From the classroom to campus leadership: Brett Williamson named UTTC dean of instruction

As chair of the General Education Department and a psychology instructor, he’s now preparing for a new chapter. On Jan. 6, he’ll step into his role as dean of instruction and move to a new office on campus. The dean of instruction ensures courses meet United Tribes’ standards.

His first priority as dean is preparing for the Higher Learning Commission’s visit. They will want to see evidence that UTTC is meeting the required standards.

The 40-year-old, who has held various jobs, has long had a passion for teaching and mentoring others. As a child, the Turtle Mountain citizen spent much of his time with his grandmother, an elementary school teacher in Belcourt. Throughout his life, he often taught others, sometimes without realizing it.

When Williamson was in the Marine Corps, he taught people how to use weapon systems and the basics of being a young adult. “You’re kind of a mentor for those young kids when they first leave home,” he said.

A lot of complex things come with instruction manuals, like your car and your TV –– but humans don’t.”

– Brett Williamson, dean of instruction at UTTC

Later, when he joined the drilling company his father was managing, he worked with centrifuges, dewatering equipment and water reclamation for drilling rigs. His father taught him nearly everything he knew about drilling and machine operation. However, his favorite part of the job was interacting with others and teaching them how to operate the equipment.

“I’ve always thought, even when I was in college, the most exciting thing about learning something was telling somebody else about it,” Williamson said.

After leaving the drilling company, Williamson pursued higher education. He earned an associate of arts and an associate of science degree from Bismarck State College. He then graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and addiction studies, along with a minor in sociology at Minot State University. Finally, he earned a master of science in psychology from Arizona State University. While taking psychology classes at Bismarck State College, he learned more about himself, which he found beneficial.

“Psychology is probably one of the most interesting subjects because humans are complex,” he said. “A lot of complex things come with instruction manuals, like your car and your TV –– but humans don’t.”

Before becoming a research psychologist, Williamson was a journalist. He started writing for BSC’s student newspaper, The Mystician, and later worked as a features reporter for The Bismarck Tribune for two years. He eventually left journalism to pursue a career in psychology.

He saw parallels between psychology and journalism. “I like to observe, collect data and test,” he said. “So when you’re a journalist, you’re kind of doing that on your own.”

Katie Winbauer Paulson, an attorney in Bismarck, first met Williamson 10 years ago while they were students at BSC. Both worked as reporters at The Mystician. Williamson was studying psychology at the time, while Winbauer Paulson, a mass communications major, served as the editor-in-chief.

I think one of the things I appreciate about his leadership style and personality is he does not sit behind his desk. He’s very visible on campus. He’s always dropping in to check on different people and see what’s going on.”

– Lisa Cantlon, the chair of the general studies program at UTTC

She remembers Williamson had a particular passion for arts and entertainment. One of his regular contributions was a monthly video game review column called Master Sword Review.

“We started as reporters on a campus newspaper, and then I watched him get his bachelor’s degree, pursue higher education and get his first job teaching,” she said. “I watched him get an outstanding teacher’s award and get promoted to department chair, and now to get promoted to dean out at the college. It’s just been exciting to see the success that he’s had in a relatively short amount of time.”

In 2019, a psychology instructor position opened up at UTTC. Although Williamson had just graduated, he was eager to work in the Bismarck area. He was particularly drawn to United Tribes because his parents attended the school years prior, and he spent part of his childhood there.

Colleagues and educators supported him, helping him secure the role. Becoming an instructor at UTTC is “probably the best decision I ever made in my life.”

Since joining the faculty at UTTC, Williamson has taught approximately 150 students each year in courses like developmental psychology, child psychology, abnormal psychology and an introduction to addiction studies. He enjoys interacting with and supporting students on a daily basis.

“Brett’s got two sides to him, which I think is what makes him so successful,” she said. “He has standards for his students and for himself, but he’s also not so serious that someone wouldn’t like him. He’s a very likable, relatable and fun person to know.”

Lisa Cantlon, the chair of the general studies program at UTTC, has known Williamson for the last five and a half years. In addition to being colleagues, they have co-advised the psychology and human and social services club on campus and have been on the assessment of the student learning committee together. She describes his personality as very outgoing and people-oriented, with a good sense of humor.

“I think one of the things I appreciate about his leadership style and personality is he does not sit behind his desk,” Cantlon said. “He’s very visible on campus. He’s always dropping in to check on different people and see what’s going on.”

I’ve always thought, even when I was in college, the most exciting thing about learning something was telling somebody else about it.”

– Brett Williamson, dean of instruction at UTTC

When the dean of instruction position became available, Williamson decided to apply. He wanted to continue his work in higher education and leadership to support students better. Williamson said he felt overjoyed when he was selected.

His friends and colleagues are excited for this next stage in his career, but they’re not surprised he got the job, given his dedication to supporting students.

“I’m very proud of him because he started out as just a young instructor with not a lot of experience,” Cantlon said. “And he’s really grown as a leader on campus, taking on additional responsibilities, such as the assessment committee. He has a great relationship with students –– they have a lot of respect for him.”

“I think he’ll do well as dean and just continue to grow from there,” Winbauer Paulson said. “It’s been my observation that he’s really liked out at the United Tribes. If I’m out with Brett and we run into students, it’s always a positive experience.”

Williamson is excited to begin his new role as dean of instruction. He encourages students to reach out if they’d like to discuss anything or if he can assist them with their educational journey at UTTC.

“One of the big reasons I’m here is because I enjoy students,” he said. “I see where you’re going because I’ve done it before. So as a student, I would encourage you to make sure you do communicate with me and come visit from time to time because you’re the reason I’m here.”