Former Vanderbilt AD David Williams Dies Unexpectedly

Former Vanderbilt AD David Williams died Friday, after his final day with the school "was just last week." Williams served as AD for 15 years and was the school's "first African American vice chancellor." After stepping down as AD, Williams was "slated to shift his focus to a full-time role as tenured professor of law at the Vanderbilt Law School" (FOX17.com, 2/8).

Twitter tributes poured in Friday for Williams. The Athletic's Stewart Mandel wrote Williams "had a profound impact on Vandy athletics." The Univ. of South Carolina's Charles Bloom: "There was never a doubt that he cared about the student and the athlete, about Vandy, the SEC and college athletics." SB Nation's Christian D'Andrea: "He worked to give the school's student athletes the recognition they deserved and interacted brilliantly with fans, donors, and the press alike." Attorney Charles Bone: "I had as much respect and admiration for him as anyone in Nashville."