Williams earns honorary degree

A Winthrop University professor received a prominent award and a local businessman received an honorary degree at Saturday’s graduation ceremony. 

While 300 students walked across the stage for their degrees, Rock Hill businessman Gary Williams was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.

A native of Atlanta, Williams moved to Rock Hill in 1975 and founded Williams and Fudge in 1986.  He also serves as an officer with the Winthrop University Foundation and on the boards of the Rock Hill school district, York County Community Foundation, Culture and Heritage Museums and the Boy Scouts.

Merry Sleigh, an associate professor in the Department of Psychology, received the James Pinckney Kinard and Lee Wicker Kinard Award for Excellence in Teaching, given to faculty who show a dedication to teaching.