Former ±«ÓãtvDepartment of Teacher Education and Leadership chair, energy conservation leader dies

Dr. Tom Williams

Dr. Tom Williams, a Mississippi College alum who served as professor and chair in the Department of Teacher Education and Leadership before taking the reins of the University’s energy conservation program, died Thursday, May 22, 2025. He was 79.

A graduate of Mississippi State University, Williams received his master’s in education and his education specialist degrees at MC. He obtained his doctorate in education from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Williams joined the ±«Óãtvfaculty in 1989 after an impressive career as an administrator and teacher with Jackson Public Schools, where he served as principal of Murrah High School and was recognized as the Mississippi Teacher of the Year in the early 1980s. At Mississippi College, Williams received the Distinguished Professor of the Year Award, the School of Education’s Alumni of the Year Award, a Service Award from the ±«ÓãtvAthletic Department and ±«ÓãtvPresident Blake Thompson’s MVP Award.

“±«Óãtvloved Tom Williams almost as much as he loved us. We’re thankful for his loving kindness and his long-standing service to our campus community. ±«Óãtvis better because of him,” said ±«ÓãtvPresident Blake Thompson.

Throughout his three decades of service to MC, Williams was known for going the extra mile for students, faculty and staff. Before retiring from the Christian University in July 2021, Williams served on the institution’s COVID Response Team, where he facilitated the distribution of materials and supplies to help keep the campus safe. The Madison resident and former Mississippi Tennis Coach of the Year also served as chair of the Mississippi College faculty athletics committee.

As the University’s first energy education director, Williams worked with Energy Education consultants, members of MC’s Physical Plant staff and the administration to reduce energy consumption and energy costs. Less than six years after Williams accepted the role, MC’s energy savings exceeded $2 million. Williams would reward faculty and staff for their energy-saving efforts by leaving tiny chocolate bars on their desks as his way of saying thanks.

Visitation was May 25 and 26 at Natchez Trace Funeral Home in Madison, with a funeral service May 26 celebrating his life in the Natchez Trace Funeral Home Chapel. The interment followed in New Augusta Cemetery in New Augusta, Mississippi.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mississippi College at . Donors should indicate that the gift is in memory of Tom Williams and select "Other" as the gift details designation when prompted. All gifts made in his memory will be directed to the Alan D. Lowe Scholarship Fund.