Williamson College Presidential Search Overview
Dr. Ed Smith, president of Williamson College, has announced his retirement effective June 30, 2026. The Williamson College Board of Trustees has initiated a national search for the institution’s next president.
Founded in 1998, Williamson College is a dynamic, Christ-centered liberal arts institution dedicated to equipping students to impact the communities they serve. Williamson welcomes students of all ages and backgrounds, with a particular strength in serving non-traditional learners who balance education with professional and family responsibilities.
Accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE), Williamson offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs in a flexible format—typically one evening a week for five weeks. This model allows students to pursue academic excellence while gaining practical experience and growing spiritually in an intentionally relational environment.
Known for its accessibility, affordability, and authentic community, Williamson College combines intellectual exploration, practical learning, and Christian character development in ways that prepare students to live lives of faith, leadership, and service. Guided by a dedicated twelve-member Board of Trustees, the college continues to expand its reach and impact as it builds on a strong foundation of academic quality, spiritual commitment, and Christ-centered transformation.
Williamson’s Next President
The ideal candidate will embody a deep and personal alignment with Williamson College – upholding our mission as a Christ-centered liberal arts college that equips students of all ages and life stages to impact their communities. This servant leader will embrace Williamson’s unique non-traditional model, offering accessible and affordable education where professors not only know students’ names, but also their stories and hearts.
Guided by humility and high integrity, the next president will foster an environment of belonging that welcomes diverse backgrounds and perspectives, while remaining firmly rooted in biblical truth. We seek a visionary who will build on Williamson’s legacy of authenticity, grace, and relational care – inspiring innovation, academic excellence, and intentional growth. Above all, this leader will champion transformation: equipping students, staff, faculty and the broader community to live out their God-given calling with clarity, courage, and purpose.
WC Presidential Leadership Profile
I. Position Overview
The President serves as the chief executive officer of the College, responsible for advancing its Christ-centered mission, ensuring institutional sustainability, and fostering a thriving academic and spiritual community. The President provides visionary leadership rooted in biblical principles, guiding faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external stakeholders in pursuit of excellence in Christian higher education.
II. Spiritual & Faith Commitments
Demonstrates a deep, personal faith in Jesus Christ and commitment to Christian discipleship.
Models spiritual leadership through prayer, integrity, humility, and service.
Affirms and upholds the College’s statement of beliefs, Christian mission, vision, and values.
Champions a campus culture that integrates faith and learning, spiritual formation, and service.
Serves as a spiritual shepherd for the faculty, staff, and students, promoting a culture of discipleship and mission.
III. Strategic Leadership
Casts and communicates a compelling vision aligned with the College’s mission, heritage, and future.
Leads strategic planning and institutional advancement with creativity, courage, and discernment.
Promotes innovation in academic programs, student life, and global engagement while remaining rooted in biblical truth.
Builds collaborative partnerships with churches, Christian organizations, donors, and civic leaders.
Ensures the College maintains academic integrity, financial health, and enrollment growth.
IV. Academic & Educational Leadership
Advocates for academic excellence within a distinctly Christian worldview.
Supports faculty development, research, and scholarship consistent with the College’s mission.
Ensures that curriculum integrates faith, reason, and vocation.
Strengthens accreditation, assessment, and quality assurance.
Champions diversity of thought within the bounds of the College’s theological commitments.
V. Administrative & Operational Leadership
Oversees effective management of the College’s operations, personnel, and resources.
Demonstrates fiscal responsibility, with the ability to steward budgets, fundraising, and investments wisely.
Builds and empowers a strong leadership team, fostering accountability and collaboration.
Ensures operational transparency and integrity in governance and decision-making with the Board of Trustees.
Strengthens enrollment, retention, and student support systems.
Ensures compliance with laws, accreditation standards, and best practices in higher education.
VI. Fundraising & External Relations
Inspires donor generosity by building relational development and by communicating the college’s story, mission, and needs to gain help and support.
Leads in fundraising, capital campaigns, and endowment development.
Serves as the primary ambassador of the College to churches, alumni, foundations, and government leaders.
Demonstrates proven ability in donor cultivation, fundraising campaigns, and resource development.
Cultivates partnerships with churches, Christian organizations, and civic leaders.
VII. Student Engagement & Campus Life
Prioritizes student success, spiritual formation, and holistic well-being.
Models accessibility, visibility, and approachability to students.
Encourages vibrant worship, discipleship, and service opportunities.
Supports all programs of the college as integral to the student experience.
VIII. Personal Qualities & Competencies
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
Christlike character: integrity, humility, compassion, courage.
Visionary leadership: the ability to inspire and mobilize others toward mission.
Relational skill: strong communicator, bridge-builder, and servant-leader.
Academic understanding: respect for higher education and Christian scholarship.
Organizational acumen: proven ability to lead complex institutions.
Cultural awareness: ability to engage a diverse world with grace and truth.
IX. Qualifications
Deep, mature faith in Jesus Christ with evidence of spiritual fruit.
Advanced degree (doctorate preferred).
Significant leadership experience in higher education, ministry, non-profit, or related fields.
Proven track record in fundraising, organizational management, and strategic leadership.
Deep personal commitment to Christ and the mission of Williamson College.
X. Reporting & Accountability
Reports directly to the Board of Trustees.
Works collaboratively with faculty, administration, and staff.
Provides transparent reporting on mission, academics, finances, and operations.
Presidential Search Committee Members
Dear Friends, Faculty, Staff, Students and Supporters of Williamson College:
I am pleased to announce that an amazing group of servant hearts has been confirmed to serve on the Presidential Search Committee to identify the next President of Williamson College. The committee is responsible for recruiting, screening and engaging prospective candidates for Board of Trustee approval.
Members of the Presidential Search Committee are as follows:
Mike Arrington, Chair
615-414-5817
mike.arrington@comcast.net
Ron Gambill, Trustee
615-330-8419
rgambill@elfi.com
Mary Smith, Trustee
512-410-9932
maryarlene@protonmail.com
Henry Stovall, Trustee
601-209-0398
Hstovall03@yahoo.com
Susan Mays, Staff
615-812-3975
susan@williamsoncc.edu
Matt Purdom, Faculty
931-472-8638
mpurdom@brentwoodbaptist.com
Callie Beukinga, Alumni
601-942-3228
Callie.beukinga@gmail.com
Bob Upton, Trustee Chair, ex-officio
615-566-0394
Uptonb52@comcast.net
We are grateful for each of these leaders, for their love for Williamson College and for their willingness to lead in this vital transitional process! To ensure direct access to information, we have launched a webpage specifically for the Presidential Search Process. You can find updates, FAQs, and relevant information at: https://williamsoncc.edu/presidential-search/.
Your prayers are so important during this time of finding God’s person for this vital, future role of leadership at Williamson College.
Along with prayer, we encourage each of you to offer feedback, ideas and encouragement to the Committee. Especially important is for each of us to use our various circles of influence and contacts to promote the search for our new President. Please feel free to inform and encourage those you know about this process, and the opportunity to apply for this position in the weeks to come. More on that from the Committee at the appropriate time.
Williamson’s Board of Trustees is committed to finding the right person to serve as president – and the process will take time. The following is a projected general timeline for the search process, and we hope to meet our anticipated calendar expectations.
September-October 2025: Developing the Presidential Search Profile.
November-December 2025: Leadership Profile is live, applicants are received.
January-February 2026: Applicant finalists interviewed, Williamson College Board of Trustees announce selection.
March 2026: Williamson’s Board of Trustees introduce president to students, staff and faculty.
To ensure direct access to information, we have launched a webpage specifically for the Presidential Search Process. You can find updates, FAQs, and relevant documents at: https://williamsoncc.edu/presidential-search/
We covet your prayers as we take each step in the selection of our future Williamson College President. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to Williamson’s future.
Robert Upton
Chairman, Board of Trustees
WC Administrative Support:
Shelly Alexander
505-453-1095
shelly.alexander@williamsoncc.edu
Presidential Survey
Dear friends, students, staff, and faculty of Williamson College,
As we continue to lead the search for the next leader of Williamson College, we value your input. We invite each of you and members of our community to help us more completely develop our leadership profile by contributing your thoughts and preferences regarding the qualities and qualifications of the next president by completing a brief survey. Please submit your responses by Wednesday, November 5th for full consideration. Your participation will help us consider a variety of perspectives, and we appreciate your willingness to engage with us in this important process.
If you have any further questions or require additional information about the Presidential Search, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at shelly.alexander@willamsoncc.edu.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to Williamson’s future.
Sincerely,
Mike Arrington
Chair of the Presidential Search Committee
Bob Upton
Chairman, Board of Trustees