Understanding that institutional budgets tend to reproduce the status quo, the Williamses wanted to create a resource that could have a revolutionary effect on the way the university delivers undergraduate education. They established the Williams Fund and a faculty council to administer it.
There are many factors and funding mechanisms that support the status quo in higher education. We have established something different. We want to support fresh thinking - thinking that will ignite new ideas and get beyond 'just business as usual.' We want to support those professors willing to search for better and more effective ways of learning.
Williams Council members are among the best teachers at UO. Most are previous recipients of a Williams Fellowship or Distinguished Teaching Award or otherwise well regarded for their innovation and thoughtfulness regarding undergraduate education. They serve three-year terms.
The Williams Council uses two programs to meet the challenge proposed by Tom and Carol Williams, Williams Fellowships and Williams Instructional Proposals. Read more about Tom and Carol's impact on OregonNews.
Williams Council
2024-25 Members
- Jagdeep Bala, College of Arts and Sciences, Natural Sciences, Psychology
- Peg Boulay, College of Arts and Sciences, Social Sciences, Environmental Studies
- Melissa Graboyes, College of Arts and Sciences, Social Sciences, History
- Mark Lonergan, College of Arts and Sciences, Natural Sciences, Chemistry
- Michael Moffitt, Clark Honors College and School of Law, Law
- Lee Rumbarger, Office of the Provost, Teaching Engagement Program – ex officio
- Carol Williams, Founder – ex officio
- Keli Yerian, College of Arts and Sciences, Humanities, Linguistics