Dr Williamson was appointed Principal of The Women’s College after a long career as an academic and manager at Queensland University of Technology (QUT).Her academic qualifications include a of Bachelor of Economics (University of Queensland 1971), Bachelor of Arts (University of Queensland 1978), Master of Arts (Griffith University 1985) and Doctor of Philosophy (University of Queensland 2001). She began her professional career as an Economics teacher in Brisbane and subsequently held positions as a tutor and lecturer in the CAE sector. From 1990 – 2007, Dr Williamson was employed by QUT as a Lecturer (1990-2001), Senior Lecturer (2001-2006) and Associate Professor (2006-7) during which time she taught and undertook research in the fields of History, Asian Studies and Gender Studies.

Between 2001 and 2006, she was the Assistant Director (Academic Coordination/Teaching and Learning) for Humanities and Human Services within QUT. In this position, she fostered improvements to student learning experiences through a range of activities, including the development of a comprehensive transition program for commencing students in Humanities and Human Services courses. As Executive Director, Northern Campuses (2006-7), Dr Williamson led and coordinated academic activities on QUT’s Carseldine Campus and was responsible for the University’s programs at the Caboolture Campus – a jointly operated campus with Brisbane North Institute of TAFE.