Dr. Luther S. Williams served as the Assistant Director of Education and Human Resources with the National Science foundation from June 1990 to September 1999. The Directorate includes programs bearing on human resource development, K-12 through graduate level; pre-college mathematics and science and education efforts inclusive of systemic reform, informal education activities involving science and technology centers and museums, television and other media; undergraduate science, engineering and mathematics programs; experimental program to stimulate competitive research (EPSCoR); graduate fellowships and traineeships, faculty awards for women; and postdoctoral fellowship programs.

        Prior to his appointment as Assistant Director, Dr. Williams served as Senior Science Advisor to the Director at the Foundation. Dr. Williams has a distinguished record as a scientist, educator, and administrator. 

        The Dr. Luther S. Williams Leadership Award is given to a member who displays an exceptional level of guidance to his or her peers in the Black Graduate Association. The beneficiary of this award also shows initiative in programs outside of the Black Graduate Association.