Dear Colleagues – It is with great sadness that I write to share the news that Julie Williams, senior vice provost for engagement and faculty development, has passed away. Her family requests privacy but know we are supporting them during this difficult time.
Julie has been a member of our community for nearly 20 years. Through that time her commitment to faculty development at all levels has transformed generations of faculty at the university. She created numerous programs and partnerships to help faculty succeed in their teaching and research, including The Writing Academy, Pathway to Professorship, new faculty orientation and the Research and Engagement Academy among others.
She worked to build the university’s first long-term partnership with an historically black university, and that work with Howard University will continue and grow with the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding. This year Julie led the effort to create the Postdoctoral Innovation Diversity Scholars program to provide new pathways to develop the next generation of diverse faculty at UNH.
A native Virginian, Julie received her doctorate from the University of Tennessee and was a predoctoral fellow at Yale University. Prior to joining UNH, she held faculty and administrative appointments at Virginia Commonwealth University, the University of Tennessee, the University of Tennessee Medical Center and Knoxville College.
This is difficult news to share and to receive. Please reach out to a grief counselor via the UNH Employee Assistance Program or Psychological and Counseling Services if you are in need of support.
Julie was an outstanding leader and mentor who will be greatly missed. We are committed to continuing her important work.
Best,
Wayne
Wayne Jones
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
