4CA’s Michael Williamson: Logistics more than warehouses, trucks

(EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first in a series spotlighting the non-traditional teaching faculty at the 4C Academy who are offering instruction in pathway classes.)

ALBANY — After working for the Marine Corps in a number of different areas of logistics for 34 years as a civil servant, Mike Williamson, who grew up in Irwin County, finally retired last October. It didn’t take him long, however, to get the itch to try something new.

That itch led him to a classroom as an instructor at the Dougherty County School System’s new Commodore Conyers College and Career Academy (4CA), where he leads the newly opened facility’s Logistics Pathway program.

“Chris Hatcher (4CA CEO) offered me the opportunity at the academy to help shape their logistics and supply chain management program,” Williamson said. “About a year ago, I started working with Chris to help shape the program’s pathways.”

The only problem was that Williamson had never taught in a classroom environment. But he says he doesn’t see that as a deterrent to reaching young minds.

“I see this as a great opportunity to be a part of something new and exciting. I see the need and am passionate about fulfilling that need,” Williamson said. “I wanted to join the great team that the DCSS and Chris and (4CA Principal Angie Gardner) had assembled. It is a mix of industry and career faculty and staff, and I wanted to give back to a community I’ve called home for 30 years.

“I’m excited because talent drives our economic engine now, and we need to up our game. There is so much potential in these kids.”

Williamson said it’s time to shake off the old, cliched notions about the logistics industry.

“Logistics touches everyone and every business,” he said. “Without logistics, nothing could be manufactured, distributed or consumed. It’s a vital industry. Even that pencil you are holding has several layers of logistics in it, from the lead to the wood to the eraser. Those parts are distributed to the manufacturer, who puts all those pieces together, then ships the final product out to wholesalers and retailers.

“No logistics, no pencil.”

The logistician said he has an eye on the future.

“(At the 4CA) we’ll be expanding beyond the narrow view that logistics is just about warehouses and trucking,” Williamson said. “We’ll tackle a broader view of integrated logistics support, which includes things like supply chain management and operation, end to end logistics, and technical data management.

“Logistics is changing as we speak. Are we preparing for that? Today’s kids will see that change happen over their early careers and have the opportunity to influence and be a part of it.”

Officials at the 4CA have taken a different approach in selecting faculty. Of the academy’s 24 faculty members, 10 have very little experience, if any at all, of standing before students in a classroom setting. Instead, Hatcher has gone with years of hands-on practical experience to educate the students.

In addition to Williamson, Dr. Frank Middleton will lead the 4CA’s Aviation pathway; Heather Tison-Nichols the Marketing pathway; Jessica Blanchard and Jennifer Hill the Nursing pathway; Randin Burley the Construction pathway; Jill Dervan the Medical Coding/Health Informatics pathway; Darren Hagler the IT pathway; David Mayo the Mechatronics pathway, and Stephanie Burke the Film pathway.