A Sampson County native whose 45-and-a-half-year career in education took him from the classroom to school administration and eventually the superintendent’s office is preparing to retire.
Dr. Freddie Williamson, superintendent of the Public Schools of Robeson County, will retire Sept. 1, concluding a career that included several positions in Sampson County Schools and leadership roles across southeastern North Carolina.
Williamson grew up on a Sampson County farm as one of 13 siblings, including his twin sister, Bettie. His upbringing and interest in farming initially led him toward a career as an agricultural education teacher.
“I loved everything about it, you know,” Williamson recalled. “I loved the inner workings of it and the science behind farming.”
Williamson credited his parents, Annie Elizabeth Rich Williamson and Fulton Lee Williamson Sr., with helping shape his work ethic.
“I think about my parents often and the strength they had in raising all of us. It blows my mind,” he said.
He particularly remembers advice from his father.
“And I still carry with me the words of my father. He said, ‘You better be able to sign your name to your work,’” Williamson shared. “I have always carried the weight of what those words mean, and I am better for it.”
Williamson began his career as a teacher and coach with Sampson County Schools from 1985 to 1989 before becoming an assistant principal at Roseboro-Salemburg Middle School.
He later served as principal at both Midway and Union high schools.
Williamson said moving into administration was not initially part of his plan.
“I stepped into leadership, not because I wanted to at first,” Williamson recalled. “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.”
Williamson said his administrative career began under Tony Walters, a Robeson County resident.
As his career progressed, Williamson moved into central office administration, serving as personnel and accountability director in Sampson County before becoming associate superintendent overseeing personnel and auxiliary services for Scotland County Public Schools.
He later became superintendent of Hoke County Public Schools and was named the 2016 state Superintendent of the Year.
Williamson eventually took the helm of the Public Schools of Robeson County, where he has served as superintendent for the past six years. In 2025, he was again named state Superintendent of the Year.
“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,” Williamson said.
His work has also earned other statewide recognition. In 2024, Williamson received the North Carolina Association of School Administrators’ Raymond Sarbaugh Leadership Award during the organization’s Conference on Educational Leadership.
While accepting the award, Williamson spoke about a phrase that has become associated with his approach to education: “Leadership matters.”
“We’re all in this room to answer the call to serve, right?” Williamson said at the time. “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.”
Dr. Ron Hargrave, executive director of the Sandhills Regional Education Consortium, has worked closely with Williamson, including when the two served as superintendent colleagues.
“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,” Hargrave said. “And it’s not about fame and glory. At the end of the day, it is about the success of students.”
Jack Hoke, executive director of the North Carolina School Superintendents’ Association, also reflected on Williamson’s career.
“Dr. Freddie Williamson has dedicated more than four decades to ensuring that children have every opportunity to succeed,” Hoke said. “His career stands as a remarkable example of servant leadership.”
Hoke said Williamson has earned the respect of colleagues across the state through his work with students, educators and communities.
Williamson arrived in Robeson County following the COVID-19 pandemic and led efforts aimed at improving district performance. According to the Public Schools of Robeson County, those efforts included developing principals as instructional leaders and implementing a leadership coaching model in partnership with the North Carolina Relay Graduate School of Education.
Dr. William “Bill” Harrison, who will serve as interim superintendent following Williamson’s retirement, pointed to both district performance and Williamson’s relationship with employees.
“The numbers speak for themselves, how they’re moving in the right direction,” Harrison said. “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.”
Williamson said the relationships formed throughout his career are among what he values most.
“When I look back on my career, what I will cherish most are the people,” Williamson wrote in a letter to PSRC families, staff and stakeholders. “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.”
Williamson also credited his wife, Shirley, for supporting him throughout a career that often demanded significant time and attention. The couple has four sons.
“She has made many sacrifices,” 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.”
Williamson also pointed to his faith as an important part of his life and career. Outside the school system, he has served as chairman of the deacon board at Andrews Chapel Missionary Baptist Church and taught Sunday school.
“I don’t know how anyone can do this kind of work and not pray every day,” Williamson said. “I pray every day for God to guide me.”
As he prepares to retire, Williamson said he is looking forward to spending more time with his family and grandchildren and embracing the roles of husband, father and “Papa.”
Retirement, however, is not expected to end his involvement in leadership and education. Williamson plans to continue investing in others through leadership and service opportunities while taking on a more flexible pace of life.
During a recent Public Schools of Robeson County Board of Education meeting, board members recognized Williamson with a plaque and offered remarks about his service.
“I wrote him a card today, and the last sentence of it said, ‘Once my superintendent, always my friend,’” board member Tre’ Britt said. “And I’m going to stand by that.”
Williamson, in turn, thanked those he has worked with throughout his career.
“Thank you for allowing me to serve you,” he said. “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.”
For Williamson, retirement will bring more time with family, tending to his lawn and watching Westerns and “Star Trek” reruns, while leaving open the possibility of future opportunities in education and leadership.
“When I look back on my career, what I will cherish most are the people,” Williamson said. “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.”