LUMBERTON — The culmination of a 45.5 year career in education can be summed up into two words for Dr. Freddie Williamson: Leadership Matters.
Dr. Williamson will begin a new chapter effective Sept. 1. While he looks forward to spending more time with his family, grandchildren and embracing the titles he cherishes most — husband, dad and “Papa” — retirement will not mark the end of his work in leadership and education.
Instead, it will provide new opportunities to continue sharing the lessons, experience and values that have defined his career.
Impact
The sound of applause erupted from his colleagues as Dr. Williamson made his way from the back of the room to the stage to receive the North Carolina Association of School Administrators’ (NCASA) 2024 Raymond Sarbaugh Leadership Award during the NCASA 2024 Conference on Educational Leadership.
Williamson stood behind the podium as he had hundreds of times before, sharing words of gratitude and reminding everyone in the room that his heart for student success centers his work.
"We’re all in this room to answer the call to serve, right?” he said. “To make a difference in the lives of students. And our devotion to that, it means something. Leadership matters, there is no question. Your hard work matters."
Those words ring true for Dr. Ron Hargrave, Executive Director of the Sandhills Regional Education Consortium, who has worked closely with Dr. Williamson, both as superintendent colleagues and as the now Executive Director of the Sandhills Regional Education Consortium.
"Anywhere you go in North Carolina, you will hear people say ‘leadership matters’ and most every person that will say that will attribute that to Dr. Williamson, because he truly does understand that leadership does matter,” Dr. Ron Hargrave said. “And it’s not about fame and glory. At the end of the day, it is about the success of students."
Dr. Williamson’s leadership style has been described as one “characterized by innovation, collaboration, and a focus on building capacity” achieved through alignment rather than random acts of improvement.
“Dr. Williamson leads by example. He is not only a mentor, he promotes collaboration and a student-centered approach to district turnaround work. This inclusivity has helped us build a supportive and cohesive team environment focused on students,” said Dr. Windy Dorsey-Carr, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, Accountability and Student Services.
PSRC Director of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Debra Dowless described Williamson as a leader whose heart for the work is evident in all that he does.
“Dr. Williamson understands that true transformation begins with empowering individuals, fostering relationships, and creating an environment where every student can thrive. His dedication to excellence, his commitment to equity, and his unwavering belief in the potential of every child makes him a true champion for education,” she said.
“Dr. Williamson exhibits leadership. And within that leadership, you have integrity, respect, a vision, and compassion. His number one and most important quality is that everything is all about the children,” said Bobby A. Locklear, Assistant Superintendent of Auxiliary Services.
The results of his work as superintendent in Hoke County Schools were evident as students performed at higher rates and Williamson was named the 2016 State Superintendent of the Year. In 2025, Williamson once again was named State Superintendent of the Year for his work with the Public Schools of Robeson County.
"Dr. Freddie Williamson has dedicated more than four decades to ensuring that children have every opportunity to succeed. His career stands as a remarkable example of servant leadership. Throughout North Carolina, he has earned the respect of colleagues by leading with integrity, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to students, educators, and the communities he has served,” said Jack Hoke, Executive Director of the North Carolina School Superintendents' Association.
Williamson continued to make an impact when he arrived in Robeson County in the wake of the global pandemic, leading efforts to establish systems designed to drive lasting improvement across the district. Those efforts included a strong emphasis on developing principals as instructional leaders and implementing a leadership coaching model in partnership with the North Carolina Relay Graduate School of Education to support school improvement initiatives.
Under his leadership, PSRC has piloted a statewide model for improvement, with student outcomes and district performance improving in many areas at a rate that outpaced state growth. His commitment to building strong leaders and sustainable systems has positioned the district for continued success in the years ahead.
“The numbers speak for themselves, how they’re moving in the right direction. But to watch this guy interact with his people and the amount of respect he has for them, and they have for him, is exactly what an organization deserves and needs,” said Dr. William “Bill” Harrison, who will serve as interim superintendent following Williamson’s retirement.
“Dr. Williamson believes in investing in people, not programs,” said Jamal Campbell, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. “He is an advocate for building capacity and teams who drive sustainable change.”
PSRC Chief Communications Officer Jessica Sealey echoed the sentiment.
“I am grateful to Dr. Williamson for taking a chance on a young, bright-eyed reporter and giving me the space to learn, make mistakes and grow,” Sealey said.
“I join hundreds of others who have been privileged to serve on teams and in districts under his leadership. Some of the greatest lessons learned from Dr. Williamson include an understanding of the power of timing, the strength of my voice and the importance of building and mobilizing strong teams. His leadership has taught me that lasting change is never the work of one person—it is the result of investing in people and empowering them to lead. I am better because I have had the opportunity to learn from Dr. Williamson,” she added.
Career Highlights
Dr. Williamson has built a distinguished career in North Carolina public education by progressing through foundational campus roles into top district leadership.
“When I look back on my career, what I will cherish most are the people. I have been blessed to work alongside dedicated teachers, committed support staff, passionate principals, caring families, and boards of education in various districts who have remained focused on serving children,” Dr. Williamson wrote in a letter to PSRC families, staff and stakeholders.
He began his journey in the classroom as a teacher and coach for Sampson County Public Schools from 1985 to 1989, later transitioning into school administration as assistant principal at Roseboro-Salemburg Middle School. He went on to serve as the principal of both Midway and Union high schools within the same district.
“I stepped into leadership, not because I wanted to at first,” Dr. Williamson said. “I became an assistant principal because my superintendent saw qualities in me that I didn't yet see in myself. My superintendent at the time, Sydney 'Chip' Zullinger, would not take no for an answer.”
“I actually started my administrative career under Mr. Tony Walters who is a resident of Robeson County,” Dr. Williamson said.
As his career progressed, Williamson could see the impact he could make from the classroom, to the principal’s office and then at the district office level. It was that desire to make a difference that propelled him forward throughout his career.
Moving into central office administration, he served as a personnel and accountability director in Sampson County, an Associate Superintendent managing personnel and auxiliary services for Scotland County Public Schools, and as the Superintendent of Hoke County Public Schools.
He has leveraged this comprehensive regional background in his current role as the Superintendent of the Public Schools of Robeson County.
“I am especially proud of the incredible growth I have witnessed in our principals as instructional leaders. Their commitment to excellence and their unwavering focus on student success have transformed schools across this district. I am excited for the community to see the progress reflected in this year's academic data because it is the result of the tireless work taking place in classrooms every single day,” Dr. Williamson added.
Beginnings
From his time growing up on a farm with 12 siblings, including his twin sister Bettie, in Sampson County, Williamson took with him a strong work ethic and a love for the complexities of farming. Thus, his dream to become an agricultural education teacher was born.
“I loved everything about it, you know,” Williamson said. “I loved the inner workings of it and the science behind farming.”
Williamson’s work was inspired by his parents, Mrs. Annie Elizabeth Rich Williamson and Mr. Fulton Lee Williamson, Sr.
“I think about my parents often and the strength they had in raising all of us. It blows my mind,” he said.
“And I still carry with me the words of my father. He said ‘you better be able to sign your name to your work.’ I have always carried the weight of what those words mean and I am better for it,” Dr. Williamson added.
Williamson also praised his wife, Shirley, for her support throughout his career that demanded much of his time and attention.
“She has made many sacrifices,” Dr. Williamson said. “She is the mother of our four boys and my very best friend. I would not be where I am today without her love, encouragement and willingness to serve alongside me every step of the way.”
“I also want to say thank you to my good friend and confidant, Nick Sojkia, whom I love like a brother,” he said.
Most importantly, Williamson has attributed his success to a strong faith in God. Beyond his work in school districts, Williamson has inspired many others with his faith. When he wasn't at work or spending time with his family, he has been faithfully serving his church community as chairman of the deacon board at Andrews Chapel Missionary Baptist Church and teaching Sunday School.
“I don’t know how anyone can do this kind of work and not pray everyday,” Williamson said. “I pray everyday for God to guide me.”
“Throughout my career, He has sustained me, given me wisdom when I needed it most, and reminded me that this work is ultimately His,” he said.
Well Wishes
During a recent PSRC Board of Education meeting, board members honored Williamson with a plaque and shared congratulatory remarks and gratitude for his service.
“I wrote him a card today, and the last sentence of it said, ‘Once my superintendent, always my friend.’ And I’m going to stand by that,” PSRC Board Member Tre’ Britt said during the meeting.
“Dr. Williamson, you’ve turned this school district around,” Chairman John Simmons said. “Soon, we will be hearing the same question from districts across the state: ‘What did Dr. Williamson do in Robeson County?’ And we will say, ‘He did his job, and he did it well.’”
Dr. Williamson also shared well wishes with colleagues, coworkers, staff, PSRC students, district stakeholders and more.
“Serving as Superintendent of the Public Schools of Robeson County for the past six years has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” he said.
“Every day, I have had the privilege of watching our students learn, grow, overcome challenges, and accomplish remarkable things. Their talents, determination, and resilience have continually inspired me, and I truly believe there is no limit to what they can achieve,” Williamson said.
He also shared words of pride in the development of principals and school staff.
“I am especially proud of the incredible growth I have witnessed in our principals as instructional leaders. Their commitment to excellence and their unwavering focus on student success have transformed schools across this district,” he said.
As he prepares to leave his superintendency behind, he also leaves with faith in the process of sustainability.
“I have complete confidence that the future of the Public Schools of Robeson County is bright. I am entrusting this district and its continued success to God's faithful hands, knowing He will continue to guide the leaders who follow and bless the important work happening here every day,” he said.
“Thank you for allowing me to serve you. It has been a privilege I will never forget, and I will always be cheering for the students and staff of the Public Schools of Robeson County,” Williamson added.
Looking Ahead
Dr. Williamson’s retirement plan is simple: keep moving.
He plans to continue investing in others through leadership opportunities and service, carrying forward the passion for developing people that has defined his career. Though the path ahead is still taking shape, Dr. Williamson is eager to explore ways he can continue making a difference while enjoying a more flexible pace of life.
In the meantime, as he spends time with family, tending to his lawn, and enjoying westerns and Star Trek reruns, Dr. Williamson can rest assured that he has left behind a legacy that extends far beyond the walls of any one school district.
Dr. Williamson’s impact has reverberated through the lives of countless students, educators, superintendents and leaders across North Carolina and beyond — a testament to a career built on servant leadership and an unwavering commitment to public education.
“His leadership has strengthened schools, developed future leaders, and positively impacted countless lives. While his retirement marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in public education, the legacy he leaves behind will continue to be reflected in the students he has inspired, the educators he has mentored, and the school communities he has helped shape. On behalf of his colleagues across North Carolina, I congratulate Dr. Williamson on an exceptional career and wish him and his family every blessing in this well-earned next chapter," Hoke added.