Erin L. Williamson ’25

As the current director of student involvement and leadership in the Department of Campus Life, Williamson and her team are responsible for UNCWelcome, the Involvement Carnival and the annual Cornerstone Awards. She earned an Ed.D. in educational leadership at UNCW in 2025 and has taught courses for leadership studies, university seminar and the Honors College. She joined UNCW in 2015 as the assistant director for leadership development.

Q. Can you tell us about the first time you stepped on the campus of UNCW?

A. It was in the summer of 2015. The moment I turned onto campus, I was immediately struck by the gorgeous campus architecture. Having grown up in North Carolina but lived in Texas for 15 years, I was looking to come home. That day, UNCW didn’t just feel like a place for a new job — it felt like where I was meant to be.

Q. How did you balance working at UNCW, teaching at UNCW and earning a degree from UNCW all at the same time?

A. It was difficult, especially at the start. In my first year of the doctoral program, I was working full-time and teaching two courses, despite advice to the contrary. The combination of these responsibilities and the intense imposter syndrome I was battling pushed me to my limits. The turning point was realizing I had to model the wellbeing we teach our students. This allowed me to create a sustainable balance and thrive. It was a journey of learning to show up for myself so I could better show up for my staff and students.

Q. Define “student leadership” for those who may not be familiar and the role/ways in which you cultivate student leaders:

A. As Simon Sinek describes, “Leadership is a choice, not a rank.” Students arrive on campus already possessing the capacity for leadership. It’s about cultivating their self-confidence and self-actualization. In my current role, I focus on empowering my team and students to be effective leaders. I coach my staff so they are equipped to guide student leaders. For my students in the Student Government Association, I take pride in developing their capacity for advocacy as they represent the voice and vision of the student body. We are cultivating a new generation of leaders who understand that their impact comes from their actions, not their title.

Q. You wear many hats and also a lot of teal. Only on Tuesdays?

A. I do wear a lot of hats — advising the SGA and supporting my team in meeting our mission keeps me busy, but it’s what I love to do. As for the teal, that's not just a Tuesday thing. Earning a degree from UNCW has deepened my commitment to my students and our campus community. Wearing teal is a way to show that pride every single day.