Williams Chosen to Join ABET’s Academic Advisory Council

Dr. John Williams, interim dean of the School of Management and Engineering Technology at Alfred State College, has been chosen to join ABET’s (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) Academic Advisory Council which provides a formal means for the academic community to share its perspective, give advice, and communicate with the ABET leadership in such areas as accreditation; issues related to applied science, computing, engineering, and technology education; and feedback on proposed programs, procedures and policies relating to higher education.

ABET has been providing quality assurance in technical education since 1932 when it was established as the Engineers’ Council for Professional Development, formed to fill the apparent need for a “joint program for upbuilding engineering as a profession.”

Currently, ABET’s mission is to serve the public through the promotion and advancement of education in applied science, computing, engineering, and technology. To that end, ABET will accredit educational programs; promote quality and innovation in education; consult and assist in the development and advancement of education worldwide in a financially self-sustaining manner; communicate with our constituencies and the public regarding activities and accomplishments; anticipate and prepare for the changing environment and the future needs of constituencies; and manage the operations and resources to be effective and fiscally responsible.

Williams joined the ASC faculty in 2002. He has taught classes in manufacturing management, mechanics of materials, mechanics of materials laboratory, plastics and composites, and materials science. Currently, he serves as interim dean of the School of Management and Engineering Technology.

Williams was elected to the Tau Alpha Pi Board of Directors the national Engineering Technology Honor Society (05-08), and has served as the faculty adviser at Alfred State College since 2003. In 2009, he was elected to a three-year term as chair of the Engineering Technology Division (ETD) of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE).

Prior to joining the ASC faculty, Williams served as an assistant professor in the Mechanical Engineering Division of Alfred University. Other professional appointments have included DuPont Fellow/senior research assistant, Clarkson University, Potsdam; and mechanical engineer, Universal Instruments Corporation, Binghamton.

Williams’ professional affiliations and activities include membership in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers; American Society for Engineering Education; and New York State Engineering Technology Association. He has been included in 2002-03 and 2004-05 Strathmore’s Who’s Who Directory, Who’s Who among America’s Teachers 2003-04, and America’s Registry of Outstanding Professionals 2002-03. Williams has been awarded numerous grants in his field.

Williams holds three degrees in mechanical engineering from Clarkson University, Potsdam: the PhD, a master of science, and a bachelor of science.

Alfred State College, a member of the technology college sector within the State University of New York (SUNY) system, offers residential facilities, and co-curricular activities are provided to meet the educational, cultural, social, and recreational needs of students. Alfred State's reputation for excellence attracts students and faculty from throughout New York, neighboring states, and several foreign countries. The College is located in Alfred, NY, a scenic village in Allegany County. It is 15 miles north of the Pennsylvania border, 70 miles south of Rochester, and 90 miles southeast of Buffalo.

All programs and services of the College are administered without discrimination on the basis of age, sex, marital or military status, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.