NEWBERRY — Rachel Williams, newly inducted president of the Student Government Association at Newberry College, has big plans for the future.
Born and raised in Barnwell, Williams has an older brother and sister, and is currently a senior at Newberry College.
Williams says she found Newberry College during her junior year of high school when she was invited to attend scholar/leader day. Williams said she and her parents were able to eat lunch with Mick Zais, president of the college at the time, and were given a tour of the campus and classrooms.
“After leaving that day, I told my parents I could see myself at Newberry for four years,” she said.
As a student at Newberry College, Williams is majoring in elementary education with a minor in theatre.
She has been highly involved on campus as a resident advisor, student ambassador, the philanthropy chair for Student Alliance For Equality (SAFE), secretary of the African American Student Association, a member of the Future Educators Association, as well as a member of the S.C. Early Childhood Association and the Newberry College Food Committee.
Most recently, Williams was inducted as president of the Student Government Association for the 2013-14 academic year. During her time as SGA president, she plans to implement a Meals-to-Go system for students in the cafeteria, lengthen cafeteria hours and start a social ball for students.
“The social ball is like an adult prom,” Williams said. “It will provide an opportunity for the student body to appreciate campus while positively having a fun time.”
Overall, Williams said winning the title of SGA president has been her biggest accomplishment while at Newberry College.
“I think this position will be the most rewarding and through it I will learn a lot,” she said.
Having taken part in student government since the fifth grade, Williams said she loves meeting new people and making a positive difference in the lives of others.
After graduating from Newberry, Williams said she has considered attending graduate school, but might continue her focus on theatre at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts in New York.
“I’ve always wanted to be a teacher and recently I have decided to teach the third grade,” she said. “I would love to teach theatre at a dramatic arts school or academy but that isn’t my first choice.”
Williams’ dream is to one day become an actress on the big screen.
Keeping with her strong leadership skills and positive attitude, Williams said her favorite quote is one by Australian singer-songwriter, model and actress Natalie Imbruglia: “I don’t want to be the next anybody. I want to be the first me.”


















