Remembering Adjunct Professor and State Rep. Quentin "Q" Williams
State Rep. Quentin “Q” Williams died early Thursday in a car accident. As a community, the University of Hartford is mourning his loss while remembering the incredible impact he made on his students here as an adjunct professor. His wife, Carrissa Phipps, is also a valuable member of UHart as an adjunct professor.
Williams truly led a life of service as a legislator representing Middletown, a professor, a school administrator who supported students and families, the co-founder of a nonprofit focused on learning opportunities and equity, and a volunteer for myriad charities and service groups. He was named “40 Under 40” in the Fairfield County Business Journal (2017), Hartford Business Journal (2015), and Connecticut Magazine (2013) for his professional and volunteerism achievements. He was sworn in for his third term as a state representative yesterday.
At UHart, Williams taught Leadership: Opportunities and Challenges in the University Interdisciplinary Studies program for several years, educating the next generation in making a positive impact in their community, just as he did. Students and faculty admired his commitment to UHart amid such a busy schedule, and knew him as someone who genuinely cared for everyone in his classes.
Student Caitlyn DeSimone states that Williams helped others find confidence in themselves, and always took time to seek feedback on course material from those in his class. She notes she'll continue to share the messages she learned from Williams during his time at UHart.
"Professor Q made me feel seen and appreciated, and I will forever be grateful for the lessons he handed down to me," DeSimone says.
Katharine Owens, director of UHart’s University Interdisciplinary Studies program, recalls that she first met Williams in his capacity as a state representative, saying, “I was immediately drawn to his energy, his intelligence, and his leadership. I asked him to join UIS because I thought he’d do an incredible job—and he did.”