Tara Williams

Tara Williams serves as Dean of Barrett, The Honors College and Professor in the Department of English at Arizona State University. She previously held leadership roles as Dean of The University of Alabama Honors College and Associate Dean at Oregon State University Honors College. Her research focuses on medieval literature, gender studies, and linguistic analysis.

Education:

• PhD in English from Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey

Research Interests: Dr. Williams explores themes of womanhood in medieval texts, the role of language in shaping gender identity, and the intersection of magic and morality in 14th-century literature. Her work bridges historical analysis with contemporary feminist scholarship, examining how medieval writings reflect and challenge societal norms.

Publications: She authored Inventing Womanhood: Language and Gender in Middle English Writing and Middle English Marvels: Magic, Spectacle, and Morality in the Fourteenth Century.

Professional Contributions: As an honors college dean, she champions interdisciplinary education and academic excellence. Her prior administrative roles highlight her commitment to fostering innovative academic environments.