce to ensure we are providing them with quality students via our graduates, interns, and apprenticeships.”
Williams holds a bachelor’s degree in Speech Communications and Theater and a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration. She also holds a Green Belt in Lean Six sigma.
She is married to Ret. USAF Kenneth R. Williams, and they have one son, Kenneth “Langston” Williams.
For more information about the grant contact Michele Lilly-Williams, CDBG-DR Project Director.
Email - mlilly@albanytech.edu
Phone -229.430.2882