Lorraine A. Williams facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lorraine A. Williams
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | August 6, 1923 Washington, D.C.
|
| Died | May 21, 1996 (aged 72) Washington, D.C.
|
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Howard University, American University |
| Occupation | educator, administrator |
| Spouse(s) | Charles E. Williams |
Lorraine Anderson Williams (1923-1996) was an important educator and leader at Howard University. She worked there from 1957 to 1983. She made history as the first African-American woman to become the Vice President for Academic Affairs at the university.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Lorraine A. Williams was born in Washington, D.C. on August 6, 1923. She attended Dunbar High School. After high school, she went to Howard University. There, she earned her Master of Arts degree in 1945. Later, she continued her studies at American University, where she received her PhD in 1955.
A Career at Howard University
Teaching and Leadership Roles
In 1957, Lorraine Williams began her teaching career at Howard University. She joined the faculty in the Social Sciences department. Her leadership skills quickly became clear. From 1962 to 1969, she served as the Chairman of the Department of Social Sciences. In 1970, she was chosen to be the Chairman of the Department of History at Howard.
Leading During Student Activism
Williams' time as Chairman of the History Department was a busy period. Students at Howard University were very active. They wanted to learn more about African and African-American history. At the same time, the faculty wanted to make sure other world cultures were still taught. Williams worked hard to bring everyone together. She valued the ideas of both students and teachers.
During her leadership, the History and Political Science departments received a large grant. The Ford Foundation gave $1.75 million to improve these departments. With this money, Williams helped to:
- Hire more professors.
- Increase salaries for staff.
- Move the History Department into the third floor of Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall.
She also started the annual Rayford W. Logan lecture series. Famous historians like John Hope Franklin, John W. Blassingame, Benjamin Arthur Quarles, and C. Vann Woodward gave talks at these events.
Becoming Vice President
In 1974, Williams achieved another major milestone. She was elected the Vice President for Academic Affairs at Howard University. This was a historic moment. She was the first African-American woman to hold this important position. She served in this role until 1983. Also in 1974, Williams became the editor of the Journal of Negro History. She was the first woman to be the editor of this important publication.
Community and Professional Life
Lorraine Williams was a member of several important organizations. She belonged to Sigma Gamma Rho, a sorority, and received the Blanche Edwards Award. She was also a member of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Other groups she joined included the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and the Council of Administrative Women in Education.
Williams passed away on May 21, 1996, in Washington, D.C.
Legacy and Awards
Lorraine A. Williams left a lasting impact on education. The Association of Black Women Historians created an award in her honor. The Lorraine A. Williams Leadership Award recognizes outstanding Black women in education and related fields.
