Herman Williams passed away on October 29 at the age of 81 while in his home in Carbondale, IL. Herman was born in Birmingham, Alabama where he also graduated high school. He graduated from Dillard University in New Orleans where he attended on scholarship for football. He spent most of his professional career at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, first working as a basketball coach, but spending the majority of his time on the campus recreation staff.
Celebrating Herman Williams: An unsung hero of NIRSA
Herman Williams stood as a beacon of leadership, innovation, and dedication within the NIRSA community. His unwavering commitment to advancing campus recreation has left an indelible mark on generations of students, professionals, and the broader NIRSA family.
A champion for student empowerment and success throughout his career, Herman consistently championed the transformative power of recreation, sports, and student development. He understood, earlier than most, that campus recreation was not merely about sports and fitness—it is about building inclusive communities, fostering holistic wellbeing, and empowering students to become future leaders. His vision helped elevate the standards and scope of campus recreation, ensuring it grew in estimation as a vital part of collegiate life.
Impact at Southern Illinois University Carbondale
At SIUC, Herman’s influence was felt in every corner of campus recreation. Generations of students benefited from his mentorship, guidance, and advocacy. He helped shape programs, fostered inclusive communities, and championed the values of equity, diversity, and student development.
His legacy is reflected in the success of countless alumni who continue to carry forward his ideals in their own careers and lives.
“As a part of the SIUC Intramural-Recreational Sports Staff, in my first professional position at the time, I remember Mike Dunn, then Director of Intramural-Recreational Sports, doing what Mike Dunn was famous for: welcoming a new staff member and proceeding to ‘lean in.’ He immediately recognized Herman’s strengths and began to develop strategies for how Herman could and would contribute positively to the mission of Intramural-Recreational Sports. Herman was instrumental to many initiatives of OIRS and The Rec such as the creation of an amazing Community Golf Outing. Herman’s exceptional ability to connect with the community impacted collaborative efforts between departments, increasing the scope of various events as well as procuring some exceptional prizes and giveaways from area vendors to support programming. He also quickly became a favorite with student staff who went to him for advice and counseling. Herman knew how to address a student’s concerns while making sure that certain standards of behavior and work ethic were expected regardless of their personal circumstances.” – Dr. Sarah Hardin, now Faculty for Sport & Recreation Management at the University of Iowa, a longtime NIRSA member and a former colleague of Herman’s at SIUC.
Commitment to diversity, inclusion, mentorship, and leadership
Herman was an ardent advocate for equity and inclusion. He worked tirelessly to ensure that NIRSA and its member institutions reflected and celebrated the diversity of their campus communities. Through his mentorship, advocacy, and leadership, he opened doors for countless individuals, making recreation spaces more welcoming and accessible to all.
Countless NIRSA members recall Herman’s willingness to mentor young professionals and students, sharing wisdom, encouragement, and guidance. He modeled servant leadership, always putting others first and inspiring those around him to strive for excellence both personally and professionally. What truly set Herman apart from others was his unwavering commitment to mentorship and empowerment. For countless students and colleagues, Herman has been a quiet coach—a source of wisdom, encouragement, and steady guidance.
A lasting legacy
Alongside esteemed colleagues J. Michael Dunn and Tony Daniels, Herman Williams was instrumental in laying the groundwork for what would become the Emerging Minority Leaders Conference—now known as the Emerging Recreational Sports Leaders Conference (ERSLC). Their shared vision created a vital space for the development, support, and empowerment of minority students pursuing careers in campus recreation. Herman’s drive and constant presence ensured that the conference was not just an annual event, but a transformative experience for all who attended. The legacy of Herman Williams is woven into the fabric of NIRSA’s values and initiatives. His contributions have shaped policies, programs, and the culture of campus recreation nationwide. As NIRSA continues to grow and evolve, Herman’s spirit of inclusion, his commitment to service, and his passion for enhancing campus life serve as guiding lights for all who follow in his footsteps.
Herman Williams will forever be remembered as a pillar of integrity, dedication, and quiet strength within the world of campus recreation. His influence reached far beyond his official titles and responsibilities, shaping the lives of students, colleagues, and the broader community. Through his visionary spirit and tireless work ethic, Herman left an indelible mark on both NIRSA and Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC).
“As we visioned ERSLC, Herman was steadfast in his commitment to connecting with the Historically Black College and Universities (HBCUs), that were instrumental in the founding of NIRSA, in deep and impactful ways. As a proud HBCU alum of Dillard University, Herman was able to inform us of the history, the culture, and the emerging needs of those institutions. His guidance paved the way for the ERSL Conference and laid the foundation for this conference to persist more than thirty years later.” – Tony Daniels, Intramural and Athletics Coordinator at Northeast Lakeview Community College
Dedication beyond measure
Herman was more than a founder of the ERSL Conference—he was a steadfast presence at every ERSL Conference gathering that he could attend. He routinely drove hours crossing multiple state lines, ensuring that students from SIUC and beyond had the opportunity to participate in this life-changing event. His willingness to go the extra mile, both literally and figuratively, was a testament to his unwavering belief in the potential of every student. Through his actions, Herman demonstrated that leadership is measured not by the spotlight, but by the lives we touch and the opportunities we create for others. NIRSA continues to honor and celebrate Herman’s legacy, through the Herman Willams Founders Outstanding Service Award, first conferred in 2003 and given to recognize the contributions of an individual impacting the Emerging Recreational Sports Leaders Conference and minorities in the field of collegiate recreation. The list of recipients for this award is filled with some of the profession’s most influential and uplifting leaders of the past two-and-a-half decades.
A legacy in service and humility
Throughout his career, Herman Williams embodied the qualities of a selfless leader. Whether as a high school and college coach or as a mentor within campus recreation, he consistently worked behind the scenes, never seeking recognition or acclaim. His humility and quiet dedication set an example for all who knew him. He was the steady hand guiding the way, the encouraging voice behind the scenes, and the foundation upon which others could build and thrive.
The mark that Herman Williams leaves on Southern Illinois University Carbondale, NIRSA, and his community is profound. His legacy is found in the leaders he has mentored, the values he has instilled, and the enduring sense of community he has helped to foster.
“I count Herman Williams as one of the unsung leaders in NIRSA. His career began in intercollegiate athletics as a basketball coach, and he brought many of those talents to collegiate recreation. Coaching, mentoring, building teams, and supporting others is what I remember most about him.” – Stan Shingles, Emeritus Assistant Vice President, Student Affairs, Central Michigan University
The enduring spirit of Herman Williams
Herman may have preferred to work out of the spotlight, but the light he brought to the field of campus recreation shines brightly through the people and programs he inspired. His legacy lives on in the Emerging Recreational Sports Leaders Conference, in the students he uplifted, and in the colleagues who continue his work. As we honor his memory, let us strive to embody the same selflessness, integrity, and commitment that defined his remarkable life.
Sarah adds:
“When I spoke with former students and colleagues about ‘H’ or ‘Coach,’ as he was called by many, they all spoke of his laughter, of a nickname he had given to them that made them feel special, and of his ability to draw everyone into a conversation and include them in ‘the joke.’”
We honor Herman Williams for his tremendous impact, his exemplary service, and the kindness he shared with all. His legacy will endure in the hearts of those who had the privilege to work alongside him and in the countless lives touched by his vision and dedication.
“Herman served as my mentor, coach, advisor, and dear friend. Not only did he open his office door to me, but he also opened his home and his family to me as well. He will always be remembered to me as ‘Big Boss,’ – Tony Daniels
Thank you, Herman Williams, for everything you have given to NIRSA and to the world of campus recreation. As we honor Herman, we are reminded that greatness in our profession is not only found in the spotlight, but often in the quiet acts of service and selfless dedication to others.
Services
A visitation and funeral services were held at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church on November 7. Former colleagues and friends can sign Herman’s guestbook, send flowers, send a card, or plant a tree in remembrance.
In lieu of flowers, the Williams family has established a scholarship fund to honor the life, legacy, and service of Herman Williams. The family kindly requests that any donations be directed to Herman Williams Benefit Scholarship Fund.
- If you would like to share historically significant milestones or legacy details with NIRSA, contact a member of theNIRSA History and Legacy Committee.
