The department's strong commitment to quality teaching and research has earned its faculty and graduate students numerous teaching awards and a ranking as one of the top doctoral programs in the nation. The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences in which it is located is also home to several other internationally ranked programs such as Anthropology, Cognitive Science, Linguistics, Philosophy, Psychology, and Sociology.
Honoring Retiring Professors Spotlight; Communications Department:David William
At the luncheon, Chris Segrin presented Williams with a distinguished service award and several gas cards to aid Williams in his “rather remarkable travel quest.”
David Williams, a professor in the communication department and one of the most popular teachers at the University of Arizona, has retired. For 33 years, Williams brought his love of literature and communication to thousands of students.
Williams studied the effects of literature, poetry and fiction on people and their desire and ability to communicate; how short fiction affects the mother-daughter dyad; and how poetry, used as intervention, impacts the perception couples have of each other.
Winning numerous teaching awards over the years, Williams touched the lives of many of his students.
Ed Donnerstein, dean of SBS, said, “[Williams’ students] loved him immensely. And it is more than being a dedicated teacher. It is much different to take the incredible initiative to really turn students on, to get them to imagine their dreams, to think, to really go outside the box. David has been doing that for an unbelievable amount of years.”
The communication department plans to raise $10,000 for an endowed scholarship fund in Williams’ name. With a major gift from Steve Lynn, a communication alumnus, and his wife, the department is well on its way.
“David Williams is a one-of-a-kind professor, the likes of which we may never see again. It would be a fitting tribute to his accomplishments and efforts if we could continue his work of bettering the lives of our students even after he has left the UA,” said Chris Segrin, head of the communication department.
Those wishing to contribute can send a check in the enclosed envelope. Please make the check payable to UA Foundation/Communication, with “Williams Scholarship” written on the memo line.
Many departments in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences have started honoring retiring professors by creating scholarship funds in their names. Last year, the anthropology department honored William A. Longacre after nearly four decades of service with a retirement “roast” and scholarship fundraiser.
For more information, contact Lori Harwood at 520-626-3846 • Webmaster