Russell Williams
Assistant Professor of Economics
Office: Knapton 003
Phone: 508-286-3664
Fax: 508-286-3640
Email: Williams_Russell@wheatoncollege.edu
Degrees
Ph.D., University of Massachusetts, Amherst
B.A., Amherst College
Main Interests
Interaction of economic dynamics with institutional and social factors.
Research Interests
Williams' primary areas of research include urban economic development, labor market access, and the impact of education and training. He complements his teaching through active engagement in urban economic research as a Senior Research Fellow at the Center for Urban and Regional Policy. His previous research experience has included positions with the William Monroe Trotter Institute, Abt Associates, the Regional Institute for Employment Policy, and the U.S. Department of Labor. His writings have been directed to a wide variety of audiences, from academicians to policy-makers to the general public.
Teaching Interests
Prof. Williams teaches Urban Economics, Macroeconomics, the Economics of Education, the Economics of Race and Racism, and the First Year Seminar. In addition to counting toward the Economics Major, two of Prof. Williams' courses can be taken as requirements for interdisciplinary minors----Urban Economics can be taken as one of the classes in an Urban Studies minor, while the Economics of Race and Racism can be utilized for the minor in Africana Studies.
Other Interests
In his spare time, Williams enjoys music and watching sports. He is a lifelong pianist, whose childhood training included studies at South Carolina State University and Peabody Institute of Music (Baltimore). As an adult he served for two years as accompanist for New England Conservatory' s Community Services Program voice class.
Selected Publications, Creative Work or Performances
An essay by Prof. Williams, entitled "Moving Beyond Vagueness: Social Capital, Social Networks, and Economic Outcomes" appears in the book "Race, Neighborhoods, and the Misuse of Social Capital"---released in May 2007 by Palgrave Macmillan Publishers
Prof. Williams is currently working on an urban economics/public policy textbook.
Among his past research publications are:
"Economic Anchors and Vendor Contracting" (Center for Urban and Regional Policy)
"Economic Development and Inner Cities in Massachusetts: Recommendations for Expanding the Capacity of Small Businesses and Microenterprises" (Trotter Institute)
"An Overview of Minority-Owned Businesses in Massachusetts" (Trotter Institute)
"Cost/Benefit Analysis of the Work Equity Program" (Abt Associates)
"Education to Work Councils: Progress and Problems" (Abt Associates)