Williams has served as Associate Professor of Pastoral Studies at NCU since 2022. He also serves as Director of the grant-funded Preaching Institute for City Transformation, part of Lilly Endowment’s Compelling Preaching Initiative, which aims to foster preaching that inspires, encourages, and guides individuals in their Christian faith.Bringing more than three decades of leadership experience in ministry, education, and organizational governance, Williams was confirmed as the next president by the Board after a national search process that included extensive interviews, leadership assessments, and discernment led by a board-appointed Presidential Search Committee (PSC). Darnell K. Williams, Sr. was born in Cleveland, Ohio. A lifelong Browns fan, he has been married to Charlene Williams since 1993. They are the proud parents of one adult son, Adrian (Darnell Jr.). Prior to serving as a professor at NCU, Darnell and Charlene spent nearly 30 years of ministry in the role of Lead Pastors, serving churches in Columbus, Ohio (1994-2006) and Lima, Ohio (2006 -2022). Darnell has a passion for practical leadership principles, the multiethnic church, and addressing obstacles to those engaged in Urban Ministry.