Dr. Erma Brooks Williams Legal Studies Bachelor’s Degree – 1979

The convenience of location and affordability of tuition were among the reasons why Dr. Williams attended the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS). The Legal Studies Program is established to fit around students’ schedules and Dr. Williams was no exception. She worked full-time while attending University of Illinois Springfield to earn her Legal Studies Bachelor’s Degree.

Dr. Williams has had a prosperous career, and she was able to develop basic fundamental skills by completing her Bachelor’s Degree in the Legal Studies Program at UIS. As she continued her education beyond UIS, she utilized learned research and writing tactics from the UIS Legal Studies Program. These skills assisted in her educational and professional success. Some of her prior professional experiences include being the Special Assistant to United States Congressmen Harold Washington and Charles Hayes; Assistant Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of Illinois Chicago; Research Analyst for Comptroller’s Office; Budget Analyst for the Illinois House of Representatives; Supervisor of the Senate Pages for the Illinois State Senate and the list continues. She is the current Associate to the President for the Board of Trustees and Governmental Affairs for Chicago State University.

Dr. Williams felt the best part of Legal Studies Bachelor’s Program was “learning how to conduct research and writing.” She consistently has used these learned skills from the Legal Studies Program in her educational and professional career. The Legal Studies Program inspired Dr. Williams to accomplish professional goals. She advises future students to “be persistent” in accomplishing their goals and “studying diligently” will help students succeed as well.