Collingwood lecturer to explore service to others

“Charting Your Path and Deploying Your Talents in Service to Others” is the virtual presentation Dr. Crystal Williams, a writer, advocate and advisor, will deliver for the spring Collingwood Distinguished Lecture for Diversity on Wednesday, April 7, at 3 p.m.

Dr. Williams is vice president and associate provost for Community Inclusion and professor of English at Boston University. She has additional roles in the university’s Arts Initiative, Organizational Development and Learning, and Living and Learning Centers.

"Unfortunately, it seems that more and more frequently we are being faced with events that challenge our sense of self and community,” said Interim Chief Diversity Officer Saundra Liggins. “Dr. Williams' background – as both a poet and a diversity leader within higher education – makes her a unique voice to address the Fredonia and wider community, especially at this time in our country."

Prior to joining Boston University as its inaugural associate provost for Diversity and Inclusion, Williams was a professor of English and senior administrator at Bates College and a member of the faculty of Reed College. She has degrees from Cornell University and New York University.

Williams is a regular advisor to senior leaders, organizations and colleges, with a focus on leadership development, recruitment, retention, inclusive climate development and organizational capacity building in the arts and higher education.

Registration, required to view the lecture, which is free, can be made online.

The Collingwood lecture series is sponsored by the Fredonia Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council. Generous support for this program is provided by the Collingwood Distinguished Lecture for Diversity Endowment established through the Fredonia College Foundation.