After spending 23 years at Troy, Assistant Director of Student Involvement and Leadership Sadaris Williams says goodbye as he accepts a new job position.
His new title is Director of Service Learning and Leadership for the Center for Service and Leadership at the University of Alabama.
Williams will start this position Nov. 4.
“I will miss a lot, especially the relationships that I've built with the students, faculty and staff,” Williams said. “The relationships I’ve built with the people here and the day-to-day interactions that I've had with students here will be different.
“If they ever need me, they know how to find me. No matter where I go, I am here to help serve the community as much as possible.”
Williams applied for the position after the opportunity presented itself from a friend who also works at Alabama. Williams went on to say that because of the great leadership from Barbra Patterson, Constance Flowers, Destyni Peoples, Dean Herbert Reeves and other mentors at Troy, he’s very well prepared to move on.
“I am proud of him because he has made a decision that will ultimately advance his career,” said Student Government Association President Betsy Bennett, a senior human services major from Eufaula, Alabama. “He continues to serve students with all that he has and handles all that is thrown his way with care and dedication.
“His commitment is so evident through the time he puts into his role and the relationships he intentionally fosters with students. Sad [as he is affectionately known], has made a large impact on this university and many students, and we will miss him greatly.”
From undergraduate years to now, Williams has worked in multiple positions throughout his career at Troy. These positions include coordinator of student involvement and leadership, event management, area director of housing and residence life, University Activities Council advisor, National Pan-Hellenic Council advisor, 101 E.L.I.T.E Men Advisor as well as Freshman Forum advisor.
“Sadaris was the first person on the campus to make a huge impact on my leadership journey,” said NPHC president and one of the student advisors for 101 E.L.I.T.E. Men Teyshaun Williams, who is a senior cyber security major from Hoover, Alabama. “He's been a mentor, friend and someone I've always felt comfortable going to on campus when I didn't know what to do at times.”
“He became an incredible role model for me, inspiring me to follow in his footsteps by joining organizations, applying for opportunities and serving on executive boards — all at once,” said UAC and 101 E.L.I.T.E. Men Student Advisor Derrick Nobles, a senior business accounting major from Mobile, Alabama. “From day one, he set a standard for me to strive toward, and I’m a better person because of his influence.
“No one cared more about our well-being and happiness, and that’s why we loved him so much. I can confidently say there will never be another Sadaris Williams.”
At the last SGA meeting, the members recognized Williams for his years of service to Troy.
“Knowing that it was my last SGA meeting was very sad and emotional,” Williams said. “It was the last time that I would be approached in that manner and be with those students in that manner.”
Some students said they want Sadaris to do what’s best for him.
“My initial reaction to Sad leaving was a state of shock because I felt heartbroken, but after thinking it through, I realized this is what was in the best interest for Sad,” said Sarah Jane Houston, a junior psychology major from Albany, Georgia, an SGA member and Miss Troy University. “He taught me what it truly means to be a leader, and that I can execute any idea I set my mind to.
“He asks the hard questions and pushes people to their full potential. Without Sad, I don’t know what type of leader or person I would be today. I am so thankful to have had his guidance the past three years.”
Others expressed surprise at the announcement of Sadaris’ leaving.
“It was a surprise when I first heard about his leaving since he’s always been there to lead and help lead me through my academic and professional career,” said Vice President of Campus Affairs Burnard Thoms, a senior criminal justice major and Spanish minor from Detroit, Michigan. “There are not enough words to describe what he has done, especially when it comes to the impact he has on people.
“He’s very intentional in ways that people in his shoes wouldn’t be. He has laid a foundation that will never be forgotten.”
Sadaris Williams would like to thank Troy for all of the opportunities it has presented to him over the years.
“There have been multiple people and ways that have been given to me to make this jump, allowing me to be a leader, a person who cares a lot for the student body and to express my concerns,” Williams said. “Troy will always be home to me and there will be nothing else that will replace that.
“I look forward to seeing the people here continue to grow as well. I will always love Troy.