Charles Williams Jr.
As a solid infrastructure is essential for a populated area’s establishment, growth and survival, so was Charles E. Williams Jr.’s education at the University of Mississippi School of Engineering vital to his successful academic endeavors and professional career.
“I appreciate Dr. (Waheed) Uddin giving me the foundation during my understudies at UM that has helped me be successful both professionally and academically,” Williams said. A 1996 civil engineering graduate, he is the acting managing engineer of public works with the city of Jackson. Before, he worked in the Materials Division of the Mississippi Department of Transportation.
“Charles is an exceptionally talented graduate,” said Uddin, civil engineering professor and founder-director of the UM’s Center for Advanced Infrastructure Technology. “You will not find such positions commonly filled by a graduate degree holder.”
Williams completed his doctorate in civil engineering at the University of Alabama. He also earned a master’s degree in civil engineering from Mississippi State University and an MBA from Belhaven College.
“Again, he is one of the few CE alums who have achieved these significant academic milestones at such a relatively young age,” Uddin said.
Williams said he enjoyed all of his professors within the Department of Civil Engineering.
“The classes were very challenging,” he said. “My education from Ole Miss has provided me with a foundation built on solid fundamental engineering principles to exceed higher than I personally ever expected to achieve.”
In his position, Williams is responsible for the oversight and management of six divisions comprising 500 employees and an annual budget of $398 million. He also implements and manages a $400 million sewer consent decree.
Williams grew up in west Jackson but his family moved to Clinton, where he graduated from Clinton High School. Though he originally planned to attend engineering school and play football at Mississippi State, he decided to play football at Hinds Community College in Raymond. After one year, Williams transferred to Ole Miss to play for the Rebels.
“My football career ended early due to multiple injuries, but I am glad my pathway led to Ole Miss,” he said. “I enjoyed my time attending the university, and met a lot of great people.”
A licensed professional civil engineer in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi, Williams holds memberships in the American Public Works Association, American Society of Civil Engineers, National Society of Professional Engineers/Mississippi Engineering Society and Chi Epsilon Engineering Honor Society. He considers being named the 2012 City of Jackson Public Works Department Engineer of the Year to be his most meaningful professional honor/achievement.
“It felt good to be recognized by my work peers who respect my work ethic and leadership,” said Williams, who is also a 2013 graduate of Leadership Greater Jackson.
Being inducted into Chi Epsilon at the University of Alabama was also a great accomplishment, he said. “Knowing that my name will always be displayed on a plaque honoring my academic achievement is most rewarding.”
Williams and his wife, the former Alix Davis, have two sons: Cameron, 9, and Graham Warren, 5. He enjoys spending time with his sons, who are completing football and soccer seasons. Williams also participates in various programs at Wells United Methodist Church that provide community service to low income residents living within the Jackson Metro area.
Williams is scheduled to return to UM next spring as a guest lecturer for a graduate seminar class and a transportation class. He finds it a pleasure to share his experiences with present engineering students.
“You have to give back by mentoring,” Williams said. “I was able to tutor my senior year through a partnership with NSPE Mathcounts and the Clarksdale Public School District. I drove over to Clarksdale once a week to help mentor elementary school kids struggling in math. The mentoring experience in college allowed me to continue to mentor over years through various programs at work that outreached to local high schools and colleges within the Jackson metro area.”