Major Dwayne Williams Memorial Current Use Scholarship

Major Dwayne Williams was a native of Jacksonville, Alabama. Major Williams received a football scholarship from The University of North Alabama. Major Williams graduated with a degree in marketing. It was there that he met his wife of 18 years, the former Tammy Cooper of Florence, Alabama.

Major Williams enlisted in the United States Army in January of 1984. He served as an enlisted soldier for four years before making the decision to attend Officer Candidate School. In February 1988, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant into the Adjutant General Corps after attending the United States Army Officer Candidate School where he graduated as the Distinguished Military Graduate.

Major Williams’ military education included the Basic Airborne course, Jungle Warfare School, Ranger School, Adjutant General’s Corps Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Combined Arms and Services Staff School, and the Army Command and General Staff College. He served in the Persian Gulf War and was assigned to the Pentagon in July of 2001. Buildings have been dedicated in his honor in Ft. Leavenworth, KS as well as Ft. Jackson, SC.

In each of his assignments, Major Williams served with esteem, professionalism, and pride. He loved his career, the Army, and his country. He dedicated his life to the service of his family and his nation. He touched hundreds of lives with his enthusiasm, energy, and love of God and country. He mentored young officers and provided wise counsel and guidance to his soldiers and non-commissioned officers. America’s soldiers were well cared for and well trained under the leadership of Major Dwayne Williams.

Major Williams loved serving his country. Serving as a soldier only came second to God and family. He believed in education and that KNOWLEDGE is POWER. At the time of his death, Major Williams was working on his master’s degree. Major Williams’ life and career was ended abruptly by the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001, when a plane flew into the Pentagon.

He strived to be the best that he could be as a SON, BROTHER, HUSBAND, FATHER, SOFTBALL PLAYER, and as a SOLDIER. His smile will always be a ray of sunshine for those that were blessed to see it and his laughter was like no other. Major Williams has left a legacy of JOY, PRIDE, LOVE, FAITHFULNESS, and INTEGRITY. Major Williams is survived by his wife Tammy, his son Shelby, his daughter Kelsie, a host of family, and a multitude of friends across the country.

The recipient recommendations will be selected by the Office of Student Financial Services in consultation with the Chief Diversity Officer.