Wiliams was the first Black graduate of Mount Holyoke in the 20th Century. She spent her freshman year at University of Cincinnati but didn’t enjoy it. Her mother applied to Mount Holyoke for her:
“So she decided I would come to Mount Holyoke. And I didn’t read any of the literature, didn’t know anything about the writing…after they had accepted, Mother wrote and said I was a Negro. So they wrote back and said maybe I wouldn’t be happy there. Mother wrote and said she wasn’t sending her daughter to college to be happy. She’s sending her to be educated.”*
Williams majored in economics and sociology. Her honors included: Phi Beta Kappa, and the Patrick Memorial Fellowship. Williams reported that she had a wonderful time at Mt. Holyoke, and found its small size fostered a warm atmosphere. She also highlighted the good and lasting friendships she developed.
After graduation, Williams attended the New York School of Social Work and the University of Chicago where she received a masters degree in political science. She worked for racial equality throughout her life, serving in national positions for YWCA and NAACP. Williams also served on the Missouri State Board of Education, and volunteered with the League of Women Voters.
*Black Women Oral History Project. Interviews, 1975-1981. Frances H. Williams. OH-31. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.