For Dywan Williams of Omaha, crossing the stage at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Commencement represents more than earning a degree. It is the result of years of perseverance to create a better future for himself and his daughter, D’Ava.

Williams became a father during his junior year at Omaha North High School. Determined to be there for his daughter while also earning a degree in accounting from the College of Business, he learned how to balance the challenges of college and parenting.

"Graduating is a tool for a better life. It changes what my daughter can expect for her future," he said. "At first, I thought it would be stressful, but her mom is amazing. It has been smoother than I would have imagined."

Planning for their future, Williams accepted a full-time job offer at EY, one of the Big Four accounting firms, and will return to Nebraska Business this fall to pursue a Master of Professional Accountancy and prepare for the CPA exam.

"It is exciting. I felt a lot of pressure in the beginning, but now that graduation is so close, it is more excitement than pressure,” he said. “When I started college, I was worried I would not make it because my older siblings didn't. Every year I wondered, 'Is this going to be the year?' But I kept pushing through."

Williams credits much of his determination and mindset to an early mentor, Willie Stennis. The two met when Williams was a teenager mowing lawns in his North Omaha neighborhood. Stennis gave him advice that ultimately led him to being named to the college's Dean's List multiple times.

"Willie told me there are three things you can do in college: study, get involved or party. You can only pick two,” Williams said. “If you try to do all three, you will not make it. So I decided I was just going to focus on my studies.”

That focus paid off as Williams earned a full-ride scholarship to Nebraska by participating in the Nebraska College Preparatory Academy (NCPA) as a high school student. The program helped him find community and confidence as a first-generation college student.

In spring 2022, he took a class about CliftonStrengths through a partnership between the university's Clifton Strengths Institute and NCPA and learned how to develop his greatest talents.

“The goals of the course were to help students become more self-aware and confident in their strengths as they prepare to navigate the challenges of higher education,” said Timothy Hodges, Joan Heiser Endowed Presidential Chair, executive director of the Clifton Strengths Institute and assistant professor of practice in management. “Dywan was a standout student throughout the class, and I could clearly see his special leadership qualities. He’s a deep thinker and an incredibly hard worker with high standards for himself and for others.”

That course sparked Williams’ interest in strengths-based development. After his first year in college, he became a student strengths coach with the institute and continued mentoring students throughout his undergraduate experience. At a reception held by the Clifton Strengths Institute on May 1, he was honored with the Outstanding Strengths Coach award.

“This honor is a true reflection of who Dywan is—not just in the work he does, but in the heart, dedication and spirit he brings every single day,” said Alyson Lenz, assistant director of the Strengths Program. “What makes him truly stand out is not just his ability to achieve, but the way he genuinely cares. As a coach and a friend, he exemplifies what it means to lead with authenticity, kindness and a deep sense of purpose.”

Hodges shared that he had the privilege of calling Williams’ mother to let her know about the award ahead of the ceremony.

“She was so proud she was crying at her desk at work,” he said. “We had a great few minutes on the phone to share how proud we both are of him. I’ve enjoyed having a front row seat to see his collegiate and early career success.”

In March, Williams traveled outside the U.S. for the first time to Malaysia with the Clifton Strengths Institute to lead CliftonStrengths® workshops for students at four institutions. He said the experience reminded him of the power of human connection.

“This experience taught me to stay curious and not have a preconceived notion of something or someone before you are in front of them,” he said. “Staying curious is key.”

Williams initially entered college as a computer engineering major but quickly realized it was not the right fit. His love for numbers, sparked by memories of his grandfather’s trucking business, led him to switch to the College of Business and pursue accounting.

Through internships at EY, including a rotational experience and a busy season tax internship, he found his place in the profession. He credits faculty like Steven Hegemann, associate professor of practice in accountancy, and Samuel Melessa, associate professor of accountancy, for supporting his growth and helping him believe in his potential.

“Dywan is a model accounting student,” Melessa said. “He was always prepared for class, fully engaged in discussions and consistently lifted those around him. I am certain he will be very successful as a graduate student and in his future professional endeavors.”

As he looks ahead to graduate school, a career in accounting and continued service in his community, Williams stays grounded in gratitude for those who helped him along the way.

“I am not here because of what I did alone,” he said. “Other people poured into me and invested in me, and I plan to do the same for others."

Video: Dear Malaysia - Nebraska Students Reflect on Strengths Coaching Experience

Williams was one of 12 student strengths coaches who traveled more than 8,600 miles to Malaysia for a hands-on coaching experience that left a lasting impression—both on them and the Malaysian students they met. Through their own words in heartfelt letters, these business majors reflect on the people, culture and life-changing moments that made this study abroad experience with the Clifton Strengths Institute unforgettable.