As the new Dean of the School of Art, Music, and Theatre, Natalie Williams says she was smitten with North Park from her very first impression.
“I left and had this amazing feeling, like, wow, that is such a special little school,” Willams recalls of her first job interview. “What is going on here is amazing. There’s so much care and so much love.”
In her new role, Williams, a native of Australia, hopes to connect SMAT with the community. She cites the “amazing art scene” in Chicago, with its orchestras, opera companies, theatre, and art collections.
Williams is a composer, administrator, and professor, with a PhD from Indiana University. She has taught music for 12 years, with a specialty in music theory composition.
“I really want people to know what a treasure we have here, what a gem,” Williams says. “We have Christ-centered, selfless teaching, and there’s a true vision. It’s one that I just can’t wait to support.”