Words of Williams Vice Chancellor David Williams introduced this question and answer feature in last month’s Commodore Nation. Williams also pens “The Williams Report” on vucommodores.com. Fans can submit their questions for either venue via the website or by emailing commodorenation@vanderbilt.edu. Williams has two children currently competing in athletics. Daughter Samantha swims for Brown University, and son Nick runs cross country and plays basketball for University School of Nashville.
Q: A:
David Williams is in his eighth year overseeing Vanderbilt athletics in his role as vice chancellor for university affairs and athletics, general counsel and secretary of the university.
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APRIL 2011
vucommodores.com
How does having children competing in sports affect your thoughts as head of VU Athletics? “I don’t believe that my children’s involvement in athletics has a direct impact on my decision-making process but it does influence how I view certain things. For example, since my daughter was a recruited student-athlete and my youngest son is still early in the process, I can more easily see where problems exist. Many families do not understand the college process; there is a tremendous amount of misinformation about recruitment and how scholarships are offered. When I hear misinformation, I am anxious to make certain Vanderbilt gets this right. I’ve noticed how some universities are very good at providing facts, presenting the case for their university and conducting first-class recruiting visits while others are very, very loose. We made one trip in which there was no conversation about academics! I’ve passed along what we’ve experienced to our coaches to give them the parents’ perspective. I want us to be sure we are doing what is right for the student-athletes and their families, and part of that is to be certain they understand that Vanderbilt is first and foremost an academic institution.”
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