Nathan Williams graduated from Eastern New Mexico University in 1993 with his bachelor's in political science and history. Williams is the Deputy Director of Finance and Operations for the New Mexico Public Education Department. Williams' focus is on finance and operations, making sure that the grant programs for community schools can run efficiently. "In a state like ours, students have needs that stretch beyond the classroom, and the community schools try to pool the resources of the community to meet those needs," he said.

Williams grew up in Menominee, Wisconsin but enjoyed the size of Eastern and its location. Williams made lifelong friends while attending ENMU. "We have been in each other's weddings," he said. During his time at Eastern, Williams was an active member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, he was student body president and was on the speech and debate team. Government and history have always interested him, and ENMU's professors sparked his love of learning. "Eastern was a good place to grow into adulthood because you had professors who really cared about you as an individual," he said. After Williams graduated from Eastern, he worked on political campaigns and labor unions traveling all over the U.S. and living in 14 states before moving back to New Mexico.

"New Mexico is unique in a lot of ways... New Mexico just became like home to me," he said. Being able to see the changes that happen at the schools is one of the most rewarding parts of his job. Williams was active in student government while at ENMU, which helped him learn how the state works and the culture of the state, allowing him to make connections. "I think [ENMU] was a really good environment to really try things, push your boundaries, and take on new challenges," he said. Williams is currently on the ENMU Alumni Association Board and enjoys visiting for Homecoming.