Contributed More Than 22 Years Of Service To The Association

Dr. Julie Speakes, University Aviation Association president 2013-14, announced the retirement of long-time UAA Executive Director, Carolyn P. Williamson at the organization’s Fall Education Conference in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Most of Williamson’s professional career has been spent in and around collegiate aviation education, including almost a decade in Auburn University’s Department of Aerospace Engineering—home of the Aviation Management program—and in the Office of the President.

Carolyn Williamson, CAE, contributed more than 22 years of service to the University Aviation Association (UAA) and assumed the Executive Director role one month after 9/11. She served as editor of Collegiate Aviation News and the Collegiate Aviation Guide, a comprehensive guide to more than 100 degree-granting programs in the United States and Canada, and as a contributor for other publications and articles. Williamson is a founding board member of Women in Aviation, International (WAI) and served as staff vice president from 1997 to 2001. She was also the founding editor of WAI’s magazine, Aviation for Women.

It was during her time as Executive Director that the organization received the prestigious Frank G. Brewer Trophy in 2008 for “serving as the voice of collegiate aviation for over 60 years in support of professional development, scholarship, industry collaboration, and promotion of aviation and aerospace careers.” In 2013, Williamson received the UAA President’s Award. The same year, she was inducted into the Women in Aviation Hall of Fame.

“It takes a special leader to move a constantly changing organization in a turbulent aviation industry. Carolyn has done this, and done it with grace and wisdom,” said Dr. Julie Speakes, UAA President (2013-14). Interim Executive Director, Cassandra Bosco noted, “Carolyn has been the backbone of the University Aviation Association for many years. Her dedication and strong leadership have had a profound impact on generations of aviation students, many of whom now consider her a friend, colleague, and mentor. Her retirement has been earned many times over.”

FMI: www.uaa.aero