Associate Dean Mary Williams was awarded BYU’s 2009 Wesley P. Lloyd Award for Distinction in Graduate Education at the recent Annual University Conference. This award recognizes graduate faculty who have exhibited excellence in teaching, research, and citizenship.

Williams, a College of Nursing faculty member of 32 years, has worked with the graduate program for 19 years. She has assisted in more than 60 student projects and theses in addition to teaching graduate courses. Under her stewardship, the program achieved national recognition and is ranked in the top 10% of family nurse practitioner programs nationwide.

“Over the years, the college has grown in reputation and stature,” she said. “Those who have gone before us have increased the stature and paved the way.”

Williams earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from BYU in 1967. While teaching at BYU, she received a master’s degree in cardiovascular nursing at the University of Utah. In 1988, she completed her doctorate in clinical research from the University of Arizona. She serves as Associate Dean Graduate Studies and Faculty.

“Blending nursing and teaching and participating in them every day is a real joy,” Williams said. “It is wonderful to be able to work at BYU with outstanding faculty and students.”