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WESSON – Copiah-Lincoln Community College has announced the appointment of Tuwanna Williams as the college’s new Executive Director of Workforce Education, effective January 5, 2026.
Williams brings more than 20 years of experience in workforce development, economic advancement, and community engagement to the role. She most recently served as Director of Workforce Development for the City of Natchez, where she established and led the city’s first Workforce Development Department and secured more than $2 million in external funding to support training initiatives.
“Tuwanna Williams offers extensive experience and a strong track record in workforce development,” said Co-Lin President Dr. Dewayne Middleton. “Her leadership, strong industry partnerships, and firsthand knowledge of workforce needs across our region make her the right person to lead Co-Lin’s Workforce Education division as we continue expanding opportunities for students, employers, and our communities.”
In her role with the City of Natchez, Williams designed and launched the first Building Trades Program in the Miss-Lou area in more than 25 years, creating training pathways in construction, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, masonry, and heavy equipment operations. She also convened employer advisory councils, working with more than 170 employers across 22 industries to align workforce training with regional labor market needs.
Williams has a strong connection to Co-Lin, having previously served at the college from 2015- 2021 as a College Navigator and WIOA Workforce Recruiter. During that time, she promoted Co-Lin’s career-technical and workforce programs across the college’s seven-county district, coordinated WIOA-funded training, and worked closely with employers to ensure programs met industry demand.
“Mrs. Williams brings the experience, perspective, and leadership necessary to guide Co-Lin’s Workforce Education division,” said Dr. Jackie Martin, Vice President of the Wesson Campus. “Having previously served at Co-Lin, she brings a clear understanding of our college and the critical role Workforce Education plays in supporting local communities and employers across Southwest Mississippi. She also understands how strategic partners such as AccelerateMS, the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, and the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District work alongside the college to align training with workforce demand. That experience will further strengthen our workforce pipeline, drive economic growth, and expand access to meaningful employment opportunities.”
Her career also includes leadership roles with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the National Center on Family Homelessness, Magee General Hospital, and the Mid-Delta Empowerment Zone Alliance, where she focused on workforce readiness, grant development, and community-based training initiatives.
Williams holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources from Delta State University and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Organizational Management from American Intercontinental University. She also earned an associate’s degree from Hinds Community College and holds professional certifications in workforce-related training and coalition building. Additionally, she was named 2025 Woman of the Year by the Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce.
As Executive Director of Workforce Education, Williams will oversee the College’s workforce training programs and initiatives, strengthen partnerships with business and industry, expand opportunities that support regional economic growth and workforce readiness, and oversee the WIN Job Centers across the college district.
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