In 2006, Dr. Jamie Williams spearheaded a collaboration among several institutions—Clemson University, North Carolina State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, The University of Texas at Dallas, and the University of South Carolina—to foster communication, collegiality, and cooperation among higher education professionals overseeing scholarship and enrichment programs for high-achieving college students. The group held its first meeting at Clemson University in May 2007, where it officially adopted the name Undergraduate Scholars Program Administrators Association (USPAA). Jamie served as USPAA’s first president from 2007 to 2009 and a board member from 2009 to 2013.

 

With nearly 25 years of experience in scholarship administration, Jamie has led efforts that awarded more than $50 million in scholarships to nearly 2,000 students. As a first-generation college student who benefited from multiple scholarships, he has dedicated his career to helping students secure funding while supporting their professional and leadership development. Colleagues describe Jamie as a visionary leader and mentor, always eager to share insights and foster connections among scholarship professionals.

 

Jamie is currently Senior Director of Scholarships and Enrichment Programs at the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, where he oversees scholar selection and manages leadership and professional development initiatives. Beyond his work with USPAA, he served on the executive committee of the National Scholarship Providers Association for nine years. Before joining Coca-Cola, Jamie was director of the National Scholars Program at Clemson and associate director of the Clemson Honors College.

 

In recognition of his lasting impact on the field, USPAA established the Jamie Williams Award in 2023 to honor individuals who exemplify his commitment to the profession. More than just an accolade, this award celebrates scholarship professionals who embody Jamie’s spirit of leadership, collaboration, and student advocacy. Recipients must demonstrate a dedication to advancing top merit scholarship programs on their campuses; actively collaborate with fellow scholarship administrators to foster the growth of the field; and be active USPAA members who engage meaningfully in the organization. The recipient is recognized at the annual USPAA Administrators Conference in June.