Mary Williams
Establishing “Learning the Healer’s Art”
After 41 years of heartfelt service to the College of Nursing at Brigham Young University, associate professor Dr. Mary Williams (BS ’71) retired in July 2019.
She was recognized with the university’s Alumni Achievement Award during Homecoming 2021. When asked what receiving the honor meant to her, Dr. Williams said, “It’s probably one of the greatest honors I have ever received. And it’s because of who’s giving it to me. I have spent much of my life here. I have watched the college grow. I’ve had the opportunity to interact with the faculty here. I’ve had the chance to be blessed to interact with many students. I know what the mission of the College of Nursing is. And so to receive this honor from an institution that I love and has been so much a part of my life. I am overwhelmed by it. And I’m so appreciative that they would think and give it to me.”
As a student in 1967, caring faculty taught Williams the power of her potential, the love of nursing, and how to care for patients in the Savior’s way. After she failed bedmaking, faculty member Chloe D. Tillery gave her private lessons. (Williams can still make the tightest bed and the best square corner.) She graduated in 1971 and went to work for LDS Hospital in the plastic/burn unit as a staff nurse, assistant head nurse, and head nurse.
In 1978, she accepted a teaching position at the College of Nursing and began teaching introductory and advanced medical/surgical and ICU courses. She returned to school and obtained a master’s degree from the University of Utah and a doctor of philosophy from the University of Arizona.
Williams became the associate dean for the graduate program in 1990 and served in that capacity with five college deans for 27 years (until June 2017). She was the chair of the college’s 40th-, 50th-, and 60th-anniversary celebrations and was instrumental in establishing “learning the Healer’s art” as the mantra for the program (it was the theme of the 40-year gala).
Professional and community service have enriched her life as she served the Utah Board of Nursing, the Utah Hospital Association, and, for the past 20 years, as chair of the Mountain View Hospital board of directors.
In 2009, Williams was honored with the university’s Wesley P. Lloyd Award for Distinction in Graduate Education. Her influence in student research has kept the students and their theses strong. She chaired over 44 master’s projects, served as a committee member for an additional 42, and coauthored or wrote more than 30 publications focusing on timely issues and trends in the nursing industry.