Dr. Ruth Williams named provost of Harper College

Dr. Ruth Williams has been named provost of Harper College effective July 10.

Dr. Williams most recently served as assistant vice president for academic affairs and dean of curriculum and instruction at Oakton College. She brings with her a wealth of experiences and demonstrated success in advancing her institution’s vision, mission and strategic objectives.

Dr. Williams is a student-centered community college leader who has demonstrated her commitment to academic excellence, closing equity gaps and creating a caring campus. Her experience in developing academic programs, assessing student learning outcomes in and out of the classroom, and cultivating partnerships will serve Harper well.

Dr. Williams’ previous roles at Oakton include dean of science and health careers and chairperson of the biology department. She also has nearly 20 years of teaching experience, most recently as professor of biology, at institutions including Oakton, Moraine Park Technical College in Wisconsin and Barat College in Lake Forest.

Dr. Williams earned an Ed.D. in Community College Leadership from Ferris State University; a Master of Science in Veterinary Physiology from University of Wisconsin, Madison; and a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and Captive Wildlife Management from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point.