DOVER, Del. - Delaware State University officially unveiled a new name for its Early College School Thursday, honoring former President Dr. Harry L. Williams and former First Lady Dr. Robin S. Williams for their role in creating the program.
Harry Williams served as Delaware State University's 10th president from 2010 to 2017. During his tenure, the university opened its Early College High School in 2014 — now known as The Williams School.
"It's such an honor. And to have my wife here and to have both of our names on the school, it is something that just doesn't happen every day," Williams said during Thursday's dedication ceremony.
The program has since expanded from its original ninth through 12th grade classes to include students as young as seventh grade. Today, hundreds of middle and high school students take college courses alongside Delaware State University undergraduates.
Williams said the goal was to expose students to college early and allow them to envision themselves pursuing higher education.
"Being in a position to be able to dream and dream about what you can achieve and accomplish," Williams said. "And if you're sitting in a college class, you're in the ninth grade and there's a college freshman beside you, your mind just starts wandering, saying this is a path that I need to go next."
A full circle moment
For Daveon Wisher, the impact of the program has come full circle.
Wisher attended the Early College School before continuing his education at Delaware State University. He now works as an English education teacher at the Williams School, teaching seventh- and eighth-grade students.
"It really shaped me into the person I become because the same tools and the same education that they gave me early college transpired at Delaware State University," Wisher said. "I just flourished and grew from the seeds that they had already planted."
According to DSU, students in the program have earned more than 18,000 college credits and more than $45 million in scholarships since the school opened. More than 70% of its graduates enroll at Delaware State University.
A legacy expanding beyond Delaware
The early college model created at DSU is also being replicated outside the state.
In September 2025, HBCU Early College Prep opened in Jamaica, Queens, in partnership with New York City Public Schools. Delaware State University serves as the school's primary educational partner.
The school provides students with a tuition-free pathway to college credit and an associate degree, with guaranteed admission to Delaware State University.
DSU President Dr. Tony Allen said the program's expansion shows how the model has expanded beyond Delaware.
"We have 700 students here today and another 200 in New York City through our HBCU Early College Prep," Allen said. "So the model is not only showing itself well here in Delaware, but is also going to major metropolitan areas across the country."
Williams family announces $1 million endowment
The dedication ceremony also included a new investment in the school.
The Williams family announced a $1 million endowment for the Early College School.
Allen said the contribution adds another chapter to the legacy of the couple who helped establish the program.
"It is no small moment for Dr. Williams, Harry and Robin to give $1 million to the Early College School," Allen said. "That is putting your money where your mouth is."
For Williams, seeing the school continue to grow is part of the vision he and his wife began more than a decade ago.
The Williams School will continue serving students in grades seven through 12 on Delaware State University's campus in Dover.
