Vice President of Advancement Dr. Monica Williams Honored as One of Six "Women of Influence"

The University of North Texas at Dallas Vice President of University Advancement and President of the UNT Dallas Foundation, Dr. Monica Williams, will be honored at the inaugural “Women of Influence Awards” on March 31, 2023.

Dr. Williams is among six women chosen for their groundbreaking leadership by Dallas-based Cheryl Magazine and the non-profit Soul Reborn in recognition of Women’s History Month. Both were founded by philanthropist, best-selling author, and filmmaker Dr. Cheryl Polote Williamson.

The “Women of Influence” award is presented to individuals who have exhibited extraordinary talent, integrity, and leadership and have shown compassion for causes that elevate women and have helped pave the road for future generations.

As Vice President of University Advancement, Dr. Williams is responsible for leading UNT Dallas’ efforts in fundraising, alumni affairs, external relations, marketing/communications, and sponsored research. An accomplished fundraiser and passionate advocate for the underrepresented, Dr. Williams has devoted the majority of her career to social services and the advancement of underserved communities by raising money to support an array of worthy causes. She has more than 25 years of administrative and leadership experience in the non-profit and educational sectors. 

Since arriving at UNT Dallas in July 2016, Dr. Williams has raised more than $10 million in private philanthropy and has led the team that increased the research grant portfolio by $35+ million.  In the last two years, she has taken on the responsibility of increasing the retention of first-generation students and growing the Caruth Police Institute from a local to a statewide platform.

Before joining UNT Dallas, Dr. Williams was the Founding Managing Director of Community Partnerships for the United States Fund for UNICEF, where she led the organization’s efforts to create awareness around the plight of children living in impoverished nations. Her fundraising efforts have generated more than $150 million in support for multiple institutions of higher education and other well—respected not-for-profit organizations. She began her professional career as a high school English teacher and later held leadership positions at Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc., the Brown Schools, Neighborhood Centers Inc., Texas Southern University, Prairie View A&M University, Rice University and HoustonWorks USA. 

A native Houstonian who was born in Dallas, Dr. Williams holds a B.A. in Journalism and an M.A. in Communications from Texas Southern University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Prairie View A&M University. She is a proud mother and grandmother.

The awards luncheon, themed “A Seat at the Table,” signifies the importance of women in leadership to create opportunities for other women from all walks of life to achieve success. It will be held on Friday, March 31 at Gleneagles Country Club in Plano. For more information about the event and how to attend, click here.