After a lengthy search FAMU President James Ammons has chosen William E. Hudson Jr. to serve as vice president for Student Affairs. Hudson had served as interim vice-president since the retirement former Vice-President Roland Gaines. “I am confident that Dr. Hudson will provide strong leadership for the Division of Student Affairs,” said Ammons. “He has the experience and the background in higher education to help us achieve a level of excellence in the area of student support services. We look forward to him implementing initiatives that will help our students to become well-rounded citizens and leaders.”
“I am very honored in by my selection,” said Hudson. “It has always been my desire to give back to the institution that assisted in my development. I am passionate about helping students and parents of this generation.”
Hudson said some of his goals are to develop university-wide collaborations to improve customer service by leveraging technology, improving retention, progression and graduation rates. He also plans to continue the strong tradition of developing leaders and promoting positive critical thinking in students.
Hudson received his bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in counseling education from FAMU. He went on to earn a specialist degree in counseling and human services and a Ph.D. in rehabilitation counseling from Florida State University.
He has extensive experience counseling students with academic, personal and career issues. He is a specialist in the recruitment and retention of minority students and provides consulting to small colleges and universities. As an adjunct professor at FAMU, he educates students on rehabilitation, disability, vocational training and services, community transition and empowerment.
He is a certified rehabilitation counselor, a member of the American College Counseling Association, National Association of Academic Advising Association (NACADA), and the Florida Association Educational Opportunity Program Personnel (FAEOP), among other professional organizations.
“I will work hard and encourage input from students, faculty and staff,” said Hudson. “Positive change does not occur overnight, but in time you will definitely see improvements that will ultimately produce significant results.”