Remembering Richard Williams

Richard Williams

Dr. Richard A. Williams
December 13, 1945 - July 6, 2020. 
Our deepest condolences to Richard's family.

Richard grew up in South Florida and attended Coral Gables High School. He received his bachelor’s degree in History and Anthropology from Florida State, and went on to receive a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in South Asian Languages and Civilizations.

He was appointed as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Oriental and African Languages and Literatures at the University of Texas at Austin and later as a Senior Research Fellow at the American Institute of Indian Studies in Jaipur, India.

Subsequently, he left his academic career and came to UM in 1983 to work in the Office of Development in the College of Arts and Sciences. He then moved to the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, becoming the Director of that office in 1989. He later was the Director of Financial Affairs for the UM North-South Center, the Director of Personnel and Fiscal Management for Psychology, and a Senior Manager in the Comptroller’s Office.

In 2001, Rod Wellens convinced Richard to return to the Psychology Department as the Assistant Chair for Finance and Compliance, which is the position he held for the last 19 years.

Richard was the most important administrator that this department has ever had. For almost 20 years he managed the finances for one of the largest and most complicated departments in the university, and he always did it with grace, dignity and humor.

Probably all of us have our favorite “Richard” story, and we will all miss his dry wit and valuable wisdom. He was the ultimate professional, and his sense of responsibility and duty made him a role model for all of us. We will always remember his compassion, guidance and friendship, we will miss him terribly.

Charitable contributions will be announced. Condolences in the form of notes and cards of sympathy, can be sent to: 

Ron and Miriam Williams
2230 Sandrala Dr.
Sarasota, FL 34231


**Due to the COVID-19 crisis, for the time being there will not be a memorial service. The department will memorialize him and celebrate his contributions to our department at a later date.