Coahoma Community College Celebrates the Leadership Journey of Longtime Employee, Otha Williams

(Clarksdale, Miss.) — Coahoma Community College proudly highlights the inspiring story
and ongoing leadership of Mr. Otha Williams, a dedicated employee of 26 years whose
commitment to service, education, and community advancement continues to positively
impact the Mississippi Delta.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania while his father completed medical training at
Temple University/Episcopal Hospital, Williams’ family later returned to Mississippi
with a shared vision of giving back to their community. In 1978, the family settled
in Greenville before making Clarksdale their permanent home in 1980; a community Williams
credits for shaping his values, identity, and sense of purpose.

After graduating from Clarksdale High School in 1991, Williams began his collegiate
journey at Coahoma Community College. He later transferred to Alcorn State University,
ultimately choosing to bring his education and leadership skills back home to serve
the community that raised him.

For more than two decades, Williams has been entrusted with numerous leadership roles
at Coahoma Community College. His dedication and passion for people have earned him
appointments by several esteemed college leaders:

• Vivian Presleyselected Williams to represent Coahoma at the Grassroots Caucus in Washington, D.C., a coalition spanning eight Delta states that partners with the Economic Equality
  Caucus to advocate for economic equity nationwide.
• Jerome Shawappointed him to the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) Review Team, where he helped ensure that community and junior colleges were in full compliance
  with federal guidelines—a responsibility that fueled his interest in public service.
• Valmadge Townerselected Williams to represent Coahoma at BEACON, where 32 HBCUs collaborated with the FBI to strengthen trust, build mutual understanding,
  and expand workforce and internship opportunities through increased awareness of FBI
  division functions.

In 2021, Williams made history when he was elected as the youngest African American
to serve as Commissioner for the Yazoo Delta Levee Board. In this role, he gained a deeper understanding of public safety, infrastructure
needs, and the critical mission of preserving life across 12 Delta counties, including
Coahoma County.

Today, Williams continues to focus his efforts on strengthening communities and championing
progress.

“My goal is to work across party lines to ensure that District 26 receives the support
it needs in education, economic development, workforce opportunities, and public safety,”
said Williams. “A better quality of life for our citizens is my highest priority.”

Coahoma Community College congratulates Mr. Williams for his exceptional service,
leadership, and unwavering dedication to the Mississippi Delta. His journey reflects
the College’s mission to uplift communities and cultivate leaders who create meaningful
change.