Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty announced the appointment of Professor of Biology Ernest Williams to the Leonard C. Ferguson Chair. The Ferguson Chair, previously held by Professors Charlotte Beck and Tom Jones, is designated to rotate among "distinguished members of the faculty . . . in all fields of study."
In making the announcement Paris said, "For nearly 20 years Ernest Williams has been a fine teacher, steady and versatile scholar, and involved and valued campus citizen. Ernest has been a popular and respected instructor in a range of courses, was one of the pioneers in developing sophomore seminars, and has been the mentor and collaborator for research students throughout the year. "
Williams has published numerous scholarly articles on the population biology of butterflies as well as a number of popular publications, including The Butterfly Book: An Easy Guide to Butterfly Gardening, Identification, and Behavior. A second book, A Guide to Observations in Nature, is currently under contract with Oxford University Press and is expected to be published within the next year. He has also been active in a number of professional organizations, particularly as Secretary of the Lepidopterists' Society, served as a reviewer for several journals, and has led numerous field expeditions and nature walks.
On campus he has served on most of the major committees of the College and most recently as Chair of the Green Team for the new Science Building, and he has been active in a number of local and regional organizations, including the Utica Marsh Council and the Nature Conservancy.
Williams earned a bachelor's degree from Trinity College and his master's and Ph.D. from Princeton Unviersity.
