James R. Williams
James R. Williams joined the Ball State University Foundation Board of Directors in November 2017.
Williams graduated Summa Cum Laude from Wabash College in 1988 with a BA in history and earned his JD, Cum Laude, from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 1991. He serves Ball State as an adjunct professor of higher education law. Williams is a member of Leaders & Loyals and Cardinal Varsity Club, and is a proud supporter of Ball State athletics. He also served on the Ball State Bold Campaign subcommittee for the Muncie/Delaware County area.
Currently, Williams serves as a the president of the Muncie Community School Board of Directors, and as chair of BY5, an organization for early childhood awareness in Muncie and Delaware County. He is the Union County attorney, a class agent for Sigma Chi at Wabash College, a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and of the First Presbyterian Church of Muncie. Williams is an affiliate of multiple legal associations, including the Muncie Bar Association, the Indiana State Bar Association, the Indiana Judges Association, the National Association of College and University Attorneys, and the Association of Indiana Counties.
Williams is a partner and member of the management committee of DeFur Voran, LLP, Muncie. He is also a certified mediator and arbitrator, and is registered as a private judge by the Indiana Division of State Court Administration. Prior to this, Williams served as a judge in the Union Country Circuit Court from 1998-2008. He's published articles on higher education, trial and appellate practice, and mediation.
Williams and his wife, Jennifer, live in Muncie. They have two children, Leah and Sam.