HFC welcomes Dr. Fred Williams, sports management lead faculty

Involvement in athletics from high school through college led Dr. Fred Williams to pursue a career in exercise science.

“I played basketball and ran track in high school. I didn’t continue my athletic career in college, but I did work out with my friends,” said Williams. “I have always been physically active.”

Learning through teaching

The eldest of three, Williams was born in Sault Ste. Marie and now resides in Dearborn. After graduating from Sault Area High School, he enrolled in Lake Superior State University, where he earned his associate degree in health and fitness and his bachelor’s degree in exercise science.

He then earned his master’s degree in exercise physiology from Northern Michigan University, and later earned his doctoral degree in sports management from the University of New Mexico. He is also a certified black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, which he has taught for six years.

Williams has worked in higher education since 2012. Previously, he taught at Lake Superior State, Northern Michigan, and New Mexico. At Lake Superior State, he served as the strength and conditioning coach for all the sports teams. He joined HFC just in time for the Fall 2025 semester and will head up the College’s new sports management program.

“One of my big passions is learning. I’m a lifelong learner. One of the best ways I can learn is through teaching,” he said. “When you work with people who are as passionate as you are, you see them get really good. There’s no denying it’s a good feeling.”

Uniquely positioned to lead a new program toward great student outcomes

Williams said one of the reasons he came to HFC was the opportunity to lead the sports management program. Williams wants to shape this new program and guide its destiny. He also has family in the local area.

“The College’s values lined up with mine,” he said. “Teaching here was an excellent opportunity that I couldn’t pass up!”

His supervisor is Dean Cyndi Scheuer of the HFC School of Health and Human Services (HHS). This semester, Williams is teaching the following classes:

• Exercise Physiology
• Introduction to Nutrition
• Introduction to Exercise Science

“With graduate degrees in exercise science and sports management and experience in teaching and shared governance, Dr. Williams is uniquely positioned to lead our new program to great outcomes for our students,” said HFC Director of Health, Education, and Human Services Dr. Cristina Bailey. “As the fields of exercise science and sports management are expanding in the United States and globally, these programs present wonderful opportunities for work in exciting new jobs in science, health care, and management.

Williams confessed he didn’t know what to expect when he joined HFC. His doubts were erased on the first day of classes.

“The students here are fantastic! They’re engaged and are asking questions. If this is only a prelude, I will really enjoy my time here! I’m definitely looking forward to coming into work every day and mentoring them,” he said. “I really enjoy taking a lesson and making it into a conversation that builds on their experiences. One of the best feelings in teaching is the unprompted question. It means they’re listening and feel comfortable enough asking questions rather than just having me pose questions to them.”