Former UAA Executive Director Williamson Dies

Carolyn Williamson, the long-time executive director of the University Aviation Association (UAA) and founding board member of Women In Aviation International (WAI), died August 9 following a battle with cancer. She was 61. Williamson spent 22 years with UAA, stepping down in August 2014 for health reasons. “We have lost a wonderful friend and the aviation education community has lost a tremendous advocate,” said Cassandra Bosco, UAA interim executive director.

After serving with UAA for a decade, she stepped into the role of executive director one month after the 9/11 attacks. As executive director she steered the administration and programs for the 500-member organization, relocating the headquarters, overseeing the migration of the member database and implementing a new member website. “The UAA community is heartbroken with the news of Carolyn’s passing,” said UAA president Mary Niemczyk. “She was a steadfast leader whose dedication to aviation and aviation education are unmatched.”

Additionally, Williamson was active in WAI, serving as staff vice president from 1997 to 2001 and as the founding editor of WAI’s magazine, Aviation for Women. In 2013, she was inducted into the International Women in Aviation Pioneer Hall of Fame and recognized as a Volunteer of the Year. UAA has named an award in Carolyn’s honor; the UAA Carolyn Williamson Champion of Collegiate Aviation Award, which will be presented for the first time at the 2015 UAA Fall Conference Awards Banquet on October 9 in Salt Lake City.