MMA Recruits Dr. Keith M. Williamson to Position of VP for Academic Affairs

Posted on: August 12, 2020

CASTINE, Maine—Dr. William J. Brennan, President of Maine Maritime Academy (MMA), announced today that the college has concluded a national search for a Vice President for Academic Affairs with the recruitment of Dr. Keith M. Williamson to the position. Dr. Williamson currently serves as Dean of the School of Business and Technology at Fitchburg State University in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. In his current role, Williamson has aligned technology programs with ABET standards; expanded industry engagement; provided mentoring support and secured funding for faculty professional development; expanded MBA concentrations to include healthcare, marketing, and supply chain and logistics; and led ABET reaffirmation for computer science programs.

Williamson brings 17 years of teaching experience in the field of engineering and numerous relationships for innovation and business incubation. He also has extensive funded and sponsored research experience as principal investigator and collaborator.

“We are thrilled to have Keith join our leadership team,” said President Brennan. “His impressive background, strengths as an educator and leader, his values, and his interest in networking and collaborative partnerships all make for an excellent fit for Maine Maritime Academy programs, our faculty, and our students.”

Prior to his work with Fitchburg State University, Williamson served as Provost and VP for Academic Affairs at Coppin State University in Baltimore, Maryland and spent 10 years at Virginia State University (VSU) in Petersburg, Virginia, joining the faculty in 2006 as Associate Professor in Engineering and progressing to Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology. He was also a member of the engineering faculty at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina and Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.

“I’m extremely excited about this position, as it’s an opportunity for me to combine my teaching, research, and leadership experience to support students and faculty and to promote institutional innovation and success,” said Williamson.

Prior to working in academia, Williamson worked for 13 years as a mechanical engineer, electronics engineer, and project manager for the U.S. Navy. He earned a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bucknell University; an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Northeastern University; and, a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Tufts University.