Assistant coach Melvin Williams has been named acting head coach for the women's basketball program, effective immediately.

Williams is in his second year as a member of the MVSU women's basketball coaching staff. Prior to his arrival at Mississippi Valley, Williams served a three-year stint at Alabama A&M where he served as assistant coach for the Lady Bulldogs from 2010-13. From April to May of 2013, Williams worked as the team's interim head coach.

He also served as an assistant coach at Georgia Perimeter and Cumberland University. Williams' leadership abilities were sharpen as the head women's coach at Tennessee Temple University and Chattanooga State (men and women's).

After graduating from high school, Williams began a career with the U.S. Navy where he was a four-year letter winner for the basketball team. He was tabbed to the All-Tournament team in 1985. He officially began his coaching career in 1992 on the high school level in Georgia under Hall of Fame coach Lawanza Crutcher.

A graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, Williams earned his bachelor's degree in engineering technology.