Dr. Amber Williams, Vice Provost for Student Success at the University of Tennessee, has used the podcast medium to engage in insightful conversations with thought leaders, influencers and educators.
In each podcast Dr. Williams shares her expertise on fostering academic success, innovative student support strategies, and building inclusive environments that empower every student to thrive. Hear about leadership journey and explore the impactful work being done to redefine student success at UT and beyond.
And make sure to click on the content directly below, each highlighting the the transformative impact of Dr. Williams’ initiatives, student success achievements, and collaborations that are shaping a more inclusive and supportive academic environment at the University of Tennessee and beyond.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has revamped its approach to student success by combining academic, personal, and career support through initiatives like the Vol Success Teams and a new advising model. In this article, co-authored by Chancellor Donde Plowman and Dr. Amber Williams, explore a holistic strategy emphasizes tailored support, mentorship, and career readiness, fostering a more engaging and supportive campus environment aimed at helping students thrive from enrollment through graduation.
Watch “The Student-Success Journey: Beating the ‘Sophomore Slump,’” featuring Dr. Amber Williams, where panelists discussed the unique financial concerns, social life, basic needs, and academic advising that all play a part in the sophomore experience.
Watch “Supporting Student Success: Tools and Strategies”, the first part of a Virtual Forum series featuring Dr. Amber Willliams, exploring the strategies and systems that colleges are using to support student needs, including AI-powered chatbots and data analytics, and how you can implement them to support students in the 2023-2024 academic year.
Watch “Gen Z and Student Success” as Dr. Amber Williams and other higher education leaders examine what’s going on with students, how to address what has turned into a transactional mindset about college (where it’s all about the job), and what are the skills students will need for the future as colleges look to boost demand for enrollment.
ASCEND PODCAST (September 2023)
Dr. Amber Williams joins co-hosts Jared Tippets and Eric Kirby to share her knowledge, wisdom, and insights on how campuses can increase their retention and student success efforts!
Diversity Connector Podcast (February 2024)
Dr. Amber Williams, the Vice Provost for Student Success at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, discusses her journey in higher education and her approach to promoting diversity and inclusion in student success and enrollment management.
Dr. Josie And The Podcast (March 2024)
For insight on Gen Alpha, Dr. Josie brings in a diverse group of guests to speak to what’s ahead, including Dr. Amber Williams, Vice Provost for Student Success at the University of Tennessee – Knoxville (also a parent of a Gen Alpha).
Talkin’ Tennessee with Yvoncca (October 2024)
Part 1
Picture a mother of two making the bold move from Kansas to Nebraska to chase her dreams as the youngest admissions director in the nation. This episode unravels the challenges and triumphs of balancing a trailblazing career in diversity recruitment with personal life, including the supportive relationships of Dr. Amber Williams, including her marriage to Dr. Dedrick Williams that have been her cornerstone. We highlight her passion for college students and her dynamic role at the University of Tennessee, painting a vivid picture of resilience and dedication.
Talkin’ Tennessee with Yvoncca (October 2024)
Part 2
Discover how the University of Tennessee is redefining student success with Dr. Amber Williams at the helm. She outlines transformative initiatives like deploying the CliftonStrengths assessment to help students capitalize on their unique capabilities and build self-assurance. Dr. Williams also shares her innovative approach to reshaping the orientation experience, stretching it throughout the year to foster a nurturing and inclusive environment.
Inside Higher Ed with Chancellor Donde Plowman (October 2024)
In this episode of The Key, Melissa Ezarik speaks with University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s chancellor, Donde Plowman, and Amber Williams, vice president of student success on their efforts to ensure their teams—and students—are aware of and confident about their strengths as they navigate their work.
Cracking the Retention Code: How Data and AI Are Helping Shape Student Success (December 2024)
This webcast, featuring Dr. Amber Williams, examines the reasons why students do not retain, including concerns about costs, well-being and lack of awareness of resources available to them. It also considers strategies to support retention, from academic supports and wraparound services to applications of artificial intelligence that can flag at-risk students in need of intervention.
