Rollin Williams facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rollin Charles Williams
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Williams in 1943
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| Born | March 19, 1922 |
| Died | September 24, 2012 (aged 90) |
| Education | Howard University (BS) Boston University (MS) |
| Occupation | Professor of Social Work |
| Employer | University of Connecticut Norwich State Hospital |
Rollin Charles Williams (born March 19, 1922 – died September 24, 2012) was an American teacher. He was a Professor of Social Work at the University of Connecticut from 1957 to 1985. Williams was a veteran of World War II. He was also the very first African American professor at the University of Connecticut.
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Early Life and Education
Rollin Charles Williams was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 19, 1922. His parents were Rollin and Ruby Williams. He grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with his grandparents.
Rollin was a very bright student. He was the top student (valedictorian) in his high school class. He also played the violin by himself in the school orchestra. Plus, he was the state champion in typewriting for Oklahoma!
He went to Howard University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree. After that, he joined the US Army.
Military Service
Williams served in the US Army from 1943 to 1946. He started as a clerk typist, which means he did office work and typing. He ended his time in the army as a sergeant major. This was a high rank in the personnel department.
During World War II, he was stationed at Camp Clipper, California. On weekends, he would visit Los Angeles. Once, he even sat next to the famous singer and actress Lena Horne at a party!
Career in Social Work
After his military service, Williams continued his education. He earned a Master of Science degree in social work from Boston University in 1949.
He then worked as a social worker at hospitals for veterans. These were US Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals. He worked in Springfield, Massachusetts, and Northport, New York.
In 1952, he became the first supervisor of psychiatric services at Norwich State Hospital. This meant he helped manage care for people with mental health needs.
Professor at UConn
After working at Norwich State Hospital for two years, Williams was asked to join the faculty at the University of Connecticut. He became a professor there in 1957.
He taught at UConn for almost 30 years. He was the first African American professor at the university. He was promoted from assistant professor to associate professor by 1974. He also served as a temporary dean and director of the school's admissions office.
Even after he retired, he was still honored as a professor emeritus. A special scholarship for students, called the Rollin Williams/Y.C. Wu Scholarship, was created partly in his honor.
In the 1960s, laws were passed to help make sure everyone had fair opportunities. Because of this, Williams received job offers from five other universities. They wanted to hire African American professors. But he chose to stay at UConn. He once said, "I wouldn’t take those jobs because UConn took me when it didn’t have to.” He also left a large gift to the university in his will.
Personal Life
During his time as a professor and after retiring, Williams lived in Salem, Connecticut. He was also on the board of directors for Dime Savings Bank.
Rollin Williams loved music. He enjoyed opera, classical music, and rhythm and blues. He played the organ and oboe, in addition to his violin. He also helped start the Connecticut Early Music Society.
He was known for dressing very stylishly. He also drove a Mercedes car. He never married or had children. He had many friends, including poets and musicians like William Meredith and James Merrill.
Williams passed away on September 24, 2012, in Waterford, Connecticut, due to health issues. He was buried at the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown.
