University News

Williams Named Vice President for Student Services

May 22, 2017

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*Revised: Start date was listed incorrectly.

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL -- Ronald Williams, assistant vice president for academic affairs and interim vice president for student services at Western Illinois University, has been named the vice president for student services, effective June 1.

Williams has served as the interim vice president since January 2016, and as the assistant vice president for academic affairs since July 2008. He is also an associate professor in the Department of Educational Studies.

"We have an outstanding Division of Student Services at Western Illinois University. Under Dr. Williams' direction, along with the staff within the division, Western will continue its longstanding tradition of providing remarkable co-curricular experiences that enhance the University's educational opportunities," President Jack Thomas said. "Dr. Williams' academic and student affairs experience will further the mission of the division and the University."

As vice president for student services, Williams will work closely with the president's staff and is the main resource on matters related to student activity fees. He will provide direction and leadership for the delivery of student services in the areas of Admissions, Beu Health Center, Campus Recreation, Career Development, Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center, Casa Latina, Disability Resource Center, Electronic Student Services, Financial Aid, Go West Transit, Office of Student Activities, Student Assistance and Parent Services, Student Development, Student Judicial Programs, Student Publications, University Counseling Center, Mussatto Golf Course, University Housing and Dining services, University Union, WIU PACT Childcare and the Women's Center. As the the vice president, Williams is responsible for Auxiliary Facilities System budgets and operations as well as budgets, operations, and programs of student services departments funded by student fees and general revenue funds, and for the overall supervision and administration of personnel in student services, student services program development and administration of provisions of the Code of Student Conduct.

As assistant vice president for academic affairs, Williams provides direction and leadership for various areas within academic affairs; collaborates with deans, departmental chairpersons, school directors and faculty to assist with academic program development and expansion; oversees the University Advising and Academic Services Center and the Office of Academic Services; maintains articulation agreements and 2+2 programs and fosters collaborative relationships with community colleges; and directs summer school and academic aspects of commencement exercises. As the chief diversity officer for the division of academic affairs, he is responsible for the development and implementation of initiatives designed to support the diversification of faculty and staff, and he serves as the University representative for the Illinois Board of Higher Education Diversifying Faculty Initiative Program.

"I remain committed to the Western Illinois University community, and I am excited to continue working collaboratively to provide the best experiences and services possible for students," Williams said.

Before joining Western's administrative team, Williams served as the director for post-secondary education at the Tennessee Higher Education Commission in Nashville, TN from November 2005-July 2008. He also served as the assistant director for post-secondary education (August 2002-November 2005) and educational program specialist (July 2001-August 2002) for the Tennessee Higher Education Commission; and as a financial aid counselor at Lane College in Jackson, TN (July 1998-2000).

He received his doctorate and his master's degree in educational administration from Tennessee State University and his bachelor's degree in business administration from Lane College.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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