Thurgood Marshall College Fund president to deliver SC State Fall Commencement address
Dr. Harry L. Williams will speak at the ceremony set for Dec. 4 at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center.
The ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. in the Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center on the SC State campus.
Williams leads one of the nation's most prominent organizations advocating for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and their students.
Graduation details
Each candidate for graduation will receive 10 tickets for family members and friends to attend the ceremony. The ceremony also will be livestreamed on the university's official YouTube channel.
All prospective graduates must assemble in the Fine Arts Building at 7 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 4, 2026, to take a photo with the President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees and receive their name cards for the ceremony.
Graduation rehearsal will be held Thursday, Dec. 3, at 9 a.m. in the Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center. Graduating students should arrive by 8:30 a.m.
Williams leads national advocacy for HBCUs
As president and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Williams oversees an organization representing 57 member institutions, including publicly supported HBCUs and predominantly Black institutions.
The organization's member institutions collectively educate approximately 80% of students attending HBCUs, according to Williams' official biography.
Under his leadership, TMCF has experienced revenue growth exceeding 250%, expanding its capacity to support institutions and students while strengthening its national role in advancing educational access, equity and inclusion.
Williams has devoted his career to higher education leadership, serving in senior positions at the University of North Carolina General Administration, Appalachian State University and North Carolina A&T State University.
He also served as president of Delaware State University, where he holds the title of president emeritus.
Williams earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Appalachian State University and his doctorate from East Tennessee State University.
He has received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to higher education and is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
Williams and his wife, Dr. Robin S. Williams, a former college professor and HBCU administrator, have two sons, Austin and Gavin, both graduates of Howard University.
Commencement at a glance
- Event: SC State 2026 Fall Commencement Ceremony
- Website: https://scsu.edu/commencement/index.php
- Date: Friday, Dec. 4, 2026
- Time: 9 a.m.
- Location: Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center, South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, South Carolina
- Keynote speaker: Dr. Harry L. Williams, president and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund
- Guest tickets: 10 per candidate for graduation
- Graduation rehearsal: Thursday, Dec. 3, at 9 a.m.; graduating students should arrive by 8:30 a.m.
- Livestream: SC State's official YouTube channel