Jerry M. Williams honored with emeritus status
Jerry M. Williams of Blacksburg, associate professor of horticulture in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech, was conferred the "associate professor emeritus" title by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors during the board's quarterly meeting on Aug. 25.
The title of emeritus may be conferred on retired professors and associate professors, administrative officers, librarians, and exceptional staff members who have given exemplary service to the university who are specially recommended to the board of visitors by Virginia Tech President Charles W. Steger. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board of visitors receive an emeritus certificate from the university.
A member of the Virginia Tech community since 1982, Williams has been an effective and compassionate teacher and advisor to more than 300 advisees, and made himself available as a personal counselor to his students. He has mentored more than 35 graduate students and five undergraduate students who have served as instructors in his Indoor Plants class.
Williams has held professional leadership positions including Eastern Regional director of the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture and chair of the Collegiate Activities Committee in the student division of the American Society of Horticultural Sciences as. In 2008, he received the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture Teacher Fellow Award.
He received his bachelor’s degree from Morgan State University, a master’s degree from Howard University and a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland.
