Champion of Inclusive Excellence: Remembering Dr. Michael Williams

The Office of Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement mourns the loss of its friend and ally, Dr. Michael Williams. On July 12, 2016 Dr. Williams passed away at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center.

Dr. Williams was the director of the Black Studies Program at CSU as well as a supporter of our Office's diversity and inclusion efforts. In the past year alone, Dr. Williams worked with the Sullivan-Deckard Scholars - who are transitioning out of foster care to on campus living as CSU students - and served as a presenter at the Unity Graduation Celebration of Student Success (pictured left with a student). 

"He was a tireless advocate for making CSU an inclusive place for all students, faculty, staff and visitors alike," said Dr. Charleyse Pratt, Assistant Vice President for Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement. "Dr. Williams was a mentor and teacher to so many students. He was also a supportive colleague for countless faculty and staff around CSU. His presence on campus will be missed."

Holding a doctorate in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Williams came to CSU in 1985 as an assistant professor in what was then the Department of Social Work. He was tenured and promoted to associate professor in 1991.

In 2004, Dr. Williams was appointed director of the Black Studies Program (which he previously led as interim director), a position he held until his untimely death. He was a popular teacher and a respected colleague, and under his leadership, CSU inaugurated its bachelor’s degree in Black Studies in 2010. In addition, Dr. Williams served on the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Dean's Diversity Council.