Antoine D. Williams
Antoine D. Williams is an award-winning actor, filmmaker, media professional, and educator who serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mass Communications at Virginia State University (VSU). A proud native of Chicago, Illinois, Williams brings a multidisciplinary background spanning film and television production, digital media, performance, storytelling, and higher education into the classroom.
Williams earned his Associate of Arts and Sciences from Southside Virginia Community College, followed by a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications and Master of Arts in Media Management from Virginia State University. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Administration and Supervision at VSU, with developing scholarly interests in media education, digital storytelling, emerging technology, career readiness, higher education leadership, and student success.
An accomplished performer and creative professional, Williams have received multiple awards throughout his career. He received an Ebbie Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the stage production His Hands in 2003 and an Ebbie Award for Best Lead Actor for The Villager in 2005. In 2017, he received a Laurel Award for Best Actor, and Best Cast for his performance in the short film Life In 5 at the Atlanta Film Festival, and Christian Film Festival. His professional service within the television industry also includes serving, since 2016, as a professional judge for competitions administered by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (The Emmys).
Williams' professional experience spans film, television, broadcast media, photography, digital content creation, and production. His screen and production experience includes projects associated with The Walking Dead, TURN: Washington's Spies, Homeland, Harriet, Burning Sands, True Conviction, The Walking Dead: World Beyond, and For My Man. His behind-the-camera credits include work as a Second Assistant Director, Associate Producer, Documentary Assistant, Production Assistant, and Executive Producer.
Beyond traditional media, Williams has established a digital presence through social media and content creation, producing entertainment, comedic, gaming, and family-oriented content for online audiences. His experience within the creator economy has included collaborations with national and digital brands, further informing his understanding of contemporary media, audience engagement, personal branding, and emerging forms of storytelling.
Before returning to his alma mater as a faculty member in 2022, Williams taught courses in filmmaking, acting, graphic design, digital media arts, digital branding, and post-production at Longwood University, The Art Institute of Virginia Beach, Southern New Hampshire University, and other accredited online art and design institutions as well. At Virginia State University, his teaching and creative practice focus on screenwriting, filmmaking, cinematography, public presentation, digital storytelling, and media production.
In addition to teaching and creative scholarship, Williams is actively engaged in university service and shared governance at Virginia State University. He serves as an elected Faculty Senator representing the Department of Mass Communications and as Assistant Secretary of the VSU Faculty Senate. Through faculty governance and departmental service, Williams contributes to initiatives supporting academic excellence, institutional advancement, faculty engagement, technology, and the continued growth of the university community.
Through the intersection of higher education, professional media practice, creative scholarship, and university leadership, Williams is committed to mentoring emerging storytellers and preparing students to become creative, innovative, adaptable, and professionally prepared leaders in today's rapidly evolving media landscape. His work reflects a commitment to using education and storytelling as vehicles for creativity, opportunity, professional development, and meaningful impact.
Areas of Expertise:
- Filmmaking & Film Production
- Screenwriting & Visual Storytelling
- Cinematography
- Digital Media & Content Creation
- Acting & Performance for the Camera
- Public Speaking & Presentation
- Media Production & Broadcast Technology
- Social Media & Audience Engagement
- Creative Podcasting for Digital Platforms
- Digital Branding & Graphic Design
Academic & University Leadership:
- Assistant Professor, Department of Mass Communications — Virginia State University
- Assistant Professor, Department of Mass Communications — Virginia State University - Media Work-Study Supervisor, Department of Mass Communications Camera Equipment Office
- Assistant Secretary, Virginia State University Faculty Senate - Faculty Senator, Department of Mass Communications
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Doctoral Student — Educational Administration & Supervision, Virginia State University