Business Address:
Western Illinois University
1 University Circle, Sherman Hall 205 Macomb, Illinois 61455-1390
309-298-1066
Electronic Mail: [email protected] PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
• Experience developing and maintaining academic programs and partnerships, managing fiscal resources, and maintaining articulation agreements and relationships with community colleges
• Skilled administrator and faculty member who has a progressive background in academic, governance, and instructional environments with a focus on transformative learning
• Evidenced ability to successfully complete tasks and facilitate initiatives, communicating effectively and collaboratively, while maintaining an inclusive and results driven leadership style
EDUCATION
Ed.D. Higher Education Administration Tennessee State University
Nashville, Tennessee August 2005
Dissertation Title: Higher Education Stakeholders’ Perceptions of Tennessee’s Current Performance Funding Policy
M.Ed. Educational Administration (Higher Education Administration Emphasis) Tennessee State University
Nashville, Tennessee August 2001
B.S. Business Administration (Accounting Concentration) Lane College
Jackson, Tennessee May 1998
RESEARCH INTERESTS Educational Access
Freshman, Transfer, and Graduate Students, Educational Needs Index, and Diversity
Funding Models for Higher Education
Base, Performance, and Enrollment Models
Interdisciplinary and Multicultural Curriculum Development
Course Design and Efficiency of Resources
Mentoring
Program Development, Evaluation, and Practice
Retention
ACADEMIC AND ADMINISTRATIVE APPOINTMENTS SUMMARY Western Illinois University
Macomb, Illinois July 2008 – Present
Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs Tennessee Higher Education Commission Nashville, Tennessee
July 2001 – July 2008
Director for Postsecondary Education
Assistant Director for Postsecondary Education Educational Program Specialist
Tennessee State University Nashville, Tennessee August 2000 – August 2004 Graduate Research Assistant Graduate Assistant
Lane College Jackson, Tennessee May 1998 – July 2000 Financial Aid Counselor
Los Angeles Unified School District Los Angeles, California
May 1996 – August 1997 Certificated Personnel Recruiter
FACULTY APPOINTMENTS SUMMARY Western Illinois University
Macomb, Illinois August 2010 – Present
Assistant Professor, Department of Educational and Interdisciplinary Studies (August 2011 – Present) Associate Faculty, College of Arts and Sciences (August 2010)
Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, Tennessee
January 2007 – May 2008
Adjunct Faculty, College of Education/University College Tennessee State University
Nashville, Tennessee
August 2000 – August 2005 (intermittent semesters)
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Western Illinois University
Macomb, Illinois
July 2008 – Present Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs and Assistant Professor of Education
Office of the Provost and Academic Vice President Department of Educational and Interdisciplinary Studies Provides direction and leadership for various areas within academic affairs; collaborates with deans, departmental chairpersons, school directors, and faculty to assist with academic program development and expansion; oversees the University Advising and Academic Services Center and the Office of Academic Services; maintains articulation agreements and 2+2 programs and fosters collaborative relationships with community colleges; serves as the director for summer school sessions, commencement exercises, and the dissertation fellowship and visiting professorate programs; contributes to the development plans for enrollment management and student retention; serves as the Chief Diversity Officer for Academic Affairs; manages budgets and processes for select campus activities and initiatives involving academic affairs; serves as an ex-officio member of the Council on Admission, Graduation, and Academic Standards (CAGAS); assists with scheduling of courses between a residential campus that primarily serves traditional students (Macomb) and a commuter campus (Moline); handles student complaints; provides direction for NCA reaccreditation and expansion of the University’s strategic plan; teaches courses in the College Student Personnel program within the Department of Educational and Interdisciplinary Studies and conducts scholarly research/activities in a broad range of topics in higher education.
Western Illinois University (WIU), accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, serves more than 12,500 students at its traditional, residential four-year campus in Macomb, Illinois and its upper-division commuter location in Moline, Illinois. Recognized as a "Best in the Midwest College" by the Princeton Review and as a top tier Midwest Universities Master's institution by U.S. News and World Report, WIU offers 66 undergraduate degree programs, 37 graduate degree programs, 8 pre-professional degree programs and 15 certificate programs to students from approximately 92 counties in Illinois, 35 states and 70 countries. WIU has over 670 full-time faculty members who provide excellent instruction that prepares students and graduates to compete and serve in the global society. WIU provides state-of-the-art technologies and facilities and numerous academic, co-curricular, and extracurricular opportunities. WIU’s four core values are: academic excellence, educational opportunity, personal growth and social responsibility.
Major Accomplishments:
• Enrollment – Enhanced admissions procedures for undergraduate students and improved the efficiency of the office of academic services.
• Articulation and 2+2 Agreements – Developed the framework that enhanced the existing articulation agreements with over 34 Illinois and Iowa community colleges and other four-year institutions, and organized curriculum for many of the 2+2 programs.
• Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) – Increased the number of courses that are articulated with the IAI through the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
• Fiscal Management – Improved the fiscal efficiency of select university accounts to provide a wider range of academic and student services.
• Multi-Campus Institutions – Enhanced academic communication between WIU – Macomb and Quad Cities Campuses.
• Diversity – Recruiting underrepresented faculty to diversify academic departments throughout the University and directing the Underrepresented Dissertation Fellowship, Visiting Professorship, and Post-Doctoral Fellowship Programs which has resulted in tenure-track faculty appointments. Institutional representative for the Diversifying Faculty in Illinois (DFI) Scholarship Program at the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
• SREB Recruitment – Recruit annually at the Compact for Faculty Diversity Institute on Teaching and Mentoring which is hosted by the State Doctoral Scholar’s Program of Southern Regional Education Board, and is the nation's largest annual conference for minority Ph.D. students and recent graduates.
• Recruitment and Retention – Co-Chair of the university-wide recruitment and retention committee that resulted in numerous recommendations that improved the overall enrollment at the University. • Student Advocacy and Mentoring – Created an open-door mentoring program for students to
receive feedback and support from faculty, staff, and administrators.
• Summer School – Directs WIU summer school sessions and helped to expanded course offerings and options during the summer enrollment periods.
• Commencement – Overhauled commencement exercises, to include writing a new script and maintaining effective communication between all involved institutional entities.
Tennessee Higher Education Commission Nashville, Tennessee
November 2005 – July 2008 Director for Postsecondary Education
Division of Postsecondary Education Authorization
Provided direction and leadership for the Division of Postsecondary Education Authorization, which oversees postsecondary institutions; developed and maintained the budget for the Division; assisted institutional personnel with academic program development; created, communicated, and implemented Division goals and operating policies; hired staff; delegated tasks to Division staff; reviewed academic program content; analyzed administrative and educational data for quarterly reports submitted to the Commission; addressed and/or responded to the Commission at quarterly meetings; and communicated regularly with agency, institutional, legal, and legislative staff.
Major Accomplishments:
• Academic Program Expansion – Guided the development of additional and enhanced academic program options statewide.
• Improved Advocacy – Served as an advocate for postsecondary education in Tennessee to communicate the educational needs index for the state to select legislators and legislative committees.
• Enhanced Operational Procedures – Streamlined program reports and operational procedures to improve efficiency and external understanding of Commission requirements for approval.
• Improved Climate – Created an environment where colleagues felt comfortable discussing concerns and various issues in the workplace.
August 2002 – November 2005 Assistant Director for Postsecondary Education Division of Postsecondary Education Authorization
Implemented new polices; assisted in the development and review of academic programs; compiled data for the purpose of evaluating the administrative capabilities, quality of educational procedures, faculty qualifications, fiscal accountability and ethical practices of postsecondary institutions in accordance with the Rules of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and the Law of the State of Tennessee; and regularly served as a liaison with agency, institutional, and legal staff.
July 2001 – August 2002 Educational Program Specialist
Division of Postsecondary Education Authorization
Implemented policies and procedures promulgated by the Rules of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and the Law of the State of Tennessee relative to higher education; compiled data from postsecondary institutions for the purpose of writing quarterly reports; traveled extensively across the state to thoroughly evaluate the quality of education at the institutions authorized by the agency; and collected and organized statistical data.
Tennessee State University Nashville, Tennessee
August 2002 – August 2004 Graduate Research Assistant College of Education
Department of Educational Administration
Conducted various studies for the Department of Educational Administration, under the direction of the departmental chairperson; identified educational research projects; collected and organized statistical data; developed and solicited individuals’ participation in various surveys; and prepared concise reports from research findings.
August 2000 – July 2001 Graduate Assistant College of Education
Department of Educational Administration
Recruited underrepresented students for graduate degree programs offered in the College of Education; worked with others to assist the School of Graduate Studies and Research to intentionally diversify the University’s graduate programs in accordance with the statewide desegregation consent decree; taught a course in the Department of Educational Administration; traveled to facilitate informational seminars and off-campus site registrations for graduate students; prepared and distributed materials for informational seminars and workshops; assisted with the re-accreditation activities in preparation for
the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) accreditation visit; and worked in the departmental office during peak hours.
Major Accomplishments:
• Graduate School Enrollment – Helping to increase the enrollment in graduate programs within the College of Education.
• Accreditation – Involved in the successful re-accreditation of the Teacher Education program in the College of Education.
Lane College Jackson, Tennessee
May 1998 – July 2000 Financial Aid Counselor Office of Financial Aid
Audited financial aid files; reconciled and awarded federal and state grants in compliance with state and U.S. Department of Education guidelines; allocated scholarship funds to students; coordinated financial aid application preparation sessions; worked cooperatively with the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs to identify eligible students for scholarships; counseled students and parents on various loan programs and the responsibilities of loan acceptance; assisted with the implementation of the Student Default Loan Plan; and advised students on Title IV Federal Financial Aid Programs. Major Accomplishments:
• Improved Efficiency – Helped to simplify the financial aid application and acceptance process to improve efficiency and award letter production.
• Loan Default – Helped to reduce the College’s student loan default rate through financial aid training for students and families and implementation of the student loan default plan. • Recruitment – Recruited students during financial aid and admissions presentations. K – 12 EDUCATION EXPERIENCE
Los Angeles Unified School District Los Angeles, California
May 1996 – August 1997 Certificated Personnel Recruiter Recruitment and Selection Section
Recruited graduates from the California State University System, the University of California System, and other colleges and universities to teach at all schools and special service centers within the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD); screened applicants and processed forms and other documents; guided applicants through the application process for available teaching positions; and provided non-credentialed (non- licensed) applicants with detailed information regarding the LAUSD Intern Program and the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST).
UNIVERSITY TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Critical Issues in the Education of African Americans
Focuses on education from a historical and contemporary perspective and reflects on the socioeconomic, political, and contemporary forces that have historically impacted the quality of public education that has been accessible to the majority of African American students.
Economics and Finance of Higher Education
Focuses upon the varied finance interactions in the educational policy arena between government and higher education and examines the theoretical constructs of higher education finance policy by utilizing basic and applied literature in the economics and finance of higher education. An emphasis is placed on financial management, the relationship between tuition costs and federal financial aid levels, and on national, state, and institutional approaches to financing students. Foundations of Leadership
Focuses on leadership from a historical and contemporary perspective and reflects on aspects of leadership development, including concepts of personal change toward effective leadership in changing environments.
Higher Education in the United States
Focuses on facilitating a critical examination of the history of higher education in the United States and how it has influenced contemporary institutions. An emphasis is placed on exploring the social construction of American higher education, its formative influences, its evolution, and its participants. Considerations related to the future status of higher education institutions are examined. The relationship between how history is written and how socio-critical issues impact prevalent historical themes in American colleges and universities is explored while examining the character and structure of higher education from a historical perspective.
Organization and Administration of Higher Education
Focuses on various patterns of organization and governance with an emphasis on basic leadership principles associated with the administration of higher education institutions. Examines the varied interactions between organizations, communities, federal and state government, and higher education. The relationships of various conceptual frameworks of complex organizations and their dynamics to real institutional contexts and problems are explored.
Professional Ethics
Focuses on an introduction to ethics and values, and explores the various theories and practices that have led to, and continue to dominate the study of ethics and values in public service.
School Organization, Management, and Community Relations
Focuses on the organization, administration, and management of public schools and places an emphasis on the relationship between the school and the local community, diversity initiatives, and techniques for the effective use of community resources.
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
August 2006 – May 2007 Leadership Middle Tennessee, Inc.
Davidson and Surrounding Counties in Middle Tennessee The Leadership Middle Tennessee regional leadership program contributes to the future, planned, and sustainable economic and community growth development within a ten county area in Middle
Tennessee (Nashville – Davidson County and nine surrounding counties). The leadership topics include: regionalism, technology and communication, education, workforce development, healthcare, transportation, housing, culture, diversity, preservation, public policy, legislative issues, tourism, regional assets, economic development, and environmental concerns.
March 2006 – July 2008 Regional Director of Education
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc, Southern Region
Developed, implemented, and maintained various educational and mentoring programs throughout the southeastern United States to strengthen opportunities for secondary and postsecondary students and to provide access and equity for students who have experienced difficulties gaining admission to colleges and universities due to unsatisfactory preparation at the K – 12 levels.
EXPERTISE
• Academic Program Development • Higher Education Policy Analysis • Diversity Initiatives in Higher Education • Faculty Reward Structures
• Teaching and Learning
• Governance and Administration of Higher Education • Economics and Finance of Higher Education
• Recruitment Strategies • Retention Strategies • Mentoring
PUBLICATIONS
Wood, J. L. & Williams, R.C. (2013). Persistence factors for Black males in the community college: An examination of background, academic, social, and environmental variables. Spectrum: A
Journal on Black Men, 1(2), 1-28.
Williams, R.C. & Davis, T.L. (2012). Academic Preparedness and Degree Completion: West Tisbury State University. In F.K. Stage & S.M. Hubbard (Eds.) Linking Theories to Practice: Case
Studies for Working with College Students. Third Edition (pp. 58-62). New York: Routledge
Publishing.
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARLY PRESENTATIONS
Hart, A. & Williams, R.C. (September 12-15, 2012). The Visiting Scholar: Black Student Athletes’
Matriculation. International Association for the Philosophy of Sport. Porto, Portugal.
Williams, R.C. & Oden, L. (March 22-24, 2012). Examining Health Care Disparities and the Health
Conditions of Underserved Populations in the United States: Recommendations for Common Health Problems. American Association of Blacks in Higher Education. Atlanta, Georgia.
Williams, R. C., Davis, T.L. & Laker, J. (October 15, 2011) Calling Men to Personal and Social
Responsibility: Engagement, Pedagogy and Practice. Educating for Personal and Social
Responsibility: A Twenty-First-Century Imperative, Association of American Colleges and Universities. Long Beach, California.
Williams, R.C. (April 1, 2011). Access, Equity, and Quality: Developing Successful Articulation
Programs for Baccalaureate Degree Completion. American Association of Blacks in Higher
Williams, R.C. (June 1-5, 2010). The University Diversity Council: Methods for Improving
Campus-Wide Diversity Initiatives at a Comprehensive State University. National Conference on Race
and Ethnicity in American Higher Education. National Harbor, Maryland.
Oden, L. & Williams, R.C. (February 11-13, 2010) Examining the Health Care Disparities and
the Health Status of Disenfranchised Groups: Recommendations for Common Health Problems.
Southern Conference on African American Studies. Jackson, Mississippi.
Williams, R.C., Thomas, J., & Goldfarb, A. (May 2009). Recruitment and Retention of
Underrepresented Groups at a Midwestern Majority Institution: Best Practices. National
Conference on Race and Ethnicity in American Higher Education. San Diego, California. Williams, R.C. (April 2008). Preparation for Graduate and Professional School. Alpha Phi Alpha
Fraternity, Inc. – Educational Workshop. Jacksonville, Florida.
Thomas, J., Mulraine, L., & Williams, R.C. (February 2008). Academic Leadership: The African
American Male’s Perspective. Southern Conference on African American Studies, Inc. Atlanta,
Georgia.
Williams, R. C. (October 2007). Postsecondary Procedures in Tennessee. Joint Legislative Study Committee. State of Tennessee Legislature. Nashville, Tennessee.
Williams, R.C. (March 2007). Preparation for Graduate and Professional School. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. – Educational Workshop. Orlando, Florida.
Williams, R.C. (April 2006). Preparation for Graduate and Professional School. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. – Educational Workshop. Huntsville, Alabama.
Noland, B.E. & Williams, R.C. (May 2004). An Overview of Performance Funding in Tennessee. Testimony prepared for the National Commission on Accountability in Higher Education. Washington, D.C.
Williams, R.C. (February 2003). Faculty Post–Tenure Blues. Tennessee State University, College of Education, Department of Educational Administration. Nashville, Tennessee.
PROFESSIONAL AND CIVIC AFFILIATIONS AND HONORS
American Council on Education Association of American Colleges and Universities
American College Personnel Association National Association for Diversity Officers in Higher Education Phi Delta Kappa International Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Phi Beta Lambda, Inc. Macomb Centennial Morning Rotary United States Achievement Academy The Links, Inc. – Achievement Award PROFESSIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS
Proposal Reviewer:
• Mid-Western Educational Research Association • Diversifying Faculty in Illinois Grant Program • Eisenhower Higher Education Grant Program • Improving Teacher Quality Grant Program
THESES/DISSERTATION COMMITTEES AND OTHER GUIDED RESEARCH
Barnes, Christopher M. R., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Master’s Thesis Committee Member, 2011-2012
Helped to guide over 15 independent research projects
UNIVERSITY, COLLEGE, DEPARTMENTAL, AND COMMUNITY SERVICE Co-Chair, Recruitment and Retention Committee
Co-Chair, University Diversity Council
Board Member, Center for the Study of Masculinities and Men’s Development Ex-Officio Member, Council Admission, Graduation, and Academic Standards
Member, Department of Educational and Interdisciplinary Studies Travel Awards Committee Member, North Central Association Accreditation Steering Committee – Criterion I
Member, Community University Partnership Program
Member, Spoon River College Presidential Search Committee (2012) Member, Search Committee for the Dean of University Libraries
Chair, Search Committee for the Associate Provost for Budget, Planning, Personnel, and Technology Chair, Search Committee for Director of the Centennial Honors College
Chair, Search Committee for the Assistant Director for the School of Graduate Studies Chair, Search Committee for an Admissions Counselor
