Michelle Williams is adding college student to her already lengthy résumé.
The Destiny’s Child singer revealed Tuesday, Sept. 22, that she has returned to college. Williams is currently a sophomore at Regent University, where she is studying psychology.
Williams, 47, shared the news on Instagram while wearing a green Regent University shirt.
“Chiiiiiiiiile, your girl is back in school!! 💚” Williams wrote.
The singer admitted she initially considered keeping her latest chapter private. She had not even shared the news with some people closest to her.
“I talked myself out of posting this! I didn’t even tell family and friends because of the intrusive thought ‘what if you don’t finish?’ 💙” Williams wrote.
Despite those doubts, Williams said she is committed to completing her education.
“I’m going to finish, and I’m going to finish strong. 💚”
Williams also brought her signature humor to the announcement.
“Sophomore at @regentuniversity studying psychology because y’all need help! LOLOL (just kidding….kinda),” she continued. “My advisors and professors have been awesome!! 💙 Pray for my endurance and focus! 💚”
Williams returns to an unfinished goal
Williams’ return to college marks a continuation of an educational journey she began decades ago.
After graduating from high school, she attended Illinois State University and studied criminal justice. She left the university after about two years to pursue a career in music.
That decision eventually placed Williams on one of the biggest stages in R&B and pop music.
Williams joined Destiny’s Child in 2000 alongside Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and Kelly Rowland. She appeared in the music video for the group’s hit “Say My Name” that same year.
The trio went on to release hits including “Survivor,” “Bootylicious,” “Lose My Breath” and “Soldier.”
Outside the group, Williams established a successful solo gospel career. She has also built an extensive résumé in theater. Most recently, Williams starred as Viola Van Horn in Broadway’s “Death Becomes Her.”
Her decision to study psychology also connects with a subject Williams has discussed publicly for years. Williams has previously spoken about her experiences with depression and seeking professional treatment. In 2021, she released the memoir “Checking In: How Getting Real About Depression Saved My Life — and Can Save Yours.”
Kelly Rowland celebrates her latest chapter
Williams received plenty of encouragement after making her college life public.
That support included a message from longtime friend and Destiny’s Child groupmate Kelly Rowland.
“My Love!!! You GOT THIS!!! It goes without saying, my heart is so full!! This is YOUR TIME! 🥹🥰♥️,” Rowland commented.
Williams also appeared touched by the flood of encouragement from fans.
However, being a college student means social media responses sometimes have to wait.
“I see all the comments and I wanna respond but I gotta go read!! I love you all!!” Williams wrote. “Ps: I’d love some study tips for sure!!”
Regent University is a private Christian university based in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The school also offers online degree programs. Williams has not publicly specified whether she is completing her psychology studies online or on campus.
For now, she appears focused on finishing what she started years before Destiny’s Child changed the trajectory of her career. This time, Williams is approaching the classroom with decades of life experience behind her — and a community cheering her toward graduation.