A veteran law enforcement officer and university professor with over 45 years of combined experience has been named the new dean of the Anderson University School of Public Service and Administration.
Dr. Clarence Williamson, an adjunct professor at Anderson and retired major and bureau commander with the Guilford, North Carolina Sheriff’s Office now leads AU’s academic programs in emergency preparedness/homeland security and law enforcement.
He said his goal is to expand Anderson’s programs with an eye toward additional graduate-level opportunities while boosting online learning for the School of Public Service and Administration.
Dr. Williamson said it’s important that growth within his school remains rooted in Anderson’s core beliefs and values.
“Ours is an institution committed to fostering a Christian environment,” Dr. Williamson said. “That’s what brought me here. I wanted to be a part of an institution that is committed to Christian ideals. You see that here at Anderson University.”
Dr. Williamson earned a Master of Public Administration degree in 2001 from North Carolina Central University, and in 2010 earned a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from North Carolina A&T State University. Dr. Williamson retired from the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office in June 2018 after a 30-year law enforcement career as a major and bureau commander. Dr. Williamson has 18 years of higher education teaching experience with teaching and research emphasis in the areas of public administration and public policy, criminal justice, research methods, law enforcement and public management and leadership studies. He currently serves as Board Chair for Triad Adult and Pediatric Medicine, Inc. as well as serving on the Board of Directors for Alcohol and Drug Services of the Triad, and Greensboro Youth Baseball, Inc.
Dr. Williamson and his wife of 28 years have three sons.
“Dr. Williamson is the perfect choice to lead the Anderson University School of Public Administration forward,” said Anderson University Provost Ryan Neal. “We are excited that Dr. Williamson is bringing new energy and ideas to Anderson because this is a pivotal time for the school, and we anticipate robust growth in this academic area. ”