Emma Bennett-Williams ’07 Chief of Staff at Fort Valley State University

California Western School of Law is pleased to announce that Emma Bennett-Williams ’07 has assumed the role of Chief of Staff at Fort Valley State University (FVSU), in Fort Valley, Georgia. Emma began her role on December 1, 2023, having previously served as the interim chief of staff and chief legal officer, in addition to two years as an adjunct professor at the school. As chief of staff, she provides leadership and operational oversight to the Office of the President in fulfilling the University’s mission and strategic priorities. 

Emma joined Fort Valley State University’s Office of Legal and Government Affairs in 2019, overseeing the University’s legal affairs and advising administration on compliance issues. Before joining FVSU, Emma was an Assistant City Attorney in Columbia, South Carolina, and a staff attorney with the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission.

FVSU President Dr. Paul Jones said, “Emma Bennett-Williams has proven herself to be an exceptional leader during her time as interim chief of staff. Her legal knowledge, strategic vision, and commitment to our University's values make her the ideal choice for this critical position. We look forward to her continued contributions to the success and growth of Fort Valley State University.”

Emma is a member of the National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA) and serves on the NACUA Legal Resource Library Committee. She also holds the position of Treasurer for the University System of Georgia’s Equity and Compliance Officers Association. 

While at California Western, Emma was Chief Financial Officer of the Moot Court Honors Board and a member of the Black Law Students Association. She participated in the American Bar Association (ABA)’s Minority Judicial Clerkship Program and the ABA’s ERISA Institute. She received her J.D. with a concentration in Employment and Labor Law.