Wendi S. Williams, PhD, provost and senior vice president at Fielding Graduate University, has been elected the 2026 president of the American Psychological Association (APA).

Williams is a psychologist, advocate, and educator who focuses on the inner lives of Black women and girls. She blends ideas from liberation psychology and various feminist perspectives to guide her work. Her programs aim at personal and organizational growth for individuals, groups, and organizations. Williams's goal as a psychologist is to help diverse women and girls thrive while pushing for meaningful change in organizations and society.

“In our increasingly complex world, the science and practice of psychology play a crucial role in offering insights and guidance into how we can enhance our lives and thrive collectively,” said Williams.

Williams highlights the power of psychologists when they educate and support the public to respond healthfully to challenges affecting individual and collective wellness.

An active APA member for over 16 years, Williams recently served as president of APA’s Division 35, the Society for the Psychology of Women. She was also Division 35’s representative to APA’s Council of Representatives. Previously, she was president of the Section on Black Women of Division 35 and a member of the APA Division 17 Presidential Taskforce Against Racism in K–12 Schools.

As APA president, Williams aims to realize her campaign slogan “Radically Well Together.”

“Psychologists are scientists, practitioners, advocates and teachers, but more than anything, we are leaders. The world needs us, and we need a healthier world,” she said. “Our campaign’s slogan refers to the translation and application of psychological science to promote wellness in our world. Throughout my career, I have served as a counseling psychologist, educator and leader in professional organizations including dedicated service to APA. It will be my honor to continue this journey as the next president of our association.”

Williams earned her BS in psychology from the University of California, Davis; an MA in general psychology from Pepperdine University; and a PhD in counseling psychology from Georgia State University. Besides her role at Fielding Graduate University, she serves as co-board chair for Girls Leadership.

Gary Wagenheim, chair of Fielding’s Board of Trustees congratulated Williams: “Since arriving at Fielding Provost Williams has been instrumental in continuous innovative solutions that benefit our students and entire Fielding community,” he said. “We know she will continue to make a difference with her dedicated passionate strategic leadership as APA president-elect in 2025 and as president in 2026.”

Williams is co-author of numerous journal articles and book chapters including books such as “Black Women at Work: On Refusal And Recovery”and “WE Matter!: Intersectional Anti-Racist Feminist Interventions with Black Girls And Women.” She also co-edited "APA Handbook on The Psychology Of Women."

She will serve as 2025 APA president-elect before becoming president on January 1st ,2026.