Letters from the President

Caring for Ourselves and Each Other

Dear Students, We are reaching out with some thoughts about how our community is moving forward following last week’s tragedy. Reactions after loss vary. Crises of many kinds can disrupt one’s sense of predictability, security and safety. Restoring these feelings is important and happens in different ways for different people. Continue reading »

The Retirement of Keli Gail

Williams faculty, students and staff, As promised in my Board summary email, I want to pay tribute to Keli Gail, Assistant to the President and Secretary of the College, who has announced her plan to retire this July. While this requires another long email in a week of such… Continue reading »

Welcome to the start of the Spring 2024 semester

Williams students, faculty and staff, Over Winter Study I had the pleasure of co-teaching a course on higher education leadership and communications. It was a joy to explore ideas of mutual interest with some of our wonderful students. I was reminded, as I always am when I get back in… Continue reading »

Summary of the January 2024 Board of Trustees Meeting

To the Williams community, I write, as usual, to report on the recent Board of Trustees meeting. The Board met at Williams last Friday and Saturday, January 19-20. Their agenda included high-level discussions about how Williams achieves our mission, combined with sessions that focused on specific projects advancing us toward… Continue reading »

Defacement of posters with calls for violence

Williams students, faculty and staff, Last night, posters in Paresky about the Israeli hostages were defaced with graffiti that, among other things, supported violence against Israelis. Any defacement of posters is disrespectful, but the call for violence in this case is a breach of both college values and Williams… Continue reading »

Summary of the October 2023 Board of Trustees Meeting

To the Williams community, The Board of Trustees convened for their fall meeting on Friday and Saturday, October 6 and 7. As always, I’m writing to report out about the proceedings. This was the first meeting for three new trustees: Danielle Deane-Ryan ’97, Jan van Eck ’85… Continue reading »

College news and upcoming priorities for Fall 2023

Williams students, faculty and staff, As we settle into the rhythms of a new academic year, I’d like to offer you a preview of some of the many programs, initiatives and offerings planned for the fall semester.  Within this community, many faculty have recently… Continue reading »