When 2025 graduate Desiray Williams thinks about her journey from Detroit to the banks of the Huron River, one song rises to the surface — “God Has Smiled on Me.” Its steady, soulful refrain mirrors the path that led her to Concordia University Ann Arbor, where she discovered not only a graduate program, but a calling.
Now completing her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with teacher certification, the third-grade teacher sees her Concordia story as evidence of God’s gentle guidance — opening doors, shaping purpose, and equipping her to serve her students with joy, resilience and Christ-centered hope.
“I originally was not looking to pursue my master’s,” Williams said. “I was going to get my bachelor’s and be done. However, I truly believe it was God who brought me to Concordia.”
Shaped by faith
She continued by telling how some free time turned into a visit to a graduate school fair, where she suddenly felt the desire to pursue her master’s. “When I learned Concordia was Christian-based, I was encouraged to pursue a degree here. The professors have truly shaped me. They really care about you. I also love how they tie our assignments to faith.”
Williams speaks highly of the professors who guided her journey, and in turn, those same faculty members describe her as a dedicated, joy-filled educator who embodies Concordia’s mission.
“Desiray is a gem,” said Dr. Sara Clemm Von Hohenberg, associate professor of Education and director of the Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction with Elementary and Secondary Teacher Certification Program.
Von Hohenberg continued: “She fulfills the meaning of Live Uncommon in everything that she does. I have witnessed Desiray blossom into a confident, creative teacher throughout her time in the program. She cares deeply for her students and truly wants them to succeed. She doesn’t hesitate to implement the innovative strategies she has learned in her course work directly into her teaching. She is a role model to her peers and leads by example. We are so thankful she is a graduate of our program.”
Third grade and loving it
Initially, Williams began her career teaching pre-K, but she said she burned out quickly. She was reminded by her university supervisor, Professor Barb Banyai, that self-care is important and it is ok to try a different school. Now, Williams is teaching third grade and she enjoys it.
“I always said, out of fear, that I would teach no grade higher than first grade,” Williams said. “Now here I am a third-grade teacher and I love it! Moral of the story, don’t limit God. If it’s God’s will it will happen, so don’t doubt, even if it doesn’t look possible.”
She credits Jesus for guiding her through school and her career, noting that she is the only one of 13 children in her family to receive a high school diploma, bachelor’s degree and now master’s degree. “I have experienced homelessness, abuse and many other adversities,” she said. “However, my faith in God is what has brought me this far. I hope to carry the mission and values of Concordia into the world by creating my own faith-based curriculum. Concordia has shown me it’s possible to connect teaching to faith.”
Williams was the class speaker at the December 2025 graduation.
At a Glance
- Who has made the biggest impact on your college journey? “My boyfriend because he has been so encouraging and sweet to me. I wish I had this support in undergrad because I believe I would have stayed on track and graduated sooner. He has kept me going by praying for me and encouraging me daily.”
- What does graduation mean to you in one word or phrase? More opportunities
- If your life had a theme song right now, what would it be? “God Has Smiled on Me”
- What are your go-to comfort foods when you need a pick-me-up? Chicken and chocolate
- If you could teleport anywhere for a weekend getaway, where would you go? Chicago
- What’s something small that never fails to make you laugh or smile? The television show, “The Office”
Editor’s note
This is one in a series of stories highlighting a few of Concordia’s uncommon graduates. Faculty and staff submit candidates for consideration. Stories are posted in the days leading up to or after commencement. View more uncommon graduates here.
Want in?
Concordia University Ann Arbor is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.
Click here to view a full list of the programs.