Black Heritage Month Difference Maker 1

LaVerne McQuiller Williams

Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs - Professor, Criminal Justice. 

Briefly describe your responsibilities at RIT.

As the Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs, I lead the Office of Faculty Affairs, which includes the Office of Faculty Career Development, AdvanceRIT, and the Faculty Associates for Women, AALANA, and non-tenure track faculty. My responsibilities include managing new faculty onboarding and orientation and providing leadership development workshops for department heads. I oversee faculty recruitment, retention, and professional development opportunities, such as the Faculty Success Series workshops and Provost’s Grant initiatives. Additionally, I manage tenure and promotion processes, various university award processes, and executive searches for positions reporting directly to the provost. I also oversee comprehensive evaluations for deans and represent the provost in university governance groups and on various committees. 

How long have you been at RIT?

I have been at RIT for 28 years, not including the four years I spent here as an undergraduate student. It’s been a long and rewarding journey, filled with many opportunities to grow and contribute to the RIT community.

What is it about your job that keeps you here?

My position allows me to make a difference in the academic and professional lives of faculty members by developing and implementing programs and procedures, and consulting on policies that support their growth and success. The collaborative environment at RIT, where I work alongside dedicated colleagues who share a commitment to academic excellence and innovation, is incredibly motivating. The sense of community and belonging at RIT, coupled with the ability to influence positive change within the institution, makes my role both rewarding and inspiring. 

Please share some of your professional journey.

My professional journey began with a B.S. in Criminal Justice from RIT. I then earned a Juris Doctorate from Albany Law School. After law school, I served as an Assistant District Attorney in Rensselaer County. When a visiting position opened up at RIT, several former professors encouraged me to apply. I did, and when a permanent tenure-track position became available a couple of years later, I applied and was selected.

While serving as a faculty member at RIT, I earned my M.S. in Criminal Justice. After being awarded tenure, I pursued my doctoral degree and earned a Ph.D. in Sociology from SUNY Buffalo. Throughout my academic career, I have focused on research areas such as intimate partner violence, restorative justice, therapeutic justice, and sex trafficking, much of which is based on my experiences as a former prosecutor.

I have also served in various academic and administrative roles at RIT, including Interim Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, Senior Associate Dean, Department Chair, and Graduate Director, contributing to faculty development and student success.

You are an RIT alum. What first led you to the field of criminal justice? Was this something you decided on in high school before you entered RIT to obtain your undergraduate degree in the field? Was there a specific incident or observation made that drew you in?

My interest in criminal justice was sparked when I was around 8 years old, as I became fascinated by the legal system and its impact on society. A specific incident that drew me in was witnessing the challenges faced by a member of my family who was a survivor of domestic violence. This experience motivated me to make a difference by understanding and improving the justice system. It was this early exposure and desire to help others that led me to pursue an undergraduate degree in criminal justice at RIT. 

You went on to Buffalo State College to earn a master’s degree in the field, followed by a doctorate law degree from Albany Law School, and from SUNY Buffalo, a Ph.D. in sociology. That is impressive! As you work on faculty development, recruitment and retention, what advice do you have for other scholars who seek to do what you have done? For instance, those visiting scholars and artists who come here with the Future Faculty Career Exploration Program?

My advice for other scholars is to stay curious and committed to lifelong learning. Build a strong network of mentors and colleagues and take full advantage of available resources. I personally benefited immensely from working with the Innovation and Learning Institute (now the Center for Teaching and Learning) to improve my teaching. Be resilient and adaptable and focus on impactful research that makes a difference. Balance your professional and personal life to maintain well-being. Engage fully in the academic community and be open to collaboration. Stay open to new experiences, be proactive in seeking out collaborations and professional development opportunities, and don’t hesitate to seek help when needed. 

We are celebrating Black Heritage Month. Why is it important? Are there any individuals that stand out in your mind when you think of Black Heritage Month?

Black Heritage Month is important because it celebrates the contributions and achievements of Black individuals throughout history, while also acknowledging the ongoing struggles for equality and justice. It provides an opportunity to educate others about Black history and culture, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation.

When I think of Black Heritage Month, several remarkable individuals come to mind, especially my family members who have been pillars of strength and resilience. For instance, my mother, who dropped out of high school to raise her nine siblings after their mother passed away, exemplifies incredible sacrifice and dedication. Similarly, my mother-in-law stands as a beacon of inspiration and strength. In a courageous attempt to escape her abusive husband, she coordinated with several neighbors early one morning, after her husband had left for work, to sell all the furniture in the house. With the money earned, she packed up her four young children, wearing only the clothes on their backs, and embarked on a 30-hour Greyhound bus journey to upstate New York to start anew. 

Historical figures like Harriet Tubman and Martin Luther King Jr. also come to mind. Their courage and dedication to social justice have been a source of inspiration for me. Their legacies remind us of the importance of continuing the fight for equality and making a positive impact in our communities.

FUN FACTS

What was your very first job?

My very first job was as an undergraduate student researcher with a professor in Criminal Justice at RIT. I was responsible for coding survey data to examine the correlation between radar guns and cancer among law enforcement officers.

You’re in charge of planning a week-long “Friends Trip.” Where is the group headed and what’s on the agenda?

For a week-long “Friends Trip,” we would head to the beautiful island of Maui, Hawaii. Our agenda would include relaxing on the stunning beaches, snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, and exploring the scenic Hana Highway—provided I’m not responsible for driving! We would also visit Haleakalā National Park to watch the sunrise, go whale watching, and attend a traditional Hawaiian luau. Evenings would be spent enjoying local cuisine and stargazing. It would be a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences! 

What is the one food you absolutely refuse to eat?

I absolutely refuse to eat chitterlings. The smell and texture are just not for me.

Favorite childhood memory?

One of my favorite childhood memories was going to local amusement parks with my family. Even though we didn’t have a lot of money, those trips were filled with excitement and joy. The thrill of the rides – I’m a roller coaster enthusiast – the games, and the delicious treats (fried dough is my favorite) made those days incredibly special. Those simple yet magical moments have stayed with me throughout the years.

What is your hometown? What spots would you tell a first-time visitor to be sure to check out?

My hometown is Buffalo, New York. Go Bills! For a first-time visitor, I would recommend checking out Niagara Falls, the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, and the Albright-Knox Art Gallery.

Favorite spot to grab a bite to eat on the RIT campus?

My favorite spot to grab a bite to eat on the RIT campus is the Brick City Café. They have a great variety of options and a cozy atmosphere.

Last show you binge-watched?

The last show I binge-watched was Scandal. The intense drama and complex characters kept me hooked from start to finish.

What would your friends and colleagues be surprised to learn about you?

My friends and colleagues might be surprised to learn that I am an avid DIY fixer-upper. I have dry walled my basement - now taken over by my husband, Joe - and office at home and built several pieces of furniture. It’s a hobby that I find both challenging and rewarding, allowing me to create and improve spaces with my own hands.