Esther Williams (academic)

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Esther Williams is a Fijian academic, businesswoman, and community organizer. Like many of Fiji's prominent leaders, she is a native of the Lau Islands.

Williams is due to take up the Deputy Vice-Chancellorship of the University of the South Pacific in January 2006, having beaten 76 other applicants. She has already served in the role in an acting capacity since January 2005, while simultaneously serving as Director of Planning and Development. Previously, she was Pro Vice-Chancellor from 1998 to 2000, having been a member of the university staff since 1978, when she first joined as a senior assistant librarian. She originally graduated as a librarian in 1972.

Williams has been actively involved in community projects, particularly in areas related education. "For a couple of years, I have organised tutorials at my home for Fijian children living in urban centres having difficulties in English, mathematics, accounting and economics," she told the Fiji Times on 28 October 2005. She also leads a women's group in Suva, and helps to sell their products in urban markets.

Williams hails from the village of Levukana on Vanua Balavu, in the Lau archipelago. She is married, with two children.