Glen Williams

Glen Williams spent most of his career at Southeast Missouri State University as professor and chairperson of Communication Studies. Prior to Southeast, he taught at Indiana University, Missouri State University, and Texas A&M University. He was an alum of Southeast, spending the last year of his undergraduate program here and then completing a Master of Arts in English, concentrating on composition and rhetoric. He earned a Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Public Address at Indiana University.

Glen took his various duties seriously. He wrote articles and chapters and coauthored an award-winning textbook: Public Speaking and Civic Engagement. In 2007, he received Student Life and Leadership’s Outstanding Student Advisor Award for his work with COMMrades. In 2008, he received the R. Ferrell Ervin Award for Excellence in Teaching. In 2014, the College of Liberal Arts recognized his scholarly contributions with its annual Honors Award for Outstanding Scholarship.

Glen knew full well the value of effective communication and the difference it could make in one’s life—personally and professionally. He had experienced the effects first-hand and wanted the same for his students. He emphasized that the ability to communicate effectively had a higher calling than self-promotion; the ability could serve the greater good. His communication activities were largely in the service of others.

Glen was known as “G.W.” by colleagues and students alike, preferring that handle to “Dr.” or “Professor.” He considered learning a partnership involving mutual respect, and tending to the department as a team enterprise.