Michael Williams

Michael Williams is one of 50 college students nationwide to be named one of the American Advertising Federation’s Most Promising Multicultural Students.

The program, now in its 25th year, promotes diversity, equity and inclusion within the advertising and media industries. Students who were selected participated in a four-day virtual program that focused on professional development and personal branding.

“My first thought when I was accepted was just elation,” Williams said. “I felt like I had really won. I thought that I had really done something that I never thought I could.”

Over 140 colleges from across the country applied to send one of their students to be among the 50 competitors. This year’s class of competitors are among some of the more accomplished scholars studying the media discipline. With 32 schools represented from 19 states, the class holds an average GPA of 3.7.

Williams was one of three students selected from a Big 12 university.

“It was fun seeing everyone from different schools,” Williams said. “I worked with a guy from [the University of Texas] in my small group, and it was funny to talk to him about the rivalry. At the same time, it was nice to see how they did things over there.”

Through his own determination and dedication, along with help he has gained through his studies in OU’s Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication, Williams has already carved out an impressive start to his future career.

“Without Gaylord, I would’ve never had the passion I have now,” he said. “All of my professors molded me into the person I am today and the reason I was able to be in MPMS.

“It meant a lot to me that Professor [Larry] Powell looked out for me and helped me along the way. It also means a lot to represent OU, and I felt like all the work I had done had been seen finally.”

Williams’ accolades lend themselves to a student worthy of this competition. He is a member of this year’s PE-ET class, which recognizes OU’s Top 10 seniors based on service, scholarship and leadership.

He is also an OU Ad Club Member – an advertising networking club that connects students to the professional advertising community through the American Advertising Federation. He was named to the Dean’s Honor Roll in 2020 and is a National Black Alumni Scholarship Award winner.

In addition, Williams has stepped into the professional world as a freelance photographer. His ability to excel in his studies and his craft helped propel him to his successful career at OU, as well as this competitive honor.

In a field where visibility holds high esteem, Williams has risen to the top among his peers.

“No matter who you are, you can really make yourself heard and seen,” Williams said. “You can really do big things with determination in advertising.”

Learn more about the AAF’s Most Promising Multicultural Students program here.

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This story was written by Brady Trantham and originally published by "Inside OU" on April 20, 2022