186 Leadership Alicia Williamson, a woman with a calling to encouraging the spiritual gifts in all people and observing how God uses those gifts for His kingdom, came to Harding University as a freshman in 2000. While at Harding, she met her husband, Carl. The two missionminded individuals, acting out of faith, moved to New Jersey where they joined a church-planting team for the next 14 years. With her Exercise Science and Vocational Ministry degrees, Williamson taught various courses through elementary and middle school. While in New Jersey, Williamson began to search for ways to connect the two areas of her life she felt God was calling her into: teaching and the spiritual formation of emerging adults. As a Harding alumna, Williamson was familiar with the goals and mission of the College of Bible and Ministry: “to equip students to know, live and share God’s word and to understand, love and serve God’s world through and beyond their chosen vocation.” Connecting with College of Bible and Ministry associate professor Anessa Westbrook inspired Williamson to pursue two master’s degrees in Systematic Theology and Christian Ministry through the Harding School of Theology. Continuing her calling into education after obtaining her master’s degrees, Williamson searched for a doctorate degree that would connect with her passion for instilling spiritually forming practices into the lives of others. Williamson applied to Regent School of Divinity upon learning of a Practical Theology degree specifically geared toward spiritual formation. “The Lord has given me an opportunity, but also has given me the ability to do more than what I had imagined I could do,” Williamson said in regard to being accepted into the doctorate program. “Openness is such a big part of the journey with God–being willing to take that first step and then letting God open the doors and being faithful in responding to that call.” Williamson began teaching alongside her husband, a full-time faculty member of the College of Bible and Ministry, in fall 2024. Associate professor Dr. Carl Williamson explained that while they taught a Christian Families course together, the two shared his office to prepare for class. Carl Williamson found working in the same building as his spouse to be special. The college opened a position for teaching a spiritual formation course as Alicia Williamson continued to teach classes. “This area is her expertise,” Dean of the College of Bible and Ministry Dr. Monte Cox said. “We went out and hired the best teacher we could find in these areas where we were losing expertise.” Alicia Williamson at last obtained her own office where her books pertaining to the New Testament, spiritual formation and children’s ministry could live. Concurrently working on her dissertation focused on the spiritual formation of young adults in Ghana, West Africa, she continued teaching Christian Families with her husband, as well as Spiritual Formation, Christian Teaching Practices, Children’s Ministry and freshman Bible courses. “One thing that God has taught me is he can do immeasurably more than you can ask or imagine,” Williamson said. “Don’t let your own doubts and limitations hold you back from pursuing something that God has given you a heart or a passion for because he will equip you for the work that you’re going to do.” Written by Alaina Wolf Alicia Williamson inspires spiritual growth in young adults through her passion for education. Called to Teach
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