Williamson University History
Williamson University’s story reaches back to the founding of the United States through its namesake, Dr. Hugh Williamson—a preacher, physician, astronomer, scholar, Continental Congress member, and signer of the U.S. Constitution. His close friendship with Benjamin Franklin helped shape the early nation, and their legacy lives on in our home: Franklin, Tennessee, named for Benjamin Franklin, and Williamson County, named for Dr. Hugh Williamson.
Durand, A. B., artist. (ca. 1790). Hugh Williamson (1735-1819), A.B. 1757, LL.D. 1787, portrait [Print: engraving]. UPX 4, Graphics and portraits Collection, Box 2. https://jstor.org/stable/community.22101075
Carrying that pioneering spirit forward, Williamson Christian College was founded by Dr. Kenneth Oosting and a dedicated team who desired a Christ-centered and biblically-based institution of higher learning in then-predominantly rural Williamson County. The college was incorporated in 1996, and the Tennessee Higher Education Learning Commission approved the institution in 1997. Classes began in 1998, and students gravitated toward evening courses, which allowed them to work while accessing academic offerings that helped them earn a degree and advance their careers. With faculty members who had decades of experience and held full-time positions outside the academy, students learned from practitioner scholars who understood firsthand the importance of real-world application.
After 10 years of faithful service, Dr. Kenneth Oosting retired, and Stephen Higgins succeeded him as President. In 2012, Dr. Ed Smith became the institution’s third president, and the institution moved to Aspen Grove Christian Church. The following year, the institution renamed itself Williamson College. With dedicated staff and faculty carrying the mission forward, Williamson College expanded its academic offerings—from baccalaureate degrees in Business Administration and Ministry Leadership to graduate programs such as the MA in Organizational Leadership (2014), MA in Biblical Studies (2021), and MA in Theology and Biblical Languages (2025). Accreditation achievements—including TRACS (Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools) and long‑standing ABHE (Association of Biblical Higher Education) accreditation reaffirmed through 2032—solidified its place as a trusted Christian higher education institution committed to academic excellence.
On July 1, 2026, under the visionary leadership of its fourth president, Dr. Roger J. Huston, Williamson has entered a new era of growth and clarity. The historic transition to Williamson University marked a bold rearticulation of mission, accompanied by double-digit percentage enrollment growth, triple-digit percentage increases in social media engagement, strengthened financial stability, and a new strategic plan. Dr. Huston expanded corporate and church partnerships, launched the university’s first fully online programs (MAOL and MBA), introduced new degrees such as the Master of Divinity (2026) and Master of Public Administration (2026), and enhanced the undergraduate curriculum. His reaffirmation of faith integration in all aspects of university life—including a new logo featuring the Bible within the shield—has renewed the institution’s identity and purpose. With its 2026 move to Harbor & Union at The Factory in Franklin, Williamson University continues to embody the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of its namesake, shaping Christ‑centered leaders for a new generation. As the pioneering pracademic home of the faith and work movement, Williamson University is uniquely positioned in the higher education marketplace to deliver practical and purpose-filled learning to those seeking to live a life on mission with Kingdom impact.
Williamson University remains a dynamic, collaborative, and creative center of learning that equips students to make an impact in the communities where they live and work.
Williamson University is a nonprofit, Christian higher education institution that welcomes students of all ages and cultures, including non-traditional learners who are already in the workforce, and offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. Classes meet on-campus at Harbor + Union and online.
Williamson University is accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) and is non-denominational.