Susan S. Williams

Susan S. Williams is a Professor in the Department of English at The Ohio State University. She has held leadership roles including Vice Provost in Academic Affairs (2009–2014), Vice Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (2014–2018), and Chair of the Department of English (2021–2024). Her research focuses on American literature before 1900, the history of authorship, and intersections between literature and the arts.

Education:

• PhD, Yale University, 1991
• MPhil, Yale University, 1989
• BA, Yale University, 1985

Research Interests: Williams examines how authorship practices evolved in 19th-century America, particularly for women writers. She explores the role of photography and visual culture in antebellum fiction, and the sociohistorical contexts shaping literary production. Her work bridges literary analysis with art and media studies.

Awards and Recognition:

• OSU Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching
• Ohio State Distinguished Faculty Service Award
• Founder's Award of the Ohio State Academy of Teaching
• Grants from the American Antiquarian Society, NEH, and ACLS

Leadership and Service: Williams has championed graduate education and faculty affairs. She co-edits the journal American Periodicals and has held editorial roles for key texts in American literary studies.