Draft:Bill Daniels (academic)

William Daniels (born c. 1940 in Chicago) is an American academic.

Early life and education
Daniels was born in Chicago c. 1940. He attended DuSable High School before receiving a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Upper Iowa University. Daniels became a Woodrow Wilson Fellow and attended the University of Iowa, where he received a master's degree and Doctor of Philosophy.

Career
For twenty-two years, he dedicated his expertise and passion to Union College in Schenectady, New York, serving as a respected member of the faculty. His commitment to education and academia propelled him to new heights as he transitioned to a prestigious role as a professor and Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at the Rochester Institute of Technology. In this capacity, he influenced countless students and colleagues, shaping the academic landscape with his wisdom and leadership. Beyond his institutional roles, he also left an indelible mark on the broader academic community, assuming the esteemed position of the third President of the National Conference of Black Political Scientists from 1972 to 1973. Through his tenure and dedication, he not only enhanced the educational experience of those under his tutelage but also contributed significantly to the advancement of political science and liberal arts education on a national scale.

NCOBPS
About 35 black political scientists got together at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in April 1969, which is when the National Conference of Black Political Scientists (NCOBPS) got its start. Their aim was to tackle the distinct obstacles faced by political science instructors at historically black colleges and universities. Expanding on this first meeting, the group met again in September of the same year in New York at the American Political Science Association's Annual Meeting. It became clear that black political scientists faced remarkably similar problems regardless of where they worked or what institution they belonged to. It was decided to create a national organization in order to deal with these common issues. At this historic meeting in September 1969, participants decided to formally form the National Conference of Black Political Scientists (NCOBPS). The first Annual Meeting of the organization was held in May 1970 at Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia.

In terms of objectives, NCOBPS is committed to researching, advancing, and fostering the political ambitions of individuals of African descent both domestically and internationally. It aims to assist in addressing the numerous issues that black communities confront. The promotion of research and critical analysis on subjects that are frequently disregarded or marginalized in mainstream political science scholarship is at the heart of its mission. The NCOBPS promotes research that goes beyond the discipline's limited and occasionally contrived concerns to tackle a wide range of "real-world" problems.

Achievements
Numerous honors and accomplishments throughout Daniels' distinguished career attest to his steadfast dedication to mediation, education, and community service. His commitment to numerous agency programs, such as Lemon Law Arbitration, Commercial Arbitration, Divorce Mediation, and his position as Demolition Hearing Officer for the City of Rochester, won him recognition from his peers and earned him the title of Volunteer of the Month from the Center for Dispute Settlement in December 2023. The Mary Herrick Fund for DuSable High School Graduates Board of Directors presented him with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in November 2022 in recognition of his nearly sixty years of unceasing community service, teaching at the national and international levels, professional society leadership, and life-changing contributions. In November 2016, the United Way of Greater Rochester presented him with the Howard Wilson Coles Society Community Leadership Award, a further testament to his extraordinary leadership and commitment to improving the community. He received the Janus Award from the Center for Dispute Settlement of Livingston and Monroe Counties in February 2014, which recognized his unwavering dedication to peaceful dispute resolution and highlighted his professionalism, impartiality, and extraordinary mediation abilities. Notably, he received the Kathryn Terrell Award for Distinguished Volunteer Service from the Urban League of Rochester in April 2011, which recognized his exceptional contributions to the community. Daniels has left an enduring legacy of service and excellence in the communities he serves, as evidenced by his extraordinary accomplishments and awards.

Personal life
Daniels married Fannie Pearl Daniels, with whom he had a daughter, Twanda Christensen.

Fannie died from an illness on October 9, 2021.

Daniels lives in Rochester, New York.