(Columbus, OH) -- The Wellington School is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Nicholas Williams as its new Director of Athletics and Physical Education, effective July 1, 2025. Dr. Williams will lead Wellington’s Little Jags–grade 12 athletic and physical education programming while bringing his extensive experience in athletics, student programming, and independent school leadership.
“Dr. Williams’s dedication to fostering excellence in athletics and physical well-being is evident in his career and his personal journey as a student-athlete,” said Eliza McLaren, Wellington’s Head of School. “His passion and leadership will inspire our students to grow both on and off the field.”
Dr. Williams joins Wellington from Vanderbilt University, where he served as a project manager in the student life department. Over his career, he has worked as an athletic administrator, student programming coordinator, coach, and physical education teacher across lower, middle, and high school divisions. His own experiences as a state championship-winning varsity athlete and four-year Division I track and field student-athlete at High Point University, where he graduated cum laude, have shaped his deep belief in the transformative power of athletics.
Dr. Williams earned a Doctor of Education degree in leadership from Vanderbilt University, focusing his research on student-athlete belonging and success. Reflecting on his new role, Dr. Williams said, “I am both humbled and exhilarated to join the extraordinary Wellington community as the Director of Athletics and Physical Education. With deep knowledge and passion for fostering excellence in athletics and physical well-being, I look forward to inspiring our students and helping them succeed.”
Fun Fact: Dr. Williams began his educational journey at Wellington as a prekindergarten student before moving to Nashville, where his father served as the Athletic Director at Vanderbilt University for 19 years. Dr. Williams remains in touch with several of his Wellington classmates, including alumni board member and Wellington Trustee, Jacob Robinson '10.
Dr. Williams’s appointment represents Wellington’s commitment to aligning its athletic and physical education leadership with its broader mission to prepare students for tomorrow’s world.
ABOUT WELLINGTON:
Founded in 1982 by a group of local entrepreneurs as Columbus’ first coeducational independent school, Wellington is home to lifelong learners and lifelong leaders. Our 700 students, from three-year-olds to 12th graders, thrive as part of a community where the thrill of pursuing new experiences ignites curiosity and joy. With a focus on passion-driven learning guided by students’ interests, Wellington fosters an entrepreneurial mindset for today’s generation to tackle tomorrow’s challenges. Diversity is foundational to our educational philosophy because a greater sense of belonging leads to better learning. With students from 52 zip codes and 67 countries of origin, our community represents an array of identities. Learn more about the Wellington experience at www.wellington.org.
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