Profiles in Diversity Journal, a magazine dedicated to promoting and advancing diversity and inclusion, honored Dr. Janet Williams, dean in Walden University’s Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership, as a 2016 Women Worth Watching award recipient. Nominated by her colleagues for her initiative and achievements, Dr. Williams is among 158 women featured in the 15th anniversary issue who represent a driving force of transformational change across the corporate, government, nonprofit, higher education and military sectors.
“We congratulate Dr. Williams on this well-deserved recognition. Her enthusiasm for preparing quality educators to meet challenges in classrooms across the country is demonstrated by her commitment to enhancing teacher and leadership programs at Walden,” said Dr. Eric Riedel, chief academic officer of Walden.
As dean, Dr. Williams oversees the School of Education and Professional Licensure. Her role includes program, personnel, and policy development and evaluation, as well as long-term planning for student success. Dr. Williams is responsible for outreach to districts, schools, and state departments of education, and has developed a unique three-tiered partnership model to enhance relationships for students during their field experiences. In addition, under her leadership, Walden launched the nation’s first online competency-based master’s program in early childhood studies using a direct assessment model.
“Every day I am reminded of the positive influence that education has on helping others achieve their goals and the impact of those actions for social change in our world,” said Dr. Williams. “I am honored to be recognized alongside such distinguished and influential women who are making a difference in their sectors through their leadership.”
Read more about Dr. Williams in Profiles in Diversity Journal’s Women Worth Watching issue.