Former Oakton Community College chairman Emory Williams dies

Emory Williams, former chairman of the Oakton Community College board, died Monday, April 25, the college announced Monday.

Williams, of Evanston, was on the board from 2003 to 2009, during which time he served as board chairman, vice chairman and secretary.

From 2011 to 2015, he sponsored the Kenny Jackson Williams Memorial Scholarship to support a minority student attending Oakton full or part time.

"Emory understood in his bones what it meant to be a trustee and to hold the college in trust for the community it serves," Oakton President Emerita Margaret B. Lee said in a news release. "He believed in the power of education to transform lives and was a passionate advocate for access and opportunity for all."

Williams, who worked in various capacities at Evanston Township High School from 1967 to 1994, considered Oakton as a valuable resource for local residents.

"Emory was a strong advocate for community colleges," Oakton President Joianne L. Smith said in a news release. "He was deeply connected to the Evanston community and was instrumental in moving the college forward in our efforts to be a welcoming and diverse community, particularly for students and employees of color."