Doctoral Student Ms. Senovia L. Williams holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Family, Child, and Consumer Sciences from Florida State University (1999) and a Master of Social Work degree from the same institution (2006). She brings over 25 years of experience in education, student affairs, and federally funded programs, with a career rooted in service, leadership, and advocacy for historically underserved populations.Her professional journey began in 1998 as a student assistant in the Florida State University Admissions Office, followed by roles in a federally funded K–12 afterschool program and as a staff member in the middle school guidance office. During her graduate studies, Ms. Williams served as a substance abuse counselor for juvenile delinquents and later transitioned into K–12 education as a School Social Worker with the Leon County School Board’s Student Services Department.Ms. Williams began her work with federal TRIO programs in 2008 as a Program Specialist with the Tallahassee Community College TRIO Talent Search Program. In 2010, she was appointed State of Florida Program Coordinator for the Florida Department of Education’s GEAR UP state grant, where she supervised more than 100 employees, facilitated statewide professional development, and managed an annual budget exceeding $3 million.Since 2013, Ms. Williams has served as an adjunct professor in the Department of Social Work at Florida A&M University (FAMU), teaching both undergraduate and graduate-level courses. In 2017, she returned to TRIO as Director of the FAMU TRIO Talent Search Program, where she currently oversees two programs serving a combined enrollment of 1,276 students.In 2023, Ms. Williams expanded her national leadership footprint as a trainer and workshop facilitator for the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) and the Southeastern Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel (SAEOPP). She also joined the faculty for the Federal TRIO Priority Training Grant through the SAEOPP Center and the College Bound Institute. During the 2025–2026 academic year, she served as Acting Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Florida A&M University in her supervisor’s absence.Her professional service includes serving as President of the Florida TRIO Association, Treasurer of the SAEOPP region, a board member of the Toni Jo Mason Foundation, and President of the Tallahassee Branch of the National Association of University Women (NAUW).Ms. Williams is deeply committed to leadership development and student success, guided by a belief in the transformative power of education and service. She leads with grace, purpose, and a steadfast commitment to excellence, and remains dedicated to inspiring others to reach their fullest potential. She is the cherished only daughter of Lee and the late Louise Williams.
