Arthur E. Williams, Ph.D.

Phone: 269-749-7246

Professor Arthur Williams has taught at Olivet College since 1998. His classes include acting, public speaking, theatre and culture and dramatic literature. His recent papers have dealt with the intersection of theatre and graphic novels, the development of electronic portfolios in college instruction and a comparison of the works of Lindbeck and Derrida. He is also the campus judicial officer and one of the faculty athletic representatives.

Professor Williams has directed over fifty plays for college, university, and community theatre, including “The Tempest,” “The Imaginary Invalid,” “Antigone,” “A Streetcar Named Desire,” “Godspell” and “Raisin in the Sun.” Other positions include set, sound and lighting designer. Acting roles include parts in “Uncle Vanya,” “Lysistrata,” and Henry Higgins in “My Fair Lady.” He has taught workshops for children of various ages in acting and theatre production and has also judged theatrical competitions.

Professor Williams holds a doctorate in theatre from Ohio State University, with undergraduate degrees from the University of Maryland. He taught in the University of Wisconsin and University of Maine systems before arriving at Olivet College.

Professor Williams is also an adviser to Alpha Lambda Epsilon. He has been named Adviser of the Year numerous times and has been recognized by the Michigan Campus Compact for contributions to service learning. Off campus, he is involved with the Knights of Columbus, having served as Grand Knight and Navigator of the Charlotte Council. In addition, he is currently a diaconal candidate in the Diocese of Lansing. Professor Williams is an avid Whovian, Trekker and overall fan of science fiction and graphic novels.

“I enjoy the individual attention I can pay to my students,” Professor Williams said. “One of the joys of a small campus is the family atmosphere and overall closeness of the faculty, staff and student body.”