Williams prepared himself for a career in academic administration by studying history and law at Yale University.

Williams spent twenty-four years in various positions in finance, at Salomon Brothers, Goldman Sachs, and First Union (now Wells Fargo) where he was responsible for all fixed-income activities at the bank.

During his time as a graduate student and college administrator, starting when he was forty-eight years old, Williams published in several magazines, journals, and encyclopedias, including The Atlantic and Inside Higher Ed.

[2] Williams was selected to replace Charles Shearer, the longest-serving president in Transylvania University history, in April 2010[3] and assumed the office four months later.

[5] On June 17, 2013, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees accepted Williams' resignation, to take effect at the end of the 2013–14 school year.