One of the university’s most prolific faculty researchers can now add another credit to his CV – being named the school’s top faculty member.
Professor of Marketing Michael Williams has been named the winner of the 2025-26 Outstanding Faculty Award.
Williams was surprised with the award during a recent class at the Meinders School of Business, where he has been a faculty member for more than 16 years.
"To say this was a surprise is an understatement," Williams said. "What a surprise and certainly a moment to always remember. It was wonderful to be able to share this recognition with students and staff and faculty colleagues."
In nominating Williams for the award, Meinders Interim Dean Bob Greve said the professor is "one of the most distinguished scholars and educators at our institution, whose exemplary contributions to teaching, research, and academic leadership have greatly elevated both the Meinders School of Business and Oklahoma City University as a whole."
Williams’ research focuses on areas such as buyer–seller interactions, interpersonal influence, customer development and retention, and organizational communication — all central to advancing contemporary marketing theory and practice.
His research has been presented in academic and professional meetings in the U.S. and Europe, and his publications include 64 peer-reviewed journal, monograph, and proceedings publications, including in the Journal of Personal Selling and Sales Management; the Journal of Business and Industrial Marketing; the Journal of Supply Chain Management; the Journal of Business Research; the Journal of Business to Business Marketing; the Quality Management Journal; and the Journal of Marketing Theory and Practice.
Williams also has co-authored 14 textbooks, served as special issue journal editor, and is active on journal editorial review boards as well as leadership roles in international academic conferences.
Greve noted that Williams makes an impact inside the classroom as well.
“Dr. Williams’ commitment to student success, coupled with his ability to integrate real-world business insights into the classroom, has enriched the academic experience for countless students,” Greve said.
Williams earlier served as associate dean at the Meinders School of Business, where he shepherded efforts that led to MSB’s initial AACSB accreditation and first reaccreditation five years later.
More recently, he was selected as an inaugural inductee into the National Conference in Sales Management Hall of Fame, adding to a lengthy list of honors and awards from his 30 years of experience in business and academics.
“Dr. Williams embodies the excellence, integrity, and impact that the Outstanding Faculty Award seeks to honor,” Greve said. “His sustained contributions to research, teaching, and professional service have made him an invaluable asset to Oklahoma City University.”
As this year’s Outstanding Faculty Award winner, Williams claims a cash prize and also earns the right to provide the keynote address for the university’s graduate commencement ceremony in May.
