Williams Steps Into Assistant Professor Position

Around Campus Editor

Photo by Nick Johnson

Andrew Williams

   MONTICELLO - The School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences hired an instructor for the position of Assistant Professor of Chemistry.

   Morris Bramlett, the Dean of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, hired Andrew Williams in July. Williams started teaching in fall 2009. 

   Since Williams has been at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, he said he likes the "Small school size, combined with a friendly atmosphere and friendly faculty."

   Bramlett previously held the position of assistant professor and Martha Baskett held the position before Williams. 

   Bramlett considered 40 other applications.

   "(Williams’) area of expertise is in Organic Chemistry," Bramlett said. "I'm very familiar with his research advisor. His research advisor (Bill Durham) was actually a member of my committee when I went through the Ph. D. program at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. So, I knew what his background was very well. I knew that he could carve his own niche here. The fact that he had teaching experience was a big deal to." 

   Williams was born and raised in Logansport, Ind. From 2000 to 2004, he attended John Brown University, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. From 2004 to 2008, he did his graduate work at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville where he received his Ph.D. in Chemistry. In addition to his school experience, Williams taught at Northeastern Oklahoma State. 

   Bramlett said that most people who apply for entry level jobs are still in graduate school and have never had any type of classroom experience. Other applicants who are constantly looking for jobs may stay for a couple of years, but will eventually move on to find better jobs. Bramlett wanted someone who was consistent. Williams met the criteria for the position and was the only one who had a few years of classroom experience. 

   When he is not in the classroom, Williams said he likes reading fantasy and science fiction novels and likes to paint. 

   Williams currently teaches Introduction to Chemistry, General Chemistry II, General Chemistry I Lab and Advanced Lab Techniques. He said he hopes he will teach Organic Chemistry if and when the course becomes available.

Editor's Note: Inorganic Chemistry was changed to Organic Chemistry.

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