The Bob Williams Management Fund

Dr. Robert D. Williams
1921-1999

Why the Scholarship was Established:

Because of their affection and respect for Robert (Bob) D. Williams, their high regard for the University and their sincere desire to provide educational opportunities for students attending it, a group of donors led by Dr. George Yates (Department of Management & Accountancy), contributed an amount of more than $10,000 to establish a scholarship fund in memory of Bob Williams, founding chair of the Department of Management & Accountancy.

Bob was born on 16 March 1921 in Salt Lake City. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Utah and his Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Oregon in physical chemistry. While commanding an armored infantry platoon in the European Theater of World War II, he was wounded and taken prisoner. His decorations included the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, and other various campaign medals. After being discharged from the Army as a 1st Lieutenant and completing his doctoral work, Dr. Williams began his career as a research chemist with ALCOA. In 1955, he left ALCOA and joined Celanese Corporation where by 1972 he was named Vice-President for Manufacturing for the corporation's Canadian affiliate. Dr. William's career as an executive can be summarized as being one that was broad based and achieved a record of success in both domestic and international operations. In 1977, he retired from the corporate world and became one of the first instructors of UNCA's new management program.

Dr. Williams was chair of the department for a number of years. His commitment to insuring excellence in all instruction was legendary. His dedicated efforts to insuring excellence provided a sound curricula for the accountancy, industrial and engineering management, and management degree programs. Dr. Williams typifies the ideal character traits and integrity so desired for all Department of Management & Accountancy graduates.

Criteria for the Award:

Applications are submitted to the Department of Management & Accountancy prior to April 15 of the preceding academic year. Selection is based upon the following criteria:

• Department of Management and Accountancy major

• must have completed 20 hours of management or accounting course work

• demonstrate leadership

• demonstrate academic excellence

• demonstrate citizenship

Selection Process:

A department selection committee will recommend a candidate for the award to the full department faculty. The name of the candidate for the scholarship will then be forwarded to the Office of Financial Aid by the Chair of the Management and Accountancy Department. The Office of Financial Aid will make the final decision on awarding the scholarship.

Award Announcement:

The award will be announced during the Department of Management and Accountancy Annual Awards gathering prior to the end of the Spring Semester. 

2008-2009 Recipient

Robert Dan Hemmings

(Accounting-Financial)

Previous Recipients

2007-2008
Jennifer Lynn Horrow (Accounting-Financial)

2006-2007
Jennifer Lynn Horrow (Accounting-Financial)

2005-2006
Heather Christie Nelson (Management - Business Administration)
Lauren Beck Wingo (Management - Healthcare)

2004-2005
Ashley Brooke West (Accounting-Managerial & Management-Business Administration)

2003-2004
Benjamen Scott Webester (Management-Business Administration)

2002-2003
Neil Everette Jamerson (Management-Marketing)

2001-2002
Cathy Nichole Rhoney (Industrial & Engineering Management)