Social studies professor, 74, explored the world in and out of the classroom

Former faculty member Elmer Dean Williams, who turned his love of the world around him into a passion for travel after he retired, has died. He was 74.

An associate professor of social studies education, Williams spent nearly his entire professional career at the University of Georgia College of Education. In addition to teaching and researching curriculum and methods, he was also a longtime member of the Georgia Council on Social Studies and served as its executive director from 1988 to 1998. In 2001, he received the organization’s most prestigious award, the Berryman Service Award.

During his time at Georgia, Williams also had the opportunity to travel, including trips to Jakarta, Indonesia, and Kathmandu, Nepal, to set up teacher education programs. These experiences ignited a desire to continue to see the world, and after his retirement in 1997 he began an ambitious itinerary. He eventually visited more than 50 countries on six continents and earned the title “Million Miler” from Delta Airlines.

Williams was born Sept. 17, 1942, in Lewellen, Nebraska. After graduating from Chadron State College in 1965 with a degree in education, he went on to receive his M.A. in 1967 from Colorado State University, where he also worked as a classroom teacher and teacher education supervisor at the campus laboratory school. He came to UGA after receiving his Ph.D. in geography and economic education from the University of Washington in 1971.

It wasn’t until after retirement when Williams met his future husband, Eric Lien, in 2000. The couple moved to Charlotte in 2002 and married in 2014.

Williams is survived by his husband, Lien, and his dog, Cody, as well as an extensive network of close friends. You may find more information online.