Denise Williams

Recent and upcoming courses

Fall 2025

• MGMT 320: Organizational Behavior
• ENTR 400: Innovative Mindset in a Diverse Economy

Biography

Dr. Denise E. Williams (“Dr. DEW”) is a tenured, full professor and department chair of Management, Entrepreneurship, and Human Resource Management in the College of Business and Management at Metropolitan State University.

Teaching and Research: Focus on innovative mindset, organizational behavior, diversity in the workplace, women leadership, entrepreneurial behavior and creativity, and career readiness.

Education: PhD from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University; an MBA from The Wharton School of Business at University of Pennsylvania; and a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Spelman College, Atlanta, Georgia,

Philosophy: Committed to empowering learners to reach their highest potential, build confidence, and celebrate the power of their cultural and lived-experience.

Experience: Williams combines an extensive intrapreneurial management career with national corporate leaders and a transformational coaching lens into experiential learning experiences. With 25 years in management with national and international corporate leaders, Williams has been appointed by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to the Explore Minnesota for Business Council. Prior community engagement on boards of Junior Achievement North, National Association of Women Business Owners, and Women Business Development Center advisory with acknowledgement by MN SBA as “Veteran Small Business Champion”. Williams serves as a certified coach and provides executive and learner coaching programs toward flourishing, inspiration, relational richness, and entrepreneurial mindset. Also, provides community leadership empowerment, motivational speaking, and collaborative initiatives.