NATCHITOCHES – A resident of Natchitoches Parish majoring in business administration at Northwestern State University will benefit from a scholarship established by the family of the late John Garland Williams, who passed away May 24. Criteria for the endowed scholarship is a minimum grade point average of 3.0 for a junior or senior level student.
Williams, who taught business law, was a member of Northwestern State’s faculty for 47 years. He was an adjunct faculty member for 19 years and became a full-time faculty member for 28 years and was a professor of business. Williams also maintained a law practice in Natchitoches and was first assistant district attorney for Natchitoches Parish.
He greatly enjoyed teaching over the course of 47 years, sometimes teaching the children and grandchildren of former students. He was known for his educational anecdotes that included Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, Hobart Macgroniac, Lillie Lickskillet, and Susie Stepingofetchit.
A 1962 graduate of St. Mary’s Academy, he earned a degree in agribusiness from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and graduated from Tulane Law School with a Juris Doctorate Degree in civil law.
He entered the U.S. Marine Corps on active duty in September 1968 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in February 1969. He graduated from the Naval Justice School in August 1969 and joined the 1st Marine Division in Camp Pendelton, California, where he was a defense lawyer, a prosecutor and finally was appointed by the Secretary of the Navy as a military judge. Williams returned home and began to practice law.
Williams’ wife, Suzanne, is teacher certification coordinator for NSU’s School of Education.
Friends who wish to contribute to the John G. Williams Memorial Scholarship in Business may do so through the NSU Foundation, 535 University Parkway, Natchitoches, LA 71497. Donors can also visit northwesternstatealumni.com and specify their gift under the Give Now tab.
