Crystal Ann Williams | |
---|---|
18th President of the Rhode Island School of Design | |
Assumed office 1 April 2022 | |
Preceded by | Rosanne Somerson |
Personal details | |
Born | 1970 (age 54–55) Detroit,Michigan,U.S. [1] |
Education | New York University Cornell University |
Profession | Educator,poet |
Website | www |
Crystal Ann Williams (born 1970) [1] is an American educator and poet serving as the 18th president of Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) since 2022. [2] [3] [4] She was raised in both Detroit,Michigan and Madrid,Spain. [2] She has earned degrees at New York University (BFA),and Cornell University (MFA,Creative Writing). [5] [6]
Williams has received grants and fellowships from the Oregon Arts Commission,the Money for Women also known as the Barbara Deming Memorial Fund,and the MacDowell Arts Colony. [7]
Williams began teaching at Reed College as a professor of English,becoming dean for institutional diversity from 2011 to 2013. [2] From 2013 to 2017,Williams worked at Bates College as the associate vice president for strategic initiatives and as a professor of English. [2] In 2017,Williams came to Boston University where she first worked as the inaugural associate provost for diversity and inclusion before transferring into a broader role as vice president and associate provost for community and inclusion. [8]
In 2021,it was announced that Williams was leaving her position as vice president and associate provost for community and inclusion at Boston University to become Rhode Island School of Design's 18th president. [2] Williams became its first Black president on April 1,2022. [2]