FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Nudie E. Williams, associate professor of history and chair of the African American studies program at the University of Arkansas, died of heart failure on Wednesday following a brief illness. He was 66 years old.

Williams joined the history department in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences as an instructor in 1976. During his 27 years of teaching at the University, Williams built an exceptional record of leadership and service, devoting much time to students as an advisor and mentor. In 1989, the UA Office of Minority Affairs honored Williams with its Martin Luther King Faculty/ Staff Leadership Award. And in 1993, Fulbright College named him Advisor of the Year.

"Professor Williams made significant and lasting contributions to the University of Arkansas during his tenure on the faculty," said Chancellor John A. White. "In addition to being a gifted and respected educator and mentor, he was a wise friend to so many of us. In his quiet and thoughtful way, he touched many lives during his life."

"This is incredibly sad news for the department and the University," added Jeannie Whayne, chair of the history department. "Nudie has been an essential part of the history department for more than two decades, both as a historian and as a wonderful colleague. He truly loved the students and the classroom environment."

As a researcher and teacher, Williams specialized in African American history, particularly in the American West and West Africa. His expertise took him to West Africa as a Fulbright Fellow in 1984 and to the University of Mississippi, where he served as a Ford Foundation Fellow in Southern Studies, 1988-89.

Williams’ contributions to the UA campus extended far beyond his scholarly interests as well. During his career, he chaired the Sidney Moncrief Scholarship Committee, volunteered as a mentor in the Fulbright College FAST program, served on the Arkansas Press Committee and on the City of Fayetteville/University of Arkansas Anti-Alcohol Coalition.

"Everyone who knew Nudie felt his impact in their lives. He was a gentleman and a valued colleague because of his calm and fair demeanor. Even in disagreement, he sought first to understand the opinions of others before expressing his own views," said Donald Bobbitt, Dean of Fulbright College. "In the way Nudie conducted himself with students and other faculty, he was the ideal of what I aspire to be as a teacher and colleague."

In addition to Williams’ activities at the University, his service extended into the community. At various times Williams served as president of the Arkansas Historic Preservation Committee, sat on the board of directors of the Northwest Economic Development Corporation, and chaired the Black History Task Force - instrumental in incorporating African American history into school curricula across Arkansas.

Williams considered community service not only important but enjoyable. In his vita, he listed it among his personal interests, alongside travel, non-fiction reading and collecting jazz recordings.

Before entering a career in academics, Williams served eight years in the United States Air Force as an electronics specialist. He returned to school in 1973, earning master’s and doctoral degrees in American history from Oklahoma State University.

Arrangements for a memorial service are pending at Beard’s Funeral Chapel. In the meantime, said Chancellor White, the University community joins the Williams family in remembering a great teacher and man.

"Mary Lib and I join with the entire University of Arkansas family in extending our condolences to Nudie’s wife, Mamie, and the entire Williams family," he said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this period of loss."