LUMBERTON – The Public Schools of Robeson County Board of Education has appointed Dr. William “Bill” Harrison as Interim Superintendent, effective September 1, 2026.
Harrison will serve in the role as the PSRC Board of Education conducts a search for the next superintendent following the retirement of Dr. Freddie Williamson at the end of August. The appointment was made during a special called board meeting on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
“I am honored to serve the students, families, educators, and communities of Robeson County,” Dr. Harrison said. “Public education has been my life’s work, and I look forward to working alongside the Board of Education, district leadership, school staff, and community partners to build on the many successes achieved under the exemplary leadership of Dr. Williamson.”
Educational career and leadership experience
Dr. Harrison brings more than four decades of experience in public education, including service as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, superintendent, state education leader, university instructor, and educational consultant. Throughout his career, he has earned recognition across North Carolina and beyond for his leadership, his commitment to students, and his dedication to public education.
“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Harrison to Public Schools of Robeson County,” said PSRC Board of Education Chairman Tre’ Britt. “His extensive experience leading large and diverse school districts, combined with his deep understanding of North Carolina public education, makes him exceptionally qualified to guide our district during this transition. We are confident that his leadership will help us continue moving forward in support of our students, staff, and community.”
Dr. Harrison most recently served as Interim Superintendent of the Alamance-Burlington School System in 2024. He previously served as superintendent of the Alamance-Burlington School System from 2015 to 2018 and as superintendent of Cumberland County Schools from 1997 to 2009, leading one of North Carolina’s largest school districts. Earlier in his career, he served as superintendent of Orange County Schools and Hoke County Schools, as well as principal and district-level administrator.
He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of the highly respected Public School Forum of North Carolina.
In addition to his district leadership experience, Dr. Harrison served as Chairman of the North Carolina State Board of Education from 2009 to 2013 and was a senior advisor to Governor Beverly Perdue on education transformation initiatives. He has also contributed to the preparation of future educational leaders through decades of service as an adjunct professor and mentor at North Carolina State University and other institutions of higher education.
Education
Dr. Harrison earned a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Administration from Vanderbilt University, as well as both a Master of Arts in Education and an Education Specialist degree from East Carolina University. He received his bachelor’s degree in Intermediate Education from Methodist College.
Honors
Throughout his career, Dr. Harrison has received numerous honors, including induction into the East Carolina University Educators Hall of Fame, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the Ralph Kimmel Award from the North Carolina Principals’ and Assistant Principals’ Association, and the Jay Robinson Leadership Award from the Public School Forum of North Carolina.
“Dr. Harrison is an outstanding educational leader,” said PSRC Superintendent Dr. Freddie Williamson. “He knows the work, has been following the progress taking place in the Public Schools of Robeson County, and brings the experience and leadership needed to serve the district well during this transition.”
Next steps in the superintendent search
Also during the PSRC Board of Education meeting, board members approved a motion asking Board Attorney Richard Schwartz to collect information about superintendent search consulting firms for the Board to review at a later date.
Dr. Harrison will officially begin his duties as Interim Superintendent on September 1, 2026.