Dear Williams and Williams-Mystic communities,
As leaders of Williams and the Williams-Mystic Program, respectively, we are writing to inform you that we have confirmed a plan to continue the program. We are therefore renewing our partnership contract with the Mystic Seaport Museum.
Maud and Provost Eiko Siniawer announced last April that the college was considering closing the program at the end of June 2025, when our current three-year contract with the Museum is set to expire. This consideration was prompted by concerns about a persistent gap between program revenues and expenses, and the cost of covering that gap in relation to other college needs and priorities.
The announcement drew hundreds of expressions of concern and desire to help from Program alumni and supporters, on campus and beyond. Many asked Williams to allow time for alternatives to be sought. In response, we established a representative committee, the Working Group on the Future of the Williams-Mystic Program, which was charged with “generating viable ideas to transform the program into one that is financially sustainable while continuing to advance the academic mission of the college.” The Working Group was asked to propose such ideas to Maud by the end of this summer. She would then decide whether they were feasible, viable and likely to address the college’s financial concerns.
The group performed outstanding service in a high-stakes environment and on a tight timeline. The proposal they put forward was thoughtful, deliberate and creative. Based on their work, the two of us have agreed to a combination of careful cost reductions, new recruitment and enrollment measures and viable fundraising strategies. Our agreement provided ample justification for the college to move forward on a new three-year contract with the Museum as our institutional partner.
We are extremely pleased with this progress. From out of adversity emerged new ideas and solutions, thanks to incredible efforts by the Working Group members and many thought partners and advocates. Our thanks go out to everyone involved.
On behalf of the college and Williams-Mystic, we are excited to jointly support the continuation of this exemplary experiential and interdisciplinary liberal arts program.
Maud S. Mandel, President; Professor of History; Program in Jewish Studies
Tom Van Winkle, Executive Director, Williams-Mystic