Williams - New Simmons Professor 

Dr. Cathleen Collett Williams was recently designated as the Gerald A. Simmons Professor of Dairy Science in the School of Animal Sciences at Louisiana State University. Named professorships are created through partnership agreements between donors and the state of Louisiana with the goal of attracting or retaining and supporting faculty who have achieved excellence in teaching and research. Dr. Williams has been recognized both locally and nationally for her excellence in teach and student advising. This endowed professorship was funded by contributions from friends of Gerald Simmons in recognition of his many contributions to the dairy industry in the state and region. The interest from the endowment will help support Dr. Williams as she continues to advance her teaching and research programs in dairy science.

Williams, a graduate of Bogalusa High School, received her B.S. degree in dairy science from LSU, her M.S. degree in dairy science from the University of Georgia, and her PhD degree in animal science from Auburn University. She joined the faculty at LSU in dairy science in 1998. Prior to the professorship honor, Williams received the Tiger Athletic Foundation Outstanding Assistant Professor in the College of Agriculture, the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture Excellence in Teaching Award, the Gamma Sigma Delta Teaching Award, and the American Dairy Science Association Outstanding National Advisor Award.