OT: RIP Walter Williams-Long Time Mason Econ Professor

RIP Long Time Mason Economics Professor Walter Williams who appears to have died sometime in the last 24 hours as described in the link below.

https://www.econlib.org/walter-williams-rip/

I had Dr. Williams as an econ professor many, many moons ago (1988). He was still at Mason as of this year (based on Mason's website, I don't know if he was still teaching or not). He was by far, my favorite professor in my time at Mason. Very entertaining and interesting in his teaching style. One of his great techniques was to make very provocative statements that most people would disagree with at face value. This would get your attention and get you involved in the conversation. Then he would proceed to prove his point.

I believe we even have a poster on the boards here who uses his name as his moniker.

P.S. Admins: I read something about OT boards being closed. Hopefully since this is totally Mason related, it is OK. If not, my apologies, feel free to delete without complaint by me.

RIP. I had debated "Walter Williams" in the politics forum. I honestly thought he was the real econ prof. Disagreed with "Walter" often, but he was a respectful guy. Sad news whether he is the real Walter or not.

That would have been amazing--award winning professor slumming it on a basketball forum.

He also knew Fat Albert.

Saw that in his wikipedia!

Looks like he was still active at Mason up until he passed away based on an announcement to Mason Faculty:

"We are truly saddened to report that our esteemed colleague, Dr. Walter E. Williams, has passed away. Dr. Williams was 84 and still active on campus up until the time of his death, serving as the John M. Olin Distinguished Professor of Economics.

He has been a prominent member of the faculty at George Mason University for four decades, serving our academic community admirably and with distinction as an economist, a scholar, the chairman of our Economics Department from 1995-2001, a noted author, a well-known radio host and a nationally syndicated columnist.

Read more about the life of Dr. Walter E. Williams here >>
https://bit.ly/3qjM4Cl"

His wikipedia is unreal. His credentials and bio are incredible. After reading his life story, I feel so irrelevant, unaccomplished and a waste to society (all partly if not entirely true).

RIP. I never had him, but I always heard great things about him. And his various TV and radio appearances were always great to see/hear.

By far the best professor I ever had. Like @gmubrian, I also recall the controversial statements designed to elicit critical thinking and develop core principles rather than "Uh yuh, I feel like that uh...."

Apparently he taught a class on Tuesday before passing away Wednesday morning.