SRU names interim provost

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. -- Dr. William F. Williams, chairman of the English department and president of the faculty union at Slippery Rock University, has been named interim provost.
He replaces Dr. Robert Smith, who became acting president of the Butler County university of 7,500 students last week.
An expert in literary criticism, Williams has been an employee of the university since 1982, starting as an English instructor. He has taught a variety of undergraduate and graduate English courses, penned numerous book reviews and organized several academic conferences.
As English department chairman, Williams directed a staff of 30, oversaw curriculum and managed the department's budget.
Smith asked Williams to become interim provost because of his academic and administrative skills. Provosts evaluate curriculum and recommend changes for improving academics.
As president of the 320-member faculty union, Williams presided over executive meetings, processed grievances and promoted "the highest type of professionalism" among faculty, a university press release says.
Williams received his doctorate in English literature from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He received bachelor's and master's degrees in English from Youngstown State University.
He has three grown children, two of whom graduated from Slippery Rock.