Presenter Bio - Dr. Jonathan Williamson

Jonathan Williamson, Ph.D. is Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Faculty Affairs and Michael Andrew Little Professor in the Honors College at the University of Houston. He also serves as Executive Director of the Council on Honors Education, an organization that connects leaders of honors colleges and programs at public and land grant universities from across the nation.

Professor Williamson’s teaching focuses on the political institutions and behavior of American politics, as well as the interplay between politics, energy, and the environment. His research interests have ranged from American political parties, to pedagogy, to community and economic development impacts related to unconventional natural gas development. Williamson has led interdisciplinary student groups to collaborate on projects with local partners in the Dominican Republic for over a decade.

Prior to returning to UH, Williamson served as Chair of the Department of Political Science and Associate Professor of Political Science at Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. While at Lycoming, Williamson also served as founding director of both the Center for Energy and the Future and the Center for Community and the Economy at Lycoming College.

In addition to his academic roles, Williamson served for nearly twelve years on Williamsport City Council, including terms as President, Vice-President, and Chair of the Finance Committee.

Williamson earned his masters and doctorate in Political Science from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He is a graduate of the Honors College at the University of Houston, majoring in political science and psychology.