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, Sept. 17, as the University officially renamed the Early College School as The Williams Early College School in honor of former DSU President Dr. Harry L. Williams and former First Lady Dr. Robin Williams.

Students, educators, family, friends and University leaders gathered on campus for a ceremony celebrating the new name and recognizing the impact Dr. Harry and Dr. Robin Williams have made at DSU.

The renaming connects their names to a school that has become an important part of the University and its commitment to creating educational opportunities for young students.

Dr. Williams served as Delaware State University’s 10th president from 2010 to 2017. His tenure included the creation of the Inspire Scholarship and the opening of the Early College High School in 2014. Today, he 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 behind the Early College High School 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.

Twelve years later, that opportunity reaches students beginning in middle school. More than 600 students in grades seven through 12 now attend The Williams School, where they have the opportunity to take college courses alongside DSU undergraduates while completing their own education.

The ceremony also looked toward the future of the school. 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 students and educational opportunities the school was created to support.

For the students of The Williams School, the impact of the program can be measured in what they are accomplishing before high school graduation.

This past spring, 65 seniors graduated with a combined 1,900 college credits. Six completed associate degrees before receiving their high school diplomas.

Those students are part of a record that has continued to grow since the school opened. Students have earned more than 18,000 college credits, secured over $45 million in scholarships and, for more than 70% of graduates, continued their education at Delaware State University.

The educational model that began at DSU is reaching students outside Delaware as well. 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.

More than a decade after the Early College High School opened, its students continue to show what can happen when access to higher education begins earlier.

A student can enter the school in seventh grade, take college courses during high school and potentially reach graduation with college credits or even an associate degree already completed.

The school has grown and its reach has expanded, but the opportunity at the center of its mission remains focused on helping young people see higher education as part of their future and giving them an early start toward achieving it.

Now, the school carries the names of Dr. Harry and Dr. Robin Williams.