Delaware State University renames Early College School in honor of Dr. Harry and Dr. Robin Williams

It was a special day at Delaware State University on Thursday, September 17 as the Early College School was officially renamed The Williams Early College School in honor of former DSU President Dr. Harry L. Williams and former First Lady Dr. Robin Williams.

The new name recognizes their lasting impact on the University and a shared commitment to creating educational opportunities for young students. It is a legacy that can be seen across DSU today, from the Inspire Scholarship created during Dr. Williams’ presidency to the school that now carries their names.

Dr. Williams served as Delaware State University’s 10th president from 2010 to 2017. During his tenure, DSU opened the Early College High School in 2014, giving students an opportunity to begin their college experience while they were still in high school. Today, Dr. Williams serves as president and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, continuing his work in support of HBCUs and their students.

At its heart, the idea was about giving students an earlier look at what their future could hold. College did not have to feel like something far away. Students could experience a university campus for themselves, take on college-level work and begin making progress toward a degree years earlier than they otherwise might.

That opportunity has continued to grow. What began as a high school program eventually expanded to include middle school grades. Today, more than 600 students in grades seven through 12 attend The Williams School.

For those students, being part of a school located at DSU creates an experience that is anything but typical. They can take college courses alongside University undergraduates and begin building a college transcript before finishing high school.

The Class of 2026 showed just how much can be accomplished with that head start. This past spring, 65 seniors graduated with a combined 1,900 college credits already earned. Six had gone even further, completing associate degrees before receiving their high school diplomas.

Those accomplishments are part of a much larger impact the school has made since 2014. Students have earned more than 18,000 college credits and more than $45 million in scholarships. More than 70% of graduates have chosen to continue their education at Delaware State University.

The idea that took root at DSU has since found a new home beyond Delaware.

HBCU Early College Prep opened in Queens, New York, in 2025, with Delaware State University serving as its primary educational partner. Through the partnership, New York City students can begin earning college credits at no cost, work toward an associate degree and gain admission to DSU.

The celebration on Thursday brought another piece of Delaware State University history into the moment. Five presidents whose leadership spans more than two decades of the University were together on campus for the occasion.

Dr. Allen L. Sessoms, Dr. Claibourne D. Smith, Dr. Harry L. Williams, Dr. Wilma Mishoe and current President Dr. Tony Allen attended the celebration, marking the first time all of DSU’s living presidents had gathered together on campus.

The day also included a commitment to what comes next.

Dr. Harry and Dr. Robin Williams announced plans for a $1 million gift to The Williams School through their estate, extending their connection to the school well beyond the naming ceremony.

There is plenty to celebrate in what the school has accomplished over the past 12 years, but its story is still being written by the students who arrive at DSU each year.

For some, that journey now begins as early as seventh grade. By high school, they can find themselves sitting in a college classroom. By graduation, they may already have college credits or even a degree to their name.

The school has grown, its reach has expanded and thousands of college credits have been earned along the way. But the opportunity at the center of the original idea remains the same: helping young people see college as a place where they belong and giving them a chance to get started.

Now, the school built around that opportunity carries the names of Dr. Harry and Dr. Robin Williams.