Distinguished Engineer
Hometown: Clark
Civil Engineering,
Donald A. Williams began his engineering career with a consulting firm in Mobridge following his graduation from South Dakota State College. He later worked for Dakota Engineering Co., Hassenstein Steel Co. and the South Dakota Bridge Department before his employment with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Soil Conservation Service (SCS). While working for the service, he advanced to the position of administrator where he served for 16 years under three presidents. He published several hundred technical articles on soil and water conservation. Upon retirement from the SCS, Williams was associated with the Ford Foundation as an International Consultant on Water Resource Management. He served in this capacity in India, Asia, Central America and New Zealand. Among his awards are: an honorary doctorate in agriculture from SDSC in 1956; the Distinguished Service Award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Rockefeller Public Service Award and the Hugh Hammond Bennett Award for Excellence in Conservation.