As Assistant Dean of New Programs, Vanessa Williams is responsible for developing new programs for Rutgers Law School that expand curricular offerings and reach audiences beyond J.D. students. Prior to joining Rutgers Law in January 2021, Vanessa was Assistant Director of Continuing Education in Temple University's University College. In that role, she managed a portfolio of professional development programs, including open-enrollment certificate programs, corporate trainings, newly-developed online asynchronous trainings for a Pennsylvania state agency, programs for returning citizens, and more. She also taught topics including emotional intelligence, strengths-based approaches, business skills, and Microsoft Excel.

Vanessa received her Ph.D. in Music History from the University of Pennsylvania in 2017. She taught topics in music history and theory at the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University before moving to specialize in instructional design, adult learning, and program development. 

Vanessa is a member of the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA), and was the recipient of UPCEA's 2021 Alexander Charters Emerging Professional Continuing Educator award for the Mid-Atlantic region and the 2022 Adelle F. Robertson Emerging Professional Continuing Educator Award for the national association. She also received UPCEA's 2021 Engagement Award (Mid-Atlantic region) for a project developed in partnership with Project HOME, and the 2018 Outstanding Non-Credit Program Award (Mid-Atlantic region) for a certificate program for returning citizens in Urban Green and Sustainable Landcare. Vanessa is the 2022-23 Chair of UPCEA's national Program Planning and Implementation committee.