NEWS RELEASE
Contact: David West (west@nsula.edu)
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466
5/5/2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NATCHITOCHES - Dr. Darlene Williams has been named vice president for Technology, Research and Economic Development at Northwestern State University effective July 1. Her appointment has been approved by the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System.
“The areas under Darlene have been especially responsive to the needs of students, faculty, staff, and our partners in business, industry and education,” said Northwestern President Dr. Randall J. Webb. “Thanks to her vision and the dedication of her staff, the future is bright in Technology, Research and Economic Development.”
As vice president for Technology, Research and Economic Development, Williams will oversee the Offices of Electronic and Continuing Education, Information Systems, Student Technology, Research and Sponsored Programs and Economic Development.
“These units employ wonderful staff who have a wealth of knowledge and expertise. I certainly look forward to working with them as we combine our efforts
for the benefit of advancing Northwestern and providing support and opportunities for our faculty, staff, and students,” said Williams. “Our greatest challenge is preparing for a technological future that is yet to be defined. We recognize that there will be greater opportunities as a result of the use of technology to support teaching and learning.”
Williams has been at Northwestern since 1999. From 1999 until 2003, she was coordinator of eNSU, the university’s electronic campus, the Electronic Learning Systems coordinator and trainer, university technology trainer and liaison to the Board of Regents.
Since 2003, Williams has been director of the Office of Electronic and Continuing Education, overseeing eNSU, credit and non-credit classes and serving as a liaison to the Southern Regional Education Board and the Board of Regents. Under her direction, Northwestern has become a state and regional leader in developing classes and degree programs for electronic delivery. Fourteen degrees are available online at NSU. The university has also partnered with Alliance Compressors and Pilgrim’s Pride to provide opportunities for their employees to obtain a college degree.
“I am encouraged about opportunities to expand NSU's partnerships with business and industry, the Louisiana Community and Technical College System and other universities,” said Williams. “I believe there is great benefit in developing partnerships to support and promote economic development as well as educational opportunities.”
She played a leadership role in the development of The Continuum for All Louisiana Learners, or CALL Initiative, a pilot program with Bossier Parish Community College which makes it possible for adults without a degree to enroll at a Louisiana public college or university and earn a degreeonline and at an accelerated pace. The program is expanding to include LSU- Eunice, McNeese State University, Southeastern Louisiana University and the University of Louisiana at Monroe this fall.
Williams earned her doctorate in Educational Administration, Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Nebraska. She received a bachelor’s, master’s and specialist degree from NSU.
Williams worked in the Sabine Parish School System from 1989 until 1999 as an elementary teacher, Title I facilitator and coordinator of student services.
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