In early December, the Department of Economics mourned the loss of one of its most acclaimed and influential faculty members, Dr. Walter Williams.
News of Dr. Williams' death was shared in outlets throughout the United States, echoed by Mason President Gregory Washington's statement in social media.
Dean Ann Ardis offered a statement of appreciation reflecting on Dr. Williams' contributions to the field of economics, his skill as a writer, and his great service to the university.
The Department of Economics shared a tribute from immediate past chair, Donald J. Boudreaux and current chair, Daniel Houser, which lauded the quality of Dr. Williams' research and thought as well as his skill in communicating complex economic concepts to a general understanding.
In the words of Dean Ardis, "his work and his writings prompted many of us to think critically, even if the end result was an agreement to disagree. That is the foundation of higher education, and Dr. Williams left his mark, using his time, scholarship and wisdom to chart a unique and successful path."
December 08, 2020
