Hilary Williams has been appointed academic vice president (AVP) and dean of faculty at Colby-Sawyer College, effective immediately. She had served in the role on an interim basis since May 2025, while a nationwide search was undertaken. 

Her previous administrative roles at Colby-Sawyer include dean for the School of Arts & Sciences and chair for the Department of Fine & Performing Arts. Williams joined the faculty in 2012, teaching graphic design and digital media. In 2016, she earned Colby-Sawyer's highest teaching honor, the Jack Jensen Award for Excellence in Teaching. 

Colby-Sawyer President Dean G. McCurdy described Williams as thoughtful, energetic, and forward-thinking in her work.  

“Her experience as a dean, department chair, professor, and engaged member of the broader community makes her an ideal fit for this role,” he said.  

“Hilary is an example of why Colby-Sawyer College is consistently ranked as the top college for effective teaching in our region. She seeks opportunities to introduce innovative ideas to our college and our students, and she looks for new ways to support our faculty and our programs. The qualities that made her an outstanding professor here are evident in her approach to leadership.” 

During the eight months that Williams was interim AVP, McCurdy said that she led the formation of new partnerships for the college; set the college on a path to address challenges and opportunities associated with developments such as artificial intelligence; and engaged faculty and staff in developing the college's new strategic plan. She also co-chaired Colby-Sawyer's most recent accreditation reaffirmation.  

Williams said she is honored and thrilled to be entrusted by colleagues with the role and its responsibilities — which leverage her dedication and deep ties to Colby-Sawyer and the community. 

“I look forward to contributing to the college's ongoing evolution and transformative impact on students,” she said. “I am excited to continue working closely with our new president, fellow vice presidents, faculty, staff, trustees and partners to launch Colby-Sawyer's new strategic plan, focusing on the goal of reimagining our academic portfolio.” 

Williams holds a bachelor’s degree in studio art and environmental studies from Williams College and an MFA in studio art: graphic design from The University of Tennessee. She has participated in leadership development programs with the American Academic Leadership Institute, the American Conference of Academic Deans, the American Council on Education, the Council of Independent Colleges, Higher Education Resource Services (HERS), IDEO U, Leadership New Hampshire, and National Outdoor Leadership School. 

Her writing about academic leadership has been published in The ACAD Leader and The Department Chair, and her graphic design work has been recognized in regional, national, and international competitions. 

“As I reflect on my senior leadership work to date in an interim capacity, I am struck by how much the value of balance encapsulates what I do and how I do it,” she said. “I look forward to bringing my core values of growth, balance, and joy to this role in the years to come.”