Director, Oakley Center for Humanities and Social Sciences

This appointment is coming available for a three-year term from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2026. Tenured members of the faculty from Divisions 1 and 2 are invited to submit a 1-2 page statement of interest by May 15, 2023. Nominations including brief testimony are also welcome.

Background. The Oakley Center was established in 1985 to support research across the humanities and social sciences, with a special emphasis on interdisciplinary work. Since that time, it has come to play a vital role in the scholarly life of Williams College. The center provides a meeting place where faculty and administrative staff can pursue their intellectual and research interests. It sponsors many events and programs throughout the year, some exclusively for faculty and staff and others for the entire campus and the wider public.

Programs especially for faculty include fellowships, colloquia with distinguished visiting scholars, a manuscript review program, and center-supported faculty research and reading groups. Each semester, about eight faculty fellows are in residence and participate in a weekly research seminar. Through the Ruchman Fellowship, two Williams seniors participate in the Fellows’ seminar as well. Through the Clark-Oakley Fellowship, offered in conjunction with the Research and Academic Program of the Clark Art Institute, the center also provides an office and funding for one scholar from outside the college, who takes part in the programs of both institutions. The center’s public events include occasional conferences and the annual Richmond and Weiss lectures, as well as collaborating with the Davis Center on the Davis lectures.

Eligibility and Responsibilities. All tenured faculty appointed in Divisions 1 and 2 are eligible to serve as the director of the Oakley Center. This is a three-year appointment. The director creates community among the faculty in residence, generates and facilitates programming to enhance the intellectual vibrancy of the college, oversees the selection process for Oakley Center programs including the faculty fellowships, reading groups, symposia, and manuscript review program, and manages the general administration of the Oakley Center with the support of an administrative director.

Terms. The director is on fully active service and therefore receives 100% of their institutional base salary. In addition, the Director receives an annual salary supplement of $15,000 and teaching release from two courses each year.

Selection. The director of the Oakley Center is appointed by the president in consultation with the dean of the faculty. Selection is not made on the basis of seniority but rather on personal qualifications, depth of relevant experience and related service, and potential for faculty career benefit. Other factors include the impact on department or program staffing.

Timing. Please submit a 1-2 page statement of interest and qualifications to the dean of the faculty by May 15, 2023. Nominations including brief testimony are also welcome. A selection will be made as soon as possible.

History of Directors

  • 1985-89     Roger Bolton
  • 1989-90     Mark Taylor
  • 1990-94     Jean-Bernard Bucky
  • 1994-97     Charles Dew
  • 1997-00     Meredith Hoppin
  • 2000-04     Robert Kavanaugh
  • 2004-07     Mark Reinhardt
  • 2007-11     Michael Brown
  • 2011-15     Leyla Rouhi
  • 2015-18     Jana Sawicki
  • 2018-22     Gage McWeeny
  • 2022-23     Jacqueline Hidalgo