Williams Retires From MAC

“I enjoy seeing the light bulb go off when students finally understand a concept they once found challenging."

-Dr. Margaret Williams on what she considers a high point of being an educator

Dr. Margaret Williams of Mapaville, Professor of Chemistry, is retiring this month after dedicating 29 years to teaching and inspiring students at Mineral Area College.

She attended the University of Missouri-Rolla (now Missouri S&T), where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (1984) and a PhD in Inorganic Chemistry (1993). Williams has been a member of the American Chemical Society.

This past April, Williams's exceptional leadership and dedication were honored with MAC’s Leadership Award. Her outstanding contributions were also recognized in 2019 when she was celebrated as MAC Faculty Member of the Year and received the Governor’s Excellence Award in Teaching from the Missouri Community College Association later that fall.

For Williams, the real reward of her career has been witnessing her students' growth. She fondly recalls, "Seeing the light bulb go off when students finally understand a concept they once found challenging has been a true joy."

Her influence extends beyond the classroom, touching the lives of many. This includes Judge Brice Sechrest, this year’s Alumni Award recipient and commencement speaker, who spoke warmly of the impact Dr. Williams's chemistry class had on his life as he underscored the excellent education he received at MAC.

Dr. Williams has also been a cornerstone in fostering a love for science among local youth. She played a pivotal role in the annual MAC Science Fair over the years, engaging middle and high school students, and brought the wonder of science to local school districts through initiatives like “Science Field Day.”

As she prepares for her next chapter, Dr. Williams says she will miss her students and colleagues, who have been a significant part of her journey. Oh, and snow days!

Congratulations on your retirement, Dr. Williams. Thank you for your incredible contributions to MAC over the years, for enriching the lives of countless students, and for your unparalleled dedication to education! You will be dearly missed, but your legacy at MAC will undoubtedly continue to inspire for years to come.