Dr. Michael Steven Williams is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis at the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Missouri. His research program broadly focuses on inclusion, diversity, equity, the social-psychological development of students, and institutional excellence in American postsecondary education. Specifically, he centers his inquiry on two aspects of higher education: (a) interpersonal relationships, particularly socialization and mentoring for students, administrators, and faculty, and (b) the institution, focusing on organizational improvement and accountability through multi-pronged assessment and evaluation.