2008 Woodie Awards
Riding the Rails of Life Through Retirement Station
Nancy Sanchez
Issue date: 4/27/05 Section: Life
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The interim vice president of instruction at Citrus College is about to embark retirement to continue to ride the rails of life.
James Dean Williams, better known as Jim, will be retiring on Aug. 30 after 36 years of service to Citrus College.
Williams, 63, was born in Pomona, Calif. He attended Pomona College in Claremont and graduated in 1964 with a bachelor of arts degree in geology.
He graduated from Claremont Graduate University in 1966 with a master's degree in geology. He also received his teaching credentials at the graduate school.
Williams taught at Chaffey College in 1965, and then in fall of 1969, he was hired by Citrus College. For 25 years he taught geology, astronomy, oceanography, physical geography, chemistry, as well as math.
"Math is difficult to teach, but I enjoyed it," Williams said.
Williams also served 10 years as dean of faculty and then became interim vice president of instruction on July 1 last year.
"It's different," Williams said of administration. "It is much more consuming, and the responsibility level is much higher."
Nancy Kerry, Williams' secretary for eight years, complimented her boss.
"He's been wonderful," Kerry said. "He gets the job done, he's a great decision-maker, and he's very fair."
Although she has known him only since November 2004, Sandra Lindoerfer, director of human resources, also said she is inspired by Williams' character.
"He is a very, very perceptive person," Lindoerfer said. "He's very bright, astute, and knows a lot about Citrus College and its history."
Ben Bollinger, dean of fine and performing arts, appreciates what Williams has done for the performing arts department.
"He is very understanding and is very supportive of our department," Bollinger said.
Williams is an avid classical music listener who owns a thousand or more cds. His favorite choral director/classical composer is John Rutter, who was born in London in 1945.
Williams played football at Pomona College, ran track in high school, and has played baseball for 20 years. He follows sports, especially on the college level.
James Dean Williams, better known as Jim, will be retiring on Aug. 30 after 36 years of service to Citrus College.
Williams, 63, was born in Pomona, Calif. He attended Pomona College in Claremont and graduated in 1964 with a bachelor of arts degree in geology.
He graduated from Claremont Graduate University in 1966 with a master's degree in geology. He also received his teaching credentials at the graduate school.
Williams taught at Chaffey College in 1965, and then in fall of 1969, he was hired by Citrus College. For 25 years he taught geology, astronomy, oceanography, physical geography, chemistry, as well as math.
"Math is difficult to teach, but I enjoyed it," Williams said.
Williams also served 10 years as dean of faculty and then became interim vice president of instruction on July 1 last year.
"It's different," Williams said of administration. "It is much more consuming, and the responsibility level is much higher."
Nancy Kerry, Williams' secretary for eight years, complimented her boss.
"He's been wonderful," Kerry said. "He gets the job done, he's a great decision-maker, and he's very fair."
Although she has known him only since November 2004, Sandra Lindoerfer, director of human resources, also said she is inspired by Williams' character.
"He is a very, very perceptive person," Lindoerfer said. "He's very bright, astute, and knows a lot about Citrus College and its history."
Ben Bollinger, dean of fine and performing arts, appreciates what Williams has done for the performing arts department.
"He is very understanding and is very supportive of our department," Bollinger said.
Williams is an avid classical music listener who owns a thousand or more cds. His favorite choral director/classical composer is John Rutter, who was born in London in 1945.
Williams played football at Pomona College, ran track in high school, and has played baseball for 20 years. He follows sports, especially on the college level.