Dear Colleagues,
I am delighted to announce that Thomas Everett Smith ’88, the J. Hodge Markgraf ’52 Professor of Chemistry and current chair of the Chemistry Department, has accepted our invitation to become the next director of the Williams-Exeter Programme at Oxford University (WEPO). Tom’s term of service will be two years, starting July 1, 2026.
Tom has been a member of the Chemistry Department since 1998. In recent years he has taught both semesters of our introductory course in organic chemistry, as well as advanced classes like Synthetic Organic Chemistry (CHEM 342) and Medicinal Chemistry (CHEM 343). He has also introduced non-specialists to concepts in chemistry through offerings including The Evolution and Operation of Human Medicines (CHEM 111), not to mention his popular Winter Study, Zymurgy: An Introduction to the Science, History, Practice of Brewing Beer (CHEM 010). The college honored him with the Nelson Bushnell Class of 1920 Prize for Excellence in Teaching in 2024.
Tom’s research is in the area of organic synthesis, and endeavors to create structurally complex molecules from simpler starting materials. His work is important for basic research and also has translational implications for drug development. Most recently he has been focused on methods for the efficient synthesis of enigmazole A, a marine natural product with potential anticancer activity. His work has been supported by the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation and a Henry Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award. He has supervised numerous theses and his research lab has proven to be an incubator for future scientists in academia and industry.
Tom has also held various key leadership positions at Williams over the years. He is in the midst of his second stint as Chair of the Chemistry Department and is meanwhile a member of the Ad Hoc Committee on Academic Integrity. In the past he has served on the Faculty Steering Committee; the Committee on Appointments and Promotions; the Committee on Academic Standing; the Committee on Undergraduate Life; the Science Executive Committee; and the 2017-18 Presidential Search Committee, among many others. Tom’s strong interest in students’ personal development translates into his active support for Williams Athletics. He is a past chair of the college’s Athletics Committee and since 2009 has served as Faculty Affiliate for the varsity softball team.
The WEPO director is the primary academic and personal advisor for the 26 juniors who attend the program annually. During his term of appointment Tom will hold the dual titles of Director of WEPO and Supernumerary Fellow at Exeter College, and will work with a complement of Exeter fellows and Oxford instructors to arrange our students’ tutorials. Tom will live in the director’s residence adjacent to Ephraim Williams House, where the students live.
Tom will succeed Sam Crane, Edward S. Greenbaum 1910 Professor in Political Science, in the WEPO directorship. Sam has resided in Oxford since August 2024 and will continue his work there until Tom arrives in the summer of 2026.
The directorship of WEPO is an important role at Williams. It benefits from the leadership of faculty members who are committed enough to leave campus and relocate to England to oversee the program. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude, and that of the faculty, to Tom, Sam, and all those who serve the college in this capacity. I also want to thank Dean of the College and Frederick Rudolph ’42 – Class of 1965 Professor of American Culture Gretchen Long and Dean of the Faculty and Kimberly A. ’96 and Robert R. ’62 Henry Professor of Economics Lara Shore-Sheppard for advising me in the selection process.
Regards,
Maud