Chancellor Robert Coombe has named James Herbert Williams, professor and dean of the DU’s Graduate School of Social Work, the first recipient of the Milton Morris Endowed Chair.
The Morris Endowment for Faculty Enhancement is given to a faculty member with a record of excellent scholarship and teaching.
“I’m very honored that they chose me,” Williams says. “It is very affirming of my work and will hopefully support me to do more.”
In addition to his administrative duties as dean, Williams has co-written a book — currently under review — on protection and prevention of violence. He also has co-authored articles about poverty and child maltreatment.
“Dean Williams’ excellent record of scholarship, teaching and service to the social work profession and the University makes the appointment as the inaugural holder of the Morris Chair extraordinarily fitting,” Coombe says.
The Morris Endowment is named for Milt Morris (BA ’37, JD ’39), who was a successful attorney in the firm of Feder, Morris, Tamblyn & Goldstein. He also taught business law at the DU Sturm College of Law for 11 years.
The chair appointment carries a five-year term. It began July 1 and will run until June 30, 2015.