University in Blacksburg in Montgomery County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
John Edward Williams
(1867-1943)
Photographed by Kathy Walker, February 16, 2009
1. John Edward Williams Marker
Dean of the College 1924-1943
Known for wise counsel and leadership, John Edward Williams earned wide respect during 40 years at VPI as a Mathematics professor and Dean of the College. An American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow, he served on the Virginia Board of Education and led the Association of Virginina Colleges in addition to a Ph.D. He held an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
Erected by VPI Class of 1953.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1953.
Location. 37° 13.646′ N, 80° 25.461′ W. Marker is in Blacksburg, Virginia, in Montgomery County. It is in University. It is on Drillfield Drive 0.1 miles east of Greenhouse Road, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 890 Drillfield Drive, Blacksburg VA 24061, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southwest Virginia, in the Blue Ridge Highlands, and in the New River Gorge. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Frank Leigh Robeson (within shouting distance of this marker); Thomas Marshall Hahn Jr. (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Robert James Davidson (about 300 feet away); William Bradford Alwood
this page online
Also see . . . Williams Hall. (Submitted on February 18, 2009, by Kathy Walker of Stafford, Virginia.)
Photographed by Kathy Walker, 2
2. John Edward Williams Marker and entrance to Williams Hall
Photographed by Kathy Walker, February 16, 2009
3. Williams Hall
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, May 31, 2025
4. John Edward Williams Marker and Williams Hall
Credits. This page was last revised on June 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 18, 2009, by Kathy Walker of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,021 times since then and 17 times this year. Last updated on June 1, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 18, 2009, by Kathy Walker of Stafford, Virginia. 4. submitted on June 1, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
