Demarcus Williams [BGD ’03] embodies the NC State spirit of think and do – driven, passionate and committed to giving back. His journey from an undergraduate student navigating college life to a successful marketing and communications professional was supported by a host of faculty in the graphic design program, particularly Kermit Bailey. Now, Williams is establishing a scholarship in Bailey’s name, hoping to provide the same support he received to future generations of designers.
Williams’s time at the College of Design wasn’t always laser-focused. He readily admits to wanting the full college experience, including Greek life and sports, but the demanding curriculum of the design program required a shift in priorities. “It took me a little while to buy in,” Williams confesses. “Once I did, I really fell in love with the idea of being a designer.”
That transformation was fueled by the dedication of the College of Design faculty. Among them was Kermit Bailey. “To see a faculty member that looks like me, who is teaching, instructing, critiquing and challenging all students to be successful – He demanded excellence of all his students. And that has followed me throughout my career.”
Bailey reflects on his role as a connector. “I’ve come to a greater appreciation of being that bridge for people, the positive representation,” he says. He equates it to a coaching role, where the players have to be receptive to being coached. “Demarcus allowed me to teach him,” Bailey adds.
While Williams’ career path has shifted from hands-on design to marketing and communication, the foundation he built at the College of Design remains invaluable. Currently, he serves as the associate vice president of global marketing and communication at Saint Augustine’s University as well as the director of communications for North Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities (NCICU). He has also been recognized as part of the 2024-2025 class of Leadership North Carolina and serves on the board of directors for the NC State Alumni Association.
“My foundation of being able to tell stories, whether visually or now through writing, being able to solve problems, critically find solutions, explain the process – all of those things I carry with me,” he explains.
He credits not only Bailey, but also other faculty members like Meredith Davis, Tony Brock, Maura Dillon and Denise Gonzalez Crisp, and staff like Marva Motley, for their instrumental roles in shaping his design education. He speaks highly of the College of Design’s forward-thinking approach, its interdisciplinary focus, and its commitment to showcasing the value of design in all its forms. “We should always be thinking and doing what’s next,” he adds. “It aligns with what the College of Design is all about.”
Bailey is proud of the work Williams is doing, both professionally and in connections through his church to mentor other young people. “It’s one of the biggest compliments to any faculty member – to see that person be a major contributor to society, in a leadership role. Having him come back to make this gift is full circle,” Bailey adds.
Williams’ decision to create a scholarship in Bailey’s honor stems from a desire to give back to the institution that shaped him and to acknowledge the professor who played such a significant role in his journey. He also hopes to inspire students who, like him, may need a little time to find their footing.
Williams set up an immediate impact scholarship to provide critical support to graphic & experience design students within the next academic year. Scholarships like these help promising future designers pursue their degrees, afford their education, and alleviate the burden of student loans.
“This scholarship program that NC State has is a great way for alumni of all income brackets to still make a meaningful contribution to their area of passion,” Williams explains. He encourages other alumni to explore this opportunity, emphasizing the impact even a non-endowed scholarship can have on a student’s life. “This is something that I can do for where I am now,” he says. “And do it in a way that I can feel is impactful and acknowledge those that were instrumental in my journey.”
This is something that I can do for where I am now,” he says. “And do it in a way that I can feel is impactful and acknowledge those that were instrumental in my journey.
Bailey hopes that the model will inspire other alumni to give similarly. “It’s very meaningful for the students when they see the place that they’ve committed four years of their time is committed to them,” he says. “The positive thing is that we always have qualified students. And this is just one more thing that says ‘keep going, see it through.’”
Demarcus Williams’ story is a testament to the power of mentorship, the importance of representation, and the enduring impact of a College of Design education. His scholarship will undoubtedly create opportunities for future designers, carrying forward the legacy of excellence that Kermit Bailey instilled in him.
If you are interested in making a gift to the College of Design, please reach out to Alex Wilkinson, associate director of philanthropy.
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