TRIBUTE
A Legacy of Servant Leadership
This past spring, Principia College lost two former presidents whose lives and leadership shaped the College in lasting ways. Dr. David Pfeifer and John W. Williams, JD, loved Principia beyond measure and shared a deep devotion to teaching, each returning to the classroom after serving as College President. For both, Principia was their life’s work.
David E. Pfeifer, PhD
As of July 1, Dr. David Pfeifer (FS’77) was a thoughtful and deeply principled leader who helped shape both the academic reputation and physical landscape of Principia College. Guided by humility, compassion, kindness, and a readiness to serve, he gave generously of himself to Principia and its students.
Dr. Pfeifer joined the Principia College faculty in 1974 as an assistant professor of philosophy. He was named the first Edith and Lewis White Distinguished Professor in 1996. Over the years, he held a variety of administrative roles in addition to teaching, including department chair, director of the Office of Special Programs and Principia Adult Continuing Education, coordinating dean, and acting dean of faculty.
He became College President in 1989 and served until 1996 before returning full time to what he called his “first love”—teaching. “You just can’t duplicate that contact with students,” he once shared.
He remained at Principia through 2005, completing 31 years of dedication and service to the College. From 2005 to 2021, Dr. Pfeifer taught at Indiana University at Indianapolis. There, he served as director of the Institute for American Thought while also conducting research, publishing professionally, and leading several academic projects related to American philosophers Charles Sanders Peirce and Josiah Royce.
Known for his ability to listen with compassion and his genuine care for others, Dr. Pfeifer described his life and leadership simply: “I don’t go out looking for ‘positions.’ I look for ways to serve.”
As College President, Dr. Pfeifer oversaw transformative campus projects, including the Merrick Wing of Davis Music Hall and the expansion of the Science Center. His leadership reflected a commitment to elevating the sciences at Principia while ensuring new additions blended thoughtfully with Principia’s historic Maybeck architecture.
Dr. Pfeifer also remained actively engaged in the wider community through service on local boards and organizations. While living in Elsah, he served on the Jersey County Board, Great Rivers Land Trust Board, Nelson Foundation, Illinois River Coordinating Council, and QEM Fire Protection District Board. Through this work, he brought the same thoughtful leadership, spirit of service, and commitment to the common good that characterized his contributions to Principia.
Together with his wife, Jane Pfeifer (FS’92), who later served as Principia’s archivist, Dr. Pfeifer fostered a spirit of hospitality and thoughtful conversation through the beloved “Soup and Conversation” and other gatherings that welcomed faculty, staff, and students into their home. His thoughtful leadership, steadfast faith, and love for Principia continue to be reflected in the institution he helped shape and the people he so generously served.
John W. Williams, JD
John Williams (C’76) devoted his life to Principia College as a dedicated student, beloved professor, and intrepid College President. Spanning more than four decades, his tenure strengthened Principia through teaching, mentorship, leadership, and steady care for the community. An educator at heart, he brought energy, enthusiasm, and humor to the classroom while challenging students to think critically, independently, boldly, and with compassion.
Williams began his career as an attorney in the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice before returning to Principia College. Throughout his time teaching mass communications and political science, he served in numerous roles, including instructor, advisor, lecturer, Political Science department chair, pre-law advisor, and multi-term president of the Faculty Senate. He led more than a dozen study abroad programs to East Asia and championed countless academic initiatives. He became the inaugural recipient of the Horace Edwin Harper Jr. and Evelyn Wright Harper Award for Teaching Excellence in 2013 and was named Professor Emeritus of Political Science in 2026.
Following eight months as Interim President, Williams was appointed President of Principia College in 2020 and served through 2023 before returning to the classroom. His principled, compassionate, and inclusive approach to leadership was a steadying influence during a transformative period in the College’s history. Reflecting on leadership, he once said, “Our purpose at Principia begins with the words ‘to serve,’ and servant leadership is one of the most powerful visions of how we should be leading.” Under his courageous and dedicated leadership, the Spiritual Life program was established, the College opened its doors to students of all faiths, and he guided the community through the challenges of the COVID pandemic.
During his career at Principia, Williams was blessed with two marriages to exceptional women. John’s late wife, Judy (Blackburn) Williams (C’63), was a devoted alumna and longtime employee of Principia, whose contributions to the College community remain deeply appreciated. His wife since 2006, Missy (Ford) Williams (C’76), served Principia as the College’s First Lady, touching the lives of many. Together, John and Missy helped create a culture of care, encouragement, and belonging that continues at the College today. Their support of Principians at everything from mediation competitions and solar car races to theatrical performances, athletic events, and the Class of 1976’s recent 50th College Reunion, will long be remembered.
Williams’s commitment to education and service extended well beyond Principia. He served as adjunct faculty in Washington University’s graduate program in international affairs and held leadership roles in professional organizations, including president of the Illinois Political Science Association. A respected civic leader throughout the region, he also served as president and board member of the Great Rivers Land Trust, bringing the same passion for service and engagement that defined his work at Principia.
Williams was named the 2026 recipient of Principia’s David K. Andrews Distinguished Alumni Award. His legacy is one of inspired teaching, courageous leadership, generous service, and an abiding love for Principia.