Dr. Jerome Williams Receives Texas Exes Legacy Award

Jerome D. Williams received a Legacy Award, representing the College of Communication, at the Black Alumni Legacy Dinner hosted by the Texas Exes on Friday, October 12. The award was in recognition of contributions made by outstanding African American faculty members.

The Legacy Dinner was part of the UT Black Alumni Reunion Weekend which took place October 12-13 with the theme of "A Celebration of Progress, An Affirmation of Promise." The weekend included a dedication of Almetris Duren Hall, the first residence hall to be named for an African American on the UT campus. Just as "Mama" Duren touched the lives of many African American students during her long tenure at UT, the purpose of the award was to recognize faculty who have carried on this tradition of caring about and encouraging African American students, in the classroom, through their research, and with mentoring.

Dean Hart recommended Dr. Williams for the award, noting in his letter of recommendation that Dr. Williams was a "superb scholar and excellent teacher." In terms of teaching, Dr. Williams was one of the first faculty members in the country to offer courses on multicultural marketing and advertising. In terms of research, Dr. Williams has published extensively on topics relating to diversity in advertising and marketing, including a forthcoming chapter on "Diversity Issues in Consumer Psychology" in the landmark volume Handbook of Consumer Psychology. The chapter is co-authored with Dr. Wei-Na Lee in the Texas Advertising Department, and Dr. Geraldine Henderson, formerly in the department. However, Dr. Williams says since he arrived at UT in 2003 his greatest satisfaction has come from recruiting and mentoring African American students. In 2003 the department had two only African American graduate students - both in the Masters program. For the current year, those numbers have grown to 19 African American graduate students, including thirteen Masters and six PhD's students.

10/18/2007