Former teacher named associate dean of education at WSSU

Dr. Ereka Williams joins Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) as the associate dean of education, quality assurance, and community engagement as of July 1.

Williams, a former public-school teacher, brings more than 22 years of higher education experience and leadership to WSSU. She most recently served as the associate dean for the College of Education at Fayetteville State University (FSU) - her alma mater. While there, Williams led efforts to transform programs for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s move toward the 2019 teacher residency model. She also facilitated reform efforts and protocols to build the unit’s sufficiency toward success with the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accreditation.

“Dr. Williams has a proven track record for transforming educational programs and developing future educators,” says Dr. Darryl Scriven, dean of the College of Arts, Sciences, Business and Education at WSSU. “I’m confident that her vision and leadership will reestablish WSSU’s education program as one of the top tier programs in the country.”

Most of Williams career has been focused on issues of educational equity and access for parents, teachers and learners of underserved communities. Prior to working at FSU, she served as a professor and the chairperson of the Department of Administration and Instructional Services at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. During her tenure, she earned many distinctions and awards including the 2013-14 Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award for the College of Education. Williams also collaborated with colleagues across campus to secure over $3.9 million in federal funding throughout her time at the institution. 

Williams is a nationally trained CAEP leader. She serves as a coach with the National Institute of Learning Outcomes and Assessment, where she travels the country to help two- and four-year institutions with general education, assessment and accreditation. Williams is a consultant for the National Urban Alliance, mentoring and facilitating customized trainings for school districts around the country.

A native of Windsor, N.C., Williams earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in special education from Fayetteville State University. She received her Ph.D. in Teacher Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

“Education is an action word that involves spirit, care, passion, competence and confidence,” says Williams. “The tireless commitment of the faculty and staff of WSSU’s education department has become crystal clear. I’m very excited to join a team that is dedicated to advancing the teaching profession and equipping future educators with the tools needed to be leaders not only in the classroom, but in the community as well.”