Williams Receives Prestigious Albright III Rehabilitation Professorship

On Nov 20, 2024

Acknowledging Achievements of Brent Thomas Williams, an Advocate for People with Disabilities

Associate Professor Brent Thomas Williams, a respected member of the College of Education and Health Professions’ counseling program at the University of Arkansas for over two decades, has been awarded the prestigious Spencer D. Albright III Professorship in Rehabilitation.

Photo Submitted

Brent Thomas Williams

The Significance of the Spencer D. Albright III Professorship

This professorship, named after Spencer D. Albright III, a survivor of paralytic poliomyelitis, has a history that dates back to the late 1990s. Albright endowed this professorship with the aim of helping individuals with disabilities, limitations, and handicaps to live and work productively, leveraging rehabilitation research. This coveted honor is awarded through the College of Education and Health Professions at the U of A.

Williams’ Notable Contributions and Future Goals

Williams started his journey with the college in 2002 as the program coordinator of the Rehabilitation Education and Research Program. To date, he has successfully secured over $59 million in external funding to propel his research and service efforts. His research interests span from school-to-work transition, rehabilitation counseling education to rehabilitation service outcomes. Williams is committed to advocating for people with disabilities across Arkansas.

Presently, Williams spearheads several leadership roles, such as the president of the U of A Disability Employee Impact Group, the principal investigator for Seamless Transition for Arkansas, and project director for the Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment for Arkansas Rehabilitation Services. His current research is dedicated to devising strategies that smooth the transition from high school to the real world for youth with disabilities.

Fulfilling the Mission of the Albright Professorship

The Albright Professorship aims to propel the study and practice of disability services that empower individuals with disabilities to play productive roles in society. Williams, through his work, has made significant contributions to advance disability services in Arkansas and plans to continue his endeavor.

Williams leverages his relationships with state government personnel to advocate for individuals with disabilities and to influence best practices in the workforce. The Albright Professorship enables him to play a crucial role as an ambassador, meeting with state legislators and agency commissioners, and working to enhance services for those with disabilities.

“This professorship helps me facilitate an ambassador role so I can continue to meet with state legislators and the commissioners of state agencies,” he revealed. “It’s most rewarding for me to examine systems in Arkansas and work to enhance services so persons with disabilities have the opportunity to live their best lives.”