Associate Professor, Purdue School of Engineering and Technology
January 3, 1944 – December 24, 2008
Passed by the IUPUI Faculty Council at their meeting on April 7, 2009.
The Purdue School of Engineering and Technology is profoundly saddened by the passing of one of its most respected colleagues. Dr. Williamson was Associate Professor of Computer and Information Technology (CIT) in the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology, IUPUI. He served his department, school, and students with dedication and distinction.
David Williamson was born January 3, 1944 in Wabash, IN to the late Mitchell and Credythnelle Williamson. He was a 1966 graduate of Purdue University graduating with a B.S. in Science. He served as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Philippines between 1967 and 1970, and there met and married his wife, Josefina Mercado. David subsequently earned an Ed.M. in Comparative Education in 1974 from the University of Illinois, an A.A.S. in Computer Technology in 1981 from IUPUI, and his Ed. D. in Instructional Systems Technology in 2005 from Indiana University.
Professor Williamson began his career in higher education in 1986 when he joined the faculty in the Department of Computer Technology as an instructor. Ten years later, after being fired and re-hired several times, he was hired as an Assistant Professor in 1996 and earned tenure and promotion in 2002. In Fall 2006 he was named Director of Freshman Technology.
His dedication to advancing the goals of higher education earned him the greatest respect and admiration from his students and peers. In testimony to his contributions in teaching and service, he received numerous teaching awards. He was a prolific researcher and scholar with interests in instructional technology, assessment and web accessibility and their affect on student access to, and learning in, higher education.
He had many interests beyond the University, but his two main passions were travel and music. He has visited locations in 22 countries. David sang for many years in the choir at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, and for several years he performed with the Circle City Sound Barbershop Chorus.
Professor Williamson is survived by his wife, Josefina Mercado Williamson; daughter, Ayesha (and Richard) Franklin; son, Aaron (and Autumn) Williamson; grandchildren Zachary, Zara, John and Katie Franklin and Viktor Williamson.
THUS, BE IT RESOLVED: that this memorial resolution be adopted by the Faculty Senate of the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI and placed in the school’s minutes and its permanent archives; that a copy of this memorial resolution be delivered to his wife.
This memorial resolution will also be placed in the minutes of Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis Faculty Council with a moment of silence observed in his honor.
This resolution is written on behalf of Professor Williamson’s students, staff, and colleagues. This resolution was prepared by Eugenia Fernandez, Associate Professor of Computer and Information Technology.