Salem College

On July 17, 2024, after the completion of a national search with dozens of experienced candidates from around the nation, Salem Academy and College President Dr. Summer McGee announced that Michael Williams will join the staff on August 1, 2024, as the new Director of Athletics. 

Michael Williams is a transformative leader in collegiate athletics with a proven record of driving innovation, elevating the student-athlete experience, and generating sustainable growth across programs and facilities. Currently serving as a key member of the President’s Cabinet at Salem Academy and College, Williams has played an instrumental role in reshaping the athletics department through strategic vision, operational excellence, and an unwavering commitment to student success.

At Salem, Williams has led numerous initiatives that modernized and expanded the scope of athletics. He spearheaded departmental restructuring to strengthen equity and leadership, launched new intramural and recreation opportunities, and developed revenue-generating strategies that include online ticketing, concessions, corporate sponsorship packages, and food truck partnerships. He also oversaw significant facility enhancements, including the creation of a beach volleyball complex and upgrades to the fitness center, while introducing new traditions such as media day, student-athlete orientation, expanded athletic banquets, as well as the Hall of Fame, and collaborative community service programs. His leadership has extended into digital transformation as well, with improved video streaming and expanded social media engagement.

Before Salem, Williams served as Associate Athletics Director for Facilities & Operations at John Jay College. In this role, he oversaw all athletic facilities, supervised aquatics and recreation, managed the master calendar and space rentals, and organized camps and clinics for varsity programs. His entrepreneurial approach generated more than $4 million in facility rental revenue, while his direct oversight of Swimming, Cheerleading, Tennis, and Cross Country strengthened program operations. Williams was also instrumental in securing the installation of a new branded gym floor, further enhancing the college’s athletic profile and student-athlete experience.

During Michael’s time as the Athletic Director at  The Salisbury School, he directed all aspects of the athletics program, including staffing, scheduling, compliance, budgeting, facility management, and revenue generation. Before transitioning full-time into athletic administration, Michael’s impact was also shaped by nearly two decades as a women’s basketball coach at the collegiate level. His coaching career includes stops at John Jay College, Fairleigh Dickinson University–Florham (where he contributed to the 33-0 season culminating in the 2014 NCAA Division III National Championship), Pratt Institute, Simmons University, City College of New York, and St. Peter’s University. Throughout his coaching tenure, his teams consistently reached postseason play while he simultaneously took on key administrative responsibilities. 

Across every role, Williams has demonstrated the ability to strengthen departments, elevate student-athlete support, and create innovative pathways for revenue and community engagement. His vision emphasizes inclusivity, opportunity, and long-term growth, which are qualities that continue to leave a lasting impact on Salem College and every institution he has served.

"We are incredibly fortunate to have found such a strong strategic leader with a growth mindset in Michael," said McGee. "He brings a unique combination of NCAA Division III, women's college athletics, and independent school athletic administration experience to Salem. I look forward to the energy and enthusiasm that he will bring to the Spirits and the Sabers in the years to come."


COACHING BIO
 

Director of Athletics Michael Williams will oversee the Salem College Women’s Basketball program for the 2026–2027 season. Williams brings extensive collegiate coaching experience across NCAA Division I and Division III programs.

Most recently, Williams served as a Director of Player Development/Coaches Consultant at St. Peter’s University, where he helped guide the Peacocks to the 2021 MAAC Tournament Finals. During his tenure, he assisted in the development of seven All-MAAC student-athletes.

Prior to St. Peter’s, Williams served as the Head Women’s Basketball Coach and Strength & Conditioning Coach at The City College of New York (CCNY). In his first season, he led the program to the CUNYAC postseason while coaching the nation's leading scorer, CUNYAC Rookie of the Year, and Atlantic Region Rookie of the Year, Reilly Boehm. The program also had one student-athlete named to the CCNY Dean’s List, and six players earned Athletic Director Honor Roll recognition.

Before CCNY, Williams served as Athletic Administrator, Event Game Manager, and Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Simmons University. He guided the Sharks to their first postseason appearance since 2010, advancing to the GNAC Tournament Quarterfinals. During the 2018–19 season, he coached a GNAC All-Conference selection and helped develop the seventh-leading scorer in NCAA Division III history, while multiple players set new school records.

Williams previously served as Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Pratt Institute, where he engineered a major program turnaround. After inheriting a program with a winless 2014–15 season, he led the Cannoneers to a record in 2015–16 season, while coaching two All-Conference players and a Rookie of the Year.

Earlier in his career, Williams spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Fairleigh Dickinson University–Florham under head coach Marc Mitchell. During that time, the Devils posted an incredible 62–2 record, captured two MAC Freedom Championships, made two NCAA Division III Tournament appearances, and completed a 33–0 season to win the 2014 NCAA Division III National Championship. During his time at FDU, Coach Williams coached multiple All-Americans, All-Conference Players, and numerous players who broke school records, and is currently in the FDU Hall of Fame.

Williams began his collegiate coaching career at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where he served three seasons as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the women’s basketball program. During his tenure, the Bloodhounds improved from 1–24 to 11–16 in his first season, and the program returned to the CUNYAC Tournament for three consecutive years after previously missing the playoffs.

In 2011, Williams also assisted the John Jay men’s basketball program under head coach DeVernie Winston with recruiting.