Background
Willis, William Scott was born on November 29, 1921 in Gordonsville, Virginia, United States. Son of Harry Sydnor and Jennie Carter (Dettor) Willis.
Willis, William Scott was born on November 29, 1921 in Gordonsville, Virginia, United States. Son of Harry Sydnor and Jennie Carter (Dettor) Willis.
Bachelor of Arts with honors (Dupont scholar), University of Virginia, 1942; Master of Arts, University Virginia, 1947; postgraduate, Lafayette College, 1943-1944; Doctorat de l'Universite (American Field Service fellow 1947-1949, Bennett Wood Green travel fellow 1948-1950), U. Paris, 1951.
Administrative assistant, United Nations, New York City, 1951-1952; director college department, Cooperative Bureau for Teachers, New York City, 1952-1953; assistant to dean, Washington Square College, New York University, 1953-1957; university director special projects, Washington Square College, New York University, 1957-1961; assistant dean, Graduate School Arts and Sciences, 1961-1965; director, International Student Center, 1965-1968; instructor in French, International Student Center, 1953-1955; assistant professor French, International Student Center, 1955-1968; director Sesquicentennial, University of Virginia, 1968-1969; assistant dean, University of Virginia (College Arts and Sciences), 1969-1972; associate professor, University of Virginia (College Arts and Sciences), 1968-1972; dean Graduate School, George Mason U., Fairfax, Virginia, 1972-1978; professor, George Mason U., 1972-1989; professor emeritus, George Mason U., since 1989.
Trustee The Tandem School, Charlottesville, Virginia, 1970-1973. Member Albermarle-Charlottesville American Independence Bicentennial Commission, 1971-1976. Served with United States Army, 1942-1945.
Member Conference Southern Graduate Schools (executive committee 1976-1978), Alliance Francaise (secretary general Federation French Alliances in the United States 1954-1957, editor L'Echo 1955-1957, vice president New York City chapter 1960-1968, president Charlottesville chapter 1969-1971), American Association Teachers French, Modern Language Association, National Association Foreign Student Affairs, Higher Education Association Washington.
Married Hester Fleming Williams, May 2, 1953. Children: Julia Willis Spitz, Scott.