Piedmont’s Director of Counseling Sean Williamson Honored with State Association Award

Piedmont University Director of Counseling Services Sean Williamson was honored with the Sylvia Shortt Counselor of the Year Award at the 32nd Annual Georgia College Counseling Association (GCCA) Conference in January in St. Simons Island, Georgia.

Williamson’s previous experience includes director of behavioral health at a hospital, adjunct professor, and 14 years as director of counseling at Emmanual University. He joined Piedmont in 2022.

“Sean is certainly deserving of this award,” said Dr. Kimberly Crawford, Piedmont University VP of Student Affairs. “Since arriving at Piedmont, he has been dedicated to creating more awareness and visibility so our campus community is aware of how the counseling department can offer support services.”

Every year, the GCCA presents seven awards at the annual conference that identify and encourage those in college counseling who are making a difference.

“I was so honored to receive the Sylvia Shortt Counselor of the Year Award from the Georgia College Counseling Association,” Williamson said. “It's always nice to be recognized for the work you do, but the greater honor is to be able to work with a fantastic team each and every day at a place where you feel supported and encouraged by your peers and administrators and get to make a difference in the lives of students. Piedmont is a wonderful place to come to work every day and be able to share your passion to see what students become.”

President of GCCA Amy Laughter with Sean Williamson at the annual conference in St. Simons.

The award is given in honor of Sylvia Shortt, one of the founding members of GCCA who passed away in December 2020. It honors her dedication to the field by recognizing a counselor for their clinical excellence and/or meritorious service in college counseling. Shortt was a champion of college counselors in Georgia and across the country as well as being a strong advocate for international students. She served in various leadership roles in GCCA and other organizations. She retired in 2012 after 31 years at University of West Georgia.

For more information about counseling services at Piedmont University, visit piedmont.edu/counseling-services/.