Greyhound Grad Dr. Gerald Williamson has had an illustrious career in education, spanning from teaching marketing as an assistant professor to coaching basketball to leading as vice president of student services to serving as a development officer at East Central University (ECU) in Ada, Oklahoma.

Dr. Williamson graduated with a BBA from Eastern New Mexico University in 1970, an MBA from ENMU in 1971 and a Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma in 1985. He completed a postdoctoral program at Harvard University's Institute of Educational Management in 1990.

He discusses his career and time at Eastern with the ENMU News.

What is your current role? What is the most rewarding aspect of your career?

I am currently working at the ECU Foundation in the "friend-raising, fundraising business."

Without question, the most rewarding aspect of my career was helping people prepare for and locate opportunities that allow them to reach their career goals or beyond.

What inspired you to pursue your field of study?

At freshman enrollment at New Mexico State University, they asked the person in front of me, "What is the number of the college will you be attending?"  He said, "six, business administration."  When my turn came, the only college number I knew was "six."  I thought I was attending college at New Mexico State. Therefore, I became a business major instead of history; I had intended to become a teacher/coach.

Why did you choose ENMU?

I knew people there.

Which activities were you involved in at Eastern?

I worked at Roosevelt County Co-op and Roosevelt County Rural Telephone. I was a teaching graduate assistant in ENMU School of Business for the 1970-71 academic year. I was recognized as the Outstanding Graduate Student for the ENMU School of Business in 1971.

Who made an impact on you during your time at ENMU?

Larry Minks (ENMU BBA 69, MBA 70) showed me how to be a student. I was just a class attender before he showed me the way. Larry referred me to both universities where I have worked.

Professor Arvel Branscum provided me the opportunity to get my master's and commence my career as an educator. From Mr. Branscum, I learned about education being the "opportunity business," which has been the way I have defined and focused my career. 

Professor H.B. McIntire had a teaching style that I have emulated and continue to utilize when consulting. H.B. taught the application of business concepts by using real-world examples.

How did your time at Eastern prepare you for your career?

ENMU gave me a chance. I learned to learn, and my ENMU network provided me with opportunities.

What advice would you give to a student interested in your career field?

Help people help themselves. Be loyal and work your butt off!

Are you involved in any organizations or causes?

I'm in numerous professional organizations. I served as a president of a Boys and Girls Club. I was Kiwanian of the Year. I am on the National Association of Basketball Coaches. I'm an annual contributor to the ENMU and ECU Foundations.

Tell us about your family and background.

I'm from Eunice, New Mexico. My wife, Winola, graduated from ENMU in 1967. Our son, Richard, is an educator in Los Lunas, New Mexico, and we have a grandson named Jeremy.

Who is your role model?

Bill Robinson from Ohio Northern University, now retired. Bill taught or allowed me to observe how he helped people. Focus on solutions, not on problems. Think ahead. Show people they are important.  He exposed me to social and professional situations that were beyond my background experiences.

Which accomplishments and awards have you earned?

I was recognized as the ENMU Business Graduate Student of the Year and East Central University Faculty Member of the Year and named to the Who's Who University Educators and Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame.

What are your hobbies?

Networking, consulting, sports and reading.

Share an interesting fact about yourself.

Fact, but not necessarily interesting: I have shaved at least once every day since November 25, 1970… that is over 50 years.

Is there any additional information you would like to share?

I started at ENMU as a mangy pup, and now I am a REALLY gray Greyhound. Thanks for the opportunity, ENMU. Go Hounds!

Dr. Williamson's students share the impact he has made on their lives.

Mark Henschen, ENMU MBA 1978

Dr. Gerald Williamson was instrumental in my preparation for 40 years in financial services serving as both my teacher and mentor in providing me the opportunity of a Graduate Assistantship to obtain an MBA at Eastern New Mexico University.

My exposure to an entirely different culture and geography certainly played a major role in my development and preparation for leadership.

In 2018 I retired as president and CEO of Minster Bank, where I have served the last 35 years and continue to serve as board chairman.

Dr. Courtney Karner

From doing the research to find a suitable summer research program to ensuring my application was evaluated despite being submitted after the deadline, it is impossible to overstate the impact that Dr. Williamson has had on individuals such as me.

He always made himself available and did most if not all the heavy lifting to ensure our success as students. Through these and similar efforts with other students, Dr. Williamson has positively impacted the lives of millions of people.

Valdosta State University President Richard Carvajal

I met Dr. Williamson as a shy college sophomore completely lacking in self-confidence when he gave me an opportunity that changed my life. He's continued to support me at every turn in all the years since. Having now been a college and university president for more than a decade, he continues to be my mentor, and I can honestly say that everything I ever have been or will be in my profession and in life is thanks to him.

Read more about Dr. Williamson's career and accomplishments in his Hall of Fame induction biography