Jack Kenny Williams, Ph.D., (April 5, 1920 – September 28, 1981) was a teacher who became an administrator then eventually president and chancellor of one of the largest university systems in the United States, before returning to the role of teacher.
Early years
Jack K. Williams was born April 5, 1920, in Galax, Virginia, where he grew up. He graduated from Galax High School in 1936.Galax Native is Selected for $40,000-a-Year Texas Post in Higher Education Galax Gazette (1966, March 29) page 6A. He then attended Emory and Henry College, Emory, Virginia, graduating in 1940. He began his professional career as a high school teacher and secondary principal in Carroll County, Virginia.
Higher education
Williams' higher education career began with two years as a graduate teaching fellow at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. During this time he earned his Masters and Ph.D. degrees. Next came 17 years of teaching and leadership in administration at Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina. He joined the Clemson faculty following World War II as an instructor. He taught history and government and worked his way up to become graduate dean. In 1960, he was named Clemson's dean of faculty and vice president for academic affairs.Social Networks and Archival Contexts. Retrieved from http://socialarchive.iath.virginia.edu/ark:/99166/w6tb5hfn
Military service
During World War II, Williams served as an officer with the Fourth Division of the U.S. Marine Corps. He served his country with distinction in the Pacific. He retired from the Marine Corps with a rank of Major.
Texas A&M years
On September 11, 1970, Williams was elected as the 17th president of Texas A&M University. On May 24, 1977, he was elevated to the position of Chancellor of the entire Texas A&M System.Texas A & M University Office of the President. Retrieved from The Texas A&M System is one of the largest university systems in the United States.Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Retrieved from http://www.thecb.state.tx.us//Reports/Docfetch.cfm?DocID=1434&Format=XLS&CFID=32005493&CFTOKEN=27044949/
He resigned as the Texas A&M chancellor on January 24, 1979, to return to teaching. It was teaching that he loved most. During his career he authored numerous books and related works, several of these are listed in the external links below.Texas A&M University Office of the President. Retrieved from
Williams died September 28, 1981, in Houston, Texas, and was buried on the Clemson University campus in the Woodland Cemetery. His headstone reads simply “Jack Kenny Williams -- teacher”Find a Grave. Retrieved from https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/78173680
References
External links Books by Jack Kenny Williams Works by Jack Kenny Williams Keepers of the Spirit. Texas A&M University. The Centennial Decade--Jack Kenny Williams Era Jack K. Williams Administration Building, Texas A&M University