use tab and shift-tab to navigate once expanded

Sterling Brown Visiting Professorship

Established by gifts raised in a campaign led by members of the Williams Black Alumni Network, this professorship is named after one of America’s most influential poets and scholars, who was born in Washington, D.C. and attended Williams from 1918-1922. Each year, a distinguished visitor is invited to campus for up to one year to teach an undergraduate course, to deliver a series of lectures open to the public, to work with students individually, and to contribute to the awareness and growth of the Williams community. The Sterling Brown visiting professors are encouraged to play an active part in campus life.

  • Academic year 2019–2020, 1st semester 2020–21

    Matthew J. Smith, Visiting Professor of Africana Studies

    2nd semester 2017–18, 1st semester 2018–19

    Rachel Elizabeth Harding, Visiting Professor of Africana Studies

  • Academic year 2016–17

    Kelly Baker Josephs, Visiting Professor of Africana Studies

    2nd semester 2015–16

    Aishah Shahidah Simmons, Visiting Professor of Africana Studies

    1st semester 2014–15

    Greg Tate, Visiting Professor of Africana Studies

  • 1st semester 2013–14

    Aminatta Forna, Visiting Professor of Africana Studies

    1st semester 2012–13

    Avery G. Sharpe, Visiting Artist in Residence in Music, Artist Associate in Jazz Bass, Jazz Coach, Faculty Advisor to Gospel Choir at Williams College.

    1st semester 2011–12

    Aminatta Forna, Visiting Professor of Africana Studies

    2nd semester 2010–11

    Bill Lowe, Visiting Professor of Africana Studies

    2nd semester 2009–10

    Kimberly Springer, Visiting Professor of Africana Studies

  • 1st semester 2005–06

    Katie G. Cannon, Visiting Professor of Africana Studies

    2nd semester 2004–05

    Kathy A. Perkins, Visiting Professor of Theatre

    1st semester 2004–05

    Mary Nell Morgan, Visiting Professor of Africana Studies

    2nd semester 2003–04

    Anthony Pinn, Visiting Professor of Religion

  • 1st semester 2000–01

    Michael Awkward, Visiting Professor of English

    2nd semester 1999–00

    Carrie Mae Weems, Visiting Professor of Art

    1st semester 1999–00 (November 17-18, 1999)

    Cornel West, Visiting Lecturer

    1st semester 1999–00 (October 11-22, 1999)
    1st semester 1998–99 (October 4-12, 1999)

    James Tinsley, Artist in Residence

    2nd semester 1997–98

    Joseph Francisco, Visiting Professor of Chemistry