Putting Ideas into Action with Political Science Professor John Williams
John Williams (C’76), JD, a professor of political science and Asian studies, spent much of his childhood in India and Thailand, and he has led study abroad programs to China, Tibet, Vietnam, Cambodia, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan. In 2013, Professor Williams was the inaugural recipient of the Horace Edwin Harper Jr. and Evelyn Wright Harper Award for Teaching Excellence.
What do you love about teaching at Principia?
I love that Principia is a nimble institution that supports students and faculty pursuing creative ideas. We don’t live in intellectual silos here. If you have a good idea, Principia will help make it happen. Examples in my own experience include taking the first Principia abroad programs to Vietnam and Tibet and getting participation in Illinois Moot Court competitions off the ground.
What research are you working on right now?
I’m working on a long-range project and have a recent graduate working with me. We’re gathering data, documents, and oral history about “sundown towns” from post-Civil War times through today, with a focus on nearby Jerseyville. I’m also working on research about the impact of presidential debates on audiences and conducting exit polls with students. Recently, I gave the keynote address for a Mongolia studies conference at the Library of Congress.
What led you to teaching?
Principia contacted me about a one-year visiting professor assignment. At the time I had my own law practice and intended to return to it, but during that year, I fell in love with all of Principia—the teaching environment, course topics, and, most of all, the students.
What do you find most challenging about teaching?
Assigning grades.
If you could give students only one piece of advice, what would it be?
Be a master student. Set high goals for yourself, and figure out what it takes to get there. Also, take advantage of all the opportunities here. Who knows how they’ll unfold for you.
What work would you pursue if you weren’t a professor?
Well, I certainly wouldn’t be teaching anywhere else. I’m here because of Mary Kimball Morgan’s vision of character education. The students we teach here are future healers.
If I had to choose another profession, I would want to be field project manager for the United States Agency for International Development in the crisis spot of the day—with the full backing of the government and the great kindness of the American people behind me.