William C. Dudley (philosopher)
William C. Dudley is an American academic administrator and philosopher who became the 27th president of Washington and Lee University on January 1, 2017. Prior to his presidency at Washington and Lee, he served as provost and professor of philosophy at Williams College. Dudley is the President-Elect at Claremont McKenna College in Claremont, California. He will start in July 2026.
Early life and education
A Virginia native, Dudley was born in Charlottesville and raised in Arlington. He attended Williams College, where he graduated magna cum laude in 1989 with a double major in mathematics and philosophy. During his undergraduate years, he served as captain of the water polo team and was a member of the swim team. Upon graduation, he received a Herchel Smith Fellowship to study philosophy at the University of Cambridge from 1989 to 1990.After his studies at Cambridge, Dudley worked for AES Corporation from 1990 to 1992. He then pursued graduate studies at Northwestern University, where he earned both his master's degree and Ph.D. in philosophy, completing his doctoral studies in 1998.
Academic career
Williams College (1998-2016)
Dudley joined the faculty at Williams College in 1998, where he taught courses on moral and political philosophy, metaphysics, epistemology, the philosophy and economics of higher education, and the spiritual significance of sports. In 2004, he received tenure and was appointed chair of the Committee on Undergraduate Life.From 2010 to 2011, Dudley served as the Gaudino Scholar at Williams, a presidential appointment designed to encourage curricular innovation and experiential learning. During his tenure as Gaudino Scholar, he initiated several programs including the Gaudino Lunch series, which facilitated conversations among students, faculty, and staff; supported neighborhood proposals to strengthen student-faculty interaction; and provided opportunities for independent Winter Study projects.
In July 2011, Dudley was appointed provost at Williams College, a position he held until December 2016.