Former W&M rector, WMF chair, FCC chair to welcome Class of 2030 at Convocation

Michael K. Powell '85, D.P.S. '02 will welcome William & Mary students this month at Opening Convocation on Aug. 26.

A former chair of the Federal Communications Commission, Powell currently serves as a senior moderator for the Aspen Institute and is a sought-after and engaging public speaker. He previously served as rector of the university and chair of the William & Mary Foundation. (Photo by Alfred Herczeg)

Michael K. Powell '85, D.P.S. '02, who has devoted his life to public service and his alma mater, will welcome William & Mary's newest students at this year's Opening Convocation ceremony on Aug. 26.

The event, a William & Mary tradition that marks the beginning of the academic year, is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. in the Wren Yard. All new students - undergraduate, graduate and transfer - are invited to participate.

A former chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Powell currently serves as a senior moderator for the Aspen Institute and is a sought-after and engaging public speaker. He's an ardent supporter of his alma mater and previously served as rector of the university and chair of the William & Mary Foundation.

Powell's participation in Opening Convocation coincides with the university's Year of Civic Leadership, which recognizes William & Mary's enduring commitment to service, public stewardship and leadership in service of the common good.

"We welcome students to our nation's alma mater with all due hoopla and moments of reflection on the adventures ahead of them," said President Katherine A. Rowe. "We are delighted that our very own Michael Powell will greet newcomers during the U.S. Quarter Millennium. A nationally recognized leader, his warmth and thoughtfulness will be an inspiring prelude to their time on campus."

While an undergraduate at William & Mary, Powell studied government and was a member of Theta Delta Chi, Omicron Delta Kappa and the gymnastics team. He also served as a president's aide and participated in ROTC, where he became the first Black commander of the Corps of Cadets. He was commissioned into the U.S. Army by his father, Gen. Colin L. Powell D.P.S. '88, P '85, P '87, P '92, who later served as the 65th U.S. secretary of state. Colin Powell spoke at William & Mary's 1988 Commencement ceremony and received an honorary degree.

After experiencing a serious injury while in the Army, Michael Powell drew on his academic background to become an advisor to the secretary of defense. He earned a law degree from Georgetown University and clerked with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. In 1997, he became the chief of staff for the Department of Justice's antitrust division under U.S. President Bill Clinton. U.S. President George W. Bush later appointed him chair of the FCC. Following his time with the FCC, he worked as a senior advisor for Providence Equity Partners. In 2011, he became president and CEO of NCTA - The Internet and Television Association.

An engaged alumnus, Powell was appointed as a member of the W&M Board of Visitors in 2001 and served on the governing body of the university until 2009. He led the board for three years, making history as the university's first Black rector. Among his many accomplishments in that role was the selection of W. Taylor Reveley III HON '18, LL.D. '18 as 27th president of the university.[Text Wrapping Break][Text Wrapping Break]Powell also served on the W&M Foundation Board of Trustees twice and chaired the board. In that role, Powell oversaw a restructuring that led to greater synergy and efficiency, together with significant fundraising progress and endowment growth for the benefit of the university, including the successful completion of its largest campaign to date, For the Bold. For his contributions, he was named a trustee emeritus.

Powell also served on the Reves Center for International Studies Advisory Board, and he has been a frequent speaker at William & Mary and regular participant in programs at the Washington Center. In 2016, he and his wife, Jane Knott Powell '85, served as grand marshals for W&M's Homecoming & Reunion Weekend.

Throughout the years, the Powells have generously contributed to a number of initiatives, including the Powell Leadership Scholarship Endowment, the Powell D.C. Summer Institutes Scholarship, the Powell W&M Posse Scholars Program Fund, the Commitment to Service Scholarship in Military Science/ROTC Fund and the Center for Mindfulness and Authentic Excellence Fund. In 2021, the Colin Powell Global Engagement Scholarship was established to honor the leadership of both Powell and his father. The scholarship supports students interested in studying abroad.

For all of his contributions, Powell received an honorary doctorate from the university in 2002 at the Charter Day ceremony, and nine years later, he was awarded an Alumni Medallion.

In his role with the Aspen Institute, Powell serves as an advisor and moderator for the institute's seminars, including the Aspen Executive Seminar and Henry Crown Fellowship. In addition to his service to William & Mary, Powell has been a member of numerous other boards, the National Archives Foundation, Cisco, AOL and RAND Corp. Powell joined the Mayo Clinic Board of Trustees in 2011 and served as its chair from 2021 to 2025. He is currently vice chair of America's Promise Alliance. In 2022, he was inducted into the U.S. Army ROTC Hall of Fame.

Erin Jay, Senior Associate Director of University News

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