ROBESON COUNTY — Public Schools of Robeson County Superintendent Dr. Freddie Williamson will soon take his place among inductees into East Carolina University’s College of Education Educators Hall of Fame.
Dr. Williamson is part of the 2024-2025 class that will be inducted during a special ceremony Friday, March 14th from 2-4 p.m. in Fletcher Music Hall at ECU.
“What an honor it is to be nominated by my peers for this incredible recognition,” Dr. Williamson said.
“I am so appreciative of this opportunity and grateful to lead a fulfilling career in education. God has truly blessed me to be able to teach, lead and most importantly, learn. Each day, I continue to learn and draw inspiration from my team and our students. This work holds a special place in my heart and I am better because of the profound impact that education has made on my life,” Dr. Williamson added.
Williamson is an alumnus of the university, graduating in the Class of 1995. While studying at the university he earned his Education Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership.
“Dr. Williamson's distinguished career, deep humility, and unwavering commitment to fostering equitable opportunities for all students make him an exceptional leader and role model in the field of education,” said PSRC Chief Communications Officer Jessica Sealey.
Dr. Williamson is a dedicated and accomplished educational leader renowned for his collaborative leadership style and vision that encourages all stakeholders to take ownership of their work and contribute meaningfully to achieving shared goals. His motto, "One Team, One Goal," reflects his unwavering belief in teamwork and unity.
His extensive educational experience and results-oriented approach enable him to meet challenges head-on while mentoring and inspiring others.
Dr. Williamson was nominated for induction into the ECU Educators Hall of Fame by Dr. Marvin Connelly, Cumberland County Schools Superintendent, and Dr. Ray Spain, former superintendent of Warren County Schools.
Dr. Connelly described Williamson as the “epitome of an educational expert.”
“Dr. Williamson is a mentor for many superintendents across the state and always accentuates that leadership matters,” said Dr. Connelly, who will also be inducted alongside Dr. Williamson to the ECU Educator’s Hall of Fame in March.
Dr. Spain also shared praise for Williamson and the impact he has made during his educational career.
“He has been a model superintendent and a dedicated servant in multiple school districts in North Carolina,” Dr. Spain said. “We superintendents are very proud of Dr. Williamson and we acknowledge the great work he has done. We believe this recognition is a fitting way to honor his significant accomplishments across various school districts and his ongoing work in the Public Schools of Robeson County."
Dr. Williamson has more than 40 years of service in the field of education, serving first as a classroom teacher before working his way to principalship and later superintendency. He has served in various leadership roles, including Superintendent of the Public Schools of Robeson County and Hoke County Public Schools, Associate Superintendent in Scotland County, Director of Secondary Education and Accountability, and Principal. His leadership has encompassed strategic, instructional, and external development initiatives that have transformed educational outcomes in multiple school districts.
As a highly regarded educator and leader, he has been recognized with numerous prestigious honors, including the 2025 A. Craig Phillips North Carolina Superintendent of the Year, 2024 NCASA Raymond Sarbaugh Leadership Award, and the highest civilian honor in the state: the North Carolina Order of the Long Leaf Pine, among many other accolades and awards.
"The Educators Hall of Fame embodies a core value of East Carolina University’s College of Education: honoring those who have dedicated their lives to shaping minds, building communities, and advancing the field of education. The inductees recognized have made a profound and lasting impact—not only within their schools and districts but also in the lives of countless students, families, and communities. Their legacy of service and unwavering commitment to excellence continues to inspire and uplift future generations of educators through the scholarships made possible by this endowment,” said Dr. André M. Green, Dean and Professor of ECU’s College of Education.
About the ECU College of Education Educators Hall of Fame
The Hall of Fame recognizes the service of individuals who have extensively contributed to the field of education and had a decisive impact on the lives of others. Each recipient receives a personalized plaque permanently mounted on the Educators Hall of Fame wall in the Speight Building.