Princess H. Williams, Ph.D.
PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Nov. 3, 2025) – She couldn’t vote yet. So, she registered her entire family.
Dr. Princess Williams has been empowering others’ voting rights since high school.
Prairie View A&M University’s first Scholar-in-Residence at the Ruth J. Simmons Center for Race and Justice is a lifelong political scientist whose work examines the intersections of race, geography, and political behavior.
“It is an incredible honor to help shape the vision and impact of the center,” Dr. Williams said. “Being the first Scholar-in-Residence is both a privilege and a responsibility. I hope to establish a strong foundation for research, civic engagement, and mentorship that will continue for years to come.”
Growing up in Jackson, Mississippi, her interest in politics stemmed from a young age, watching her father never miss an election, be it national, state, or local. Her mother, meanwhile, inspired her to speak up against injustice and to use her voice in service of others.
Then, in high school, when former President Barack Obama ran for office in 2008, that further ignited her interest in national politics.
As a sophomore, she couldn’t vote yet. So, instead, she encouraged and helped her siblings, aunts, uncles, and friends turning 18 to register. Her parents were already registered and active voters, setting a strong example of civic participation at home.
In her new role, Dr. Williams will continue what she started then: empowering and elevating others’ roles in democracy.
For one, Dr. Williams will oversee a national survey project focused on amplifying the voices of Black women voters. The initiative will combine quantitative and qualitative research, including interviews and focus groups, to generate data that informs both academic study and civic engagement efforts.
“Our goal is to produce data that informs research and practical strategies for increasing civic engagement, especially among historically underrepresented populations,” she said. “We hope this work will influence policymakers, educators, and community organizations by providing evidence-based insights into voting behavior and political participation.”
Dr. Williams will also lead the HBCU Voting Rights Lab, an initiative focused on studying the history of voting rights, promoting civic education, and mobilizing students and communities to participate in democracy.
“By highlighting the unique perspectives and experiences of HBCU communities, the Lab can elevate discussions around access, justice, and the role of HBCUs in shaping democratic outcomes,” she said.
While at the University, Dr. Williams will also continue her research, including completing her book, “Southbound: How Southern Identity Contours the American Political Mind.”
“I hope to produce rigorous, impactful research that informs both scholarship and practice,” she said. “Beyond publications, I want to engage the community in ways that enhance civic participation and empower historically marginalized voices.”
As a Mississippi native, her current research explores how Southern identity influences political attitudes and civic participation. She describes this as a critical area of study as the nation continues to grapple with regional and racial divides, calling Southern identity “a powerful but often overlooked factor in American politics.”
“By analyzing how Southern identity shapes political behavior, particularly among Black and white Americans, my research provides actionable insights that can support advocacy, education, and policy initiatives in line with the center’s goals,” Dr. Williams said.
She encouraged students to get involved: by either attending lectures or workshops, assisting with research projects, contributing to civic engagement initiatives, and collaborating on community-centered programs.
“We want the center to be a hub where ideas, research, and action come together to drive meaningful change,” she said.
Dr. Williams earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from Jackson State University and completed her master’s and doctoral degrees at the University of Michigan. Prior to joining Prairie View A&M, she served as a professor at Amherst College and was a junior visiting fellow at Washington University in St. Louis.
“I’m thrilled to join this vibrant HBCU community,” Williams said. “Together, we can create knowledge, spark dialogue, and inspire action.”
By Christine Won
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