Dr. Sandra Williamson (2005) - Hall of Fame

Dr. Sandra Williamson

Induction:
2005

No one has been more of an advocate for women's equality in athletics at UNI than Dr. Sandra Williamson. During her 26 years in the UNI athletics department she was at the forefront of some incredible changes and growth for Panther women's sports.

Williamson retired in 2004 from UNI as the Associate Athletics Director for Administration and Students where her main responsibilities included student-athlete financial aid, eligibility, NCAA and conference compliance and NCAA rules and regulations for students and coaches. When she started at UNI in 1978, she was the Associate Director and Director of Women's Programs under Athletics Director Stan Sheriff. At that time, women's athletics were part of the Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women and were planning a switch to the NCAA. Title IX had just come into effect. She also was the women's basketball coach from 1978-1980.

In 1981, Williamson took over as Associate Director of Internal Affairs. In 1992 she became the Senior Woman Administrator, holding that position until her retirement in 2004. She was Championship Director for the 1982 AIAW Indoor Track and Field Championship. She also held numerous positions as Tournament Director for the NCAA, the Missouri Valley Conference and the Gateway Conference. She was the Vice President of the Missouri Valley Conference Athletics Administrators in 2002-03, as well as President of the Gateway Conference Athletics Administrators in 1985-86. Williamson organized the Girls and Women in Sport Day at UNI, established the UNI Athletics Compliance Council and was a member of the NCAA Peer Review Council.

Williamson earned her bachelor of science degree in 1964 from Eastern New Mexico University. After college, she held numerous teaching and coaching positions from New Mexico to Vermont. In 1968, she returned to ENMU as a graduate assistant. She received her master's in education degree in 1969 and was hired to instruct physical education. In 1970, she took a job as an instructor of physical education and coach at Carroll College in Helena, Mont. She received her assistant professorship in 1973 and her program with the sports of basketball and volleyball. In 1983, Williamson received her doctorate of education degree from the University of Northern Colorado.