Dr. Voletta Williams retires from Alcorn's Department of Biological Sciences after 32 years
The atmosphere at Alcorn State University is one of its most celebrated qualities among Alcornites and visitors. The positive vibes and good people made way for Dr. Voletta Williams to have an experience of a lifetime during her three-decade tenure at the University.
“My experience at Alcorn has been one of the most profitable, pleasurable, and enriching experiences that I could’ve ever been exposed to or sought,” said Williams. “I am fulfilled in a way that some could only imagine.”
Williams is happy to conclude her educational career on a high note. The outgoing chair and professor for the Department of Biological Sciences retired after a 32-year career. Friends and colleagues gathered to celebrate Williams’s milestone during a retirement party in the Dr. Clinton Bristow Jr. Dining Facility Gold Room Wednesday, July 7.
In her career, Williams’s dedication led to promotions to chair in 2016, interim chair in 2015, professor in 2013, and associate professor in 2006. Before being granted tenure in 2007, Williams was an adjunct instructor.
Retiring is a proud moment and a blessing for Williams.
“Retirement is a blessing from God. It’s having labored and now receiving the fruits from that labor. I’m overjoyed.”
Although feeling blessed to end this chapter in her life, Williams will miss teaching and preparing the next generation of scientists for success.
“The center of my joy at Alcorn was the students. Teaching is an enjoyable calling, and being in the classroom for years was a joy that cannot be explained. Teaching was a service to the global community, a chance to spread and receive love while making a significant impact in the lives of so many scholars that will make an impact on the lives of others. My career was an enjoyable experience that will always be held with the highest regard.”
Williams will also miss working with her colleagues and promoting the University in a professional capacity.
“I will miss being active in the legacy passed down by so many stellar leaders, colleagues, alumni, and friends. I’ll miss working on projects, ensuring that students and Alcorn are well represented in whatever cause. I will also miss spending late nights and working weekends to ensure quality and assurance for students and the University.”
Some of Alcorn’s most heralded faculty instilled in Williams the importance of hard work.
“Working for Alcorn taught me that work ethic could be tied into enjoyment, positive results, and love that leads to harmony and productivity in a friendly environment. I’m old school, so I’ve emulated the strong work ethics from former Alcornite leaders such as Drs. Norris Edney, Calvin White, John I. Hendricks, Alice Powell, Josephine Posey, and Mrs. Emma Jackson. Their lessons aren’t only life learned but also life-changing. Working for Alcorn was a gift from God that changed my life.”
She may be entering retirement, but Williams doesn’t plan to slow down. Her future includes assisting her beloved University, committing to church activities, and enjoying her family.
“I will continue to contribute to Alcorn as needed or requested. I also plan to explore avenues to serve our multicultural students better, improve STEM areas at Alcorn, spend quality time with family, expand church projects, and remain a mother figure to many students as well as my children and grandchildren. I will be busy.”
