[1] Williams began his post-secondary education at McGill University, graduating with a bachelor's degree in chemistry in 1960.
He was a professor emeritus of education and of policy studies, and maintained active research interests in both fields after his retirement.
[2] Queen's principal and vice-chancellor, Karen Hitchcock, was the first woman and the first American to hold the posts and had been expected to serve until her five-year term ended on June 30, 2009.
However, there was active dissent from the undergraduate student assembly and it unanimously passed a resolution calling for her not to be granted a second term.
[5] During his sixteen months in office, he contended with a ballooning deficit caused largely by the global economic crisis, improved relations with the city of Kingston, Ontario, and dealt with the ongoing problem of an unsanctioned street party by cancelling the annual fall homecoming celebrations.
In October 2009, Queen's board of trustees recognized Williams' service to the university by awarding him the designation principal emeritus.