Evan Williams will serve as the new director of the Paul Robeson Cultural Center (PRCC) at Penn State, the university announced May 24. He will officially step into the role on June 12.

Williams most recently worked as Penn State Harrisburg Student Affairs’ first-ever assistant director of student diversity, equity, and inclusion. He’s also spent time with Residence Life at the University Park and Greater Allegheny campuses.

Williams generated the first academic achievement award ceremony at the Greater Allegheny campus that sought to highlight an array of students who positively impacted the community. As a Residence Life coordinator, he worked to educate peers on understanding the diverse backgrounds students may come from. 

“Being named the future director of the Paul Robeson Cultural Center (PRCC) is an honor that I do not take lightly,” Williams said in a release. “It is a privilege to carry on the PRCC’s triumphs of those who came before me, emphasizing the foundational significance to ‘help alleviate the cultural shock of Black students who were coming to what was perceived as an alien environment.’”

Williams will succeed Stephanie Preston, who served as the PRCC’s interim senior director since 2022.

“Evan’s depth of knowledge and experience in higher education, and specifically at Penn State, position him to make an immediate impact in supporting students, advancing equity work and creating an inclusive community,” interim Vice President for Student Affairs Andrea Dohower said.

For more information regarding the PRCC’s resources and programming, visit its website here.