Talcott Williams (July 20, 1849 – January 24, 1928) was an American journalist, author and educator. Williams worked as a journalist and editor for nearly four decades, including thirty years with The Philadelphia Press. Williams authored numerous books and articles, and in 1902, Williams was included in the book, "Philadelphia and Notable Philadelphians." In 1912, Williams became the first director of the newly founded Columbia School of Journalism at Columbia University, built and endowed by Joseph Pulitzer. In 1917, he led the first journalism jury in awarding the first Pulitzer Prizes during World War I, when the School of Journalism had suspended classes and was established as a Washington news service. Williams was a member of the American Philosophical Society and served with the National Security League, advocating for the promotion of "useful knowledge," by serving on the Committee for Organized Education. He served as president of the American Conference of Teachers of Journalism, and was the recipient of numerous honorary doctorates from institutions including the University of Pennsylvania and Brown College. Education and background Williams was born at Abeih, Ottoman Turkey, the son of William Frederick, and Sarah Amelia (Pond) Williams, Congregational Missionaries with the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. He came to New York at the age of 15, and enrolled in 1866 at Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, graduating in 1869. He studied at Amherst College and was a member of Alpha Delta Phi; he graduated in 1873. Williams began his career in journalism, as a reporter for the New York World and as a correspondent for the New York Sun, joining in 1876. He also worked for the San Francisco Chronicle. He was an editorial writer for the Springfield (Mass.) Republican in 1879–81. Williams married in 1879, his distant cousin, Sophia Wells Royce. They moved to Philadelphia in October, 1881, and he began working as a staff member with The Philadelphia Press. During his time with the newspaper, he wrote art, literature, and theatre reviews, and a weekly business column. Williams spent three decades with the news organization, finishing his career as the associate editor in 1912. Academic career In 1912, Williams left The Philadelphia Press to become the first director (Dean) of the newly founded Columbia School of Journalism, built and endowed by Joseph Pulitzer. Williams philosophy of education, led him to design courses that included imparting cultural knowledge as well as promoting