Kaniyah Williams

February 19, 2025

Kaniyah Williams is a distinguished scholar and leader, recognized for her exceptional academic achievements and unwavering commitment to public service. In 2024, Kaniyah became the first Morris College student to be honored as an HBCU Leader of America Scholar, a recognition personally bestowed by Vice President Kamala Harris. This accolade underscores her dedication to leadership and excellence within the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) community.

Kaniyah’s academic excellence is further demonstrated by multiple appearances on the President’s and Dean's List, including Fall 2024, and honors such as the Advanced Technology International First Pitch Scholar award, and the White House Initiative HBCU Scholar Recognition. As a Ronald E. McNair Scholar, Trio Ambassador and UNCF Ambassador Scholar, Kaniyah has made significant contributions to research and scholarship. She even received the Collegiate Award during her Ronald E McNair Scholar internship program.

Beyond academics, Kaniyah is deeply involved in the TRIO program, serving as Lead Workshop Facilitator for the Morris College Trio Ambassador program. In this capacity, she mentors peers, coordinate events, and lead workshops, empowering students to navigate academic and personal challenges.

Her leadership extends to roles such as Sigma Tau Delta English Honors Society President, President of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and Managing Editor of the Morris College Newspaper. As a legislative intern for Congressman James E. Clyburn, Kaniyah contributes to policy analysis and legislative hearings, furthering her commitment to public service. She aspires to become a criminal law attorney with a focus on juvenile delinquency. Her goal is to own her very own national networking youth program extending the mission of Trio, the program that she feels changed her life.

Guided by Maya Angelou's wisdom, “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”  Kaniyah continues to inspire those around her through resilience, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to making a meaningful difference.