June 24, 2008
Taron D. Williams
Fisk University, B.A. '03
Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, '05
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York
Current home: Brooklyn, New York
Taron D. Williams transferred to Fisk University from Morris Brown College in Atlanta to complete his studies in sociology. He was motivated by the success rate of Fisk alumni, many of them moving on to earn advanced degrees. He followed in the academic footsteps of a Fisk alumnus whom he admired, the illustrious W.E.B. DuBois, who was among many things, a noted sociologist.
Mr. Williams participated in the Fisk University Choir, often performing traditional and sacred music at select university-wide programs and events. He also joined Phi Beta Sigma fraternity.
After earning his Bachelor of Arts in sociology, he began to investigate graduate schools. Then 22, he believed it a prime opportunity to continue his education. Upon learning of his interest in social work, the Fisk provost told Mr. Williams about the exemplary social work program at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. The program, Mr. Williams learned, is consistently ranked in the top 10 among schools of its size and is one of the oldest social work schools in the nation. He decided to apply to the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences. "I chose social work because I wanted to assist and advocate for communities that are economically at a disadvantage and for people who, for whatever reason, cannot access the services they are entitled to receive."
At the Mandel School, Mr. Williams found opportunities to put his advocacy into practice. He was president of the Black Student Association, and vice president of development for the Mandel Council. He also was a member of the group CommUnity Voices.
A highlight of his time at the Mandel School was being invited, along with other Mandel School student leaders, to a discussion with the university president to share insights and issues relevant to the social work school. He says he appreciated learning in a diverse community. "I needed to engage with cultures that were different than mine and Case gave me that avenue. The experience will aid me in my career."
In May 2005, Mr. Williams earned his master's degree and begin work in the Cleveland community. His positions included career counselor at the Cleveland Job Corps, resident assistant for Upward Bound at Case, an intern for Cleveland Public Schools as well as the Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation.
He recently returned to his native Brooklyn, New York, where is a social worker for Project Samaritan, Inc., an adult day health care program.
Posted by: Heidi Cool June 24, 2008 11:04 AM
Category: Alumni
, Legacy
, Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences