About

Dr. Damon P. Williams is the inaugural Associate Dean for Outreach and Engagement within the College of Engineering (CoE) at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech). A distinguished alumnus of Georgia Tech, Dr. Williams began his academic career as a faculty member in the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISyE), where he lectured in applied probability and operations analysis. His research interests center on the mathematical modeling of stochastic processes and their applications in reducing variability within engineering systems.

Dr. Williams is an award-winning educator known for his ability to translate abstract theoretical concepts into real-world engineering applications, a skill that has earned him widespread recognition among students and colleagues alike. His teaching of foundational courses, particularly ISyE 2027: Introduction to Probability, a gateway course for the ISyE major, consistently attracts high enrollment and maintains a waitlist, reflecting his reputation as an effective and engaging instructor.

In 2020, Dr. Williams extended his impact beyond the classroom by founding and serving as the inaugural director of the Center for Academics, Success, and Engagement (CASE). The center supports the holistic development of the ISyE community through targeted programs and initiatives, including:

1. Doctoral Pathways: Developing a track for ISyE doctoral students within the NSF-funded Tech to Teaching program, helping bridge the gap between academic research and teaching excellence.
2. MentIE Mentoring: Facilitating connections between current students and ISyE alumni to provide mentorship in professional development, team dynamics, and career planning.
3. Tutoring Services: Establishing a dedicated tutoring center to support undergraduate students within ISyE.
4. Faculty Mentorship: Offering guidance to faculty on effective pedagogical strategies and techniques for teaching complex material.
5. Staff Development (SOAR): Launching the Staff Opportunities to Accelerate Readiness (SOAR) program, which promotes the professional growth of administrative and support staff.

Dr. Williams’s ability to create and scale innovative initiatives led to his promotion in 2022 as the inaugural Associate Dean of Outreach and Engagement. In this role, he leads strategic initiatives aimed at fostering collaborations between the college and external stakeholders, including industry partners, alumni, K-12 schools, and the broader community. His outreach efforts have enhanced strengthened the college’s national and global reputation.

Dr. Williams’s leadership has been instrumental in the development of signature programs within the CoE, including:

1. SOAR Expansion: Scaling the professional development program from ISyE to staff across the entire College of Engineering.
2. Keep It In The Family Day: Hosting an engineering recruitment day that introduces children of CoE employees to engineering disciplines and the academic pathways necessary for admission.
3. Engineering Student Ambassadors: Overseeing the student-driven outreach initiative within the Dean’s office, where ambassadors provide prospective students with insights into the CoE experience.
4. STEM ATL: Partnering with STEM Global Action to deliver immersive, hands-on engineering experiences for K-12 students in the Atlanta area.
5. Alumni Engagement Incubator: Designing events and opportunities to connect alumni with current students, fostering mentorship, career guidance, and philanthropic engagement.

In addition to these initiatives, Dr. Williams manages several critical departments within the College of Engineering. His work in these areas supports the college’s mission of student success by honoring that students are our top priority.

A native of Ellicott City, Maryland, Dr. Williams earned his Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering, summa cum laude, from Georgia Tech in 2002. He pursued his graduate studies at the University of Michigan, earning both his Master of Science and Ph.D. in Industrial and Operations Engineering.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Williams takes pride in his family, which he regards as his most meaningful achievement. He is the devoted husband of the Rev. Dr. Khalia J. Williams, Associate Dean of Worship and Spiritual Formation and Associate Professor of Worship at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology. Together, they are the proud parents of two sons.