UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Evan Williams has been named the director of the Paul Robeson Cultural Center at Penn State, effective June 12. 

Williams is returning to University Park after serving as the inaugural assistant director of Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Student Affairs at Penn State Harrisburg. Prior to his role at the Harrisburg campus, Williams worked in Residence Life at both the University Park and Greater Allegheny campuses. 

“Being named the future director of the Paul Robeson Cultural Center (PRCC) is an honor that I do not take lightly,” said Williams. “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.'"

Andrea Dowhower, interim vice president for Student Affairs, said, “I am looking forward to Evan leading the PRCC and being an integral part of the Student Affairs leadership team. 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.” 

In addition to his leadership experience, Williams brings a strong background of community engagement and activism to the role. He created the first academic achievement award ceremony at Greater Allegheny that recognized first-generation college students and students of color who positively impacted the community. As a Residence Life coordinator at University Park, Williams continued to cultivate space for marginalized and minoritized students while educating colleagues about being a queer professional and the importance of understanding the multiple lived experiences that students grow, navigate and refine during their time on campus. 

“Evan’s excitement in engaging students and finding ways to work with them to achieve their goals is very much apparent. His vision for challenging, supporting, and ultimately raising up the concerns of students navigating our larger University community can only make the student experience stronger,” said Brian Patchcoski, assistant vice president for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Student Affairs. 

Williams earned a bachelor of arts in communication studies in 2011 and a master of arts in counseling with a student affairs focus in 2014. He succeeds Stephanie Preston, associate dean for graduate educational equity and chief diversity officer for graduate education at Penn State, who has been serving as the interim senior director of the PRCC since 2022. 

The PRCC, a unit of Student Affairs, has been a cultural centerpiece at Penn State for 50 years. The PRCC’s primary purpose is to make true the mission of the institution by serving students in the development of character, conscience and social responsibility through fostering identity development, social justice and inclusion.