Mary E. Williamson

Mary E. (Ellen) Williamson (April 24, 1924 – December 3, 2012) was an American aviator who served as a WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) during World War II. She was also a communications professor at the University of Nebraska Omaha.

Early life, education and military service Mary E. Williamson was born on April 24, 1924, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Elmer C. Williamson and Ruth Peterman Williamson. She was an only child, whom her mother raised on her own. The two remained very close throughout her life.

Williamson began teaching in the Department of Speech and Mass communication at the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) in 1969.

Williamson finished her doctoral program in 1973 with the publication of her thesis "An Inquiry into Excellence in Commercial Broadcasting". She incorporated work experience with the Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) in many of her courses, so that students were able to provide services and advice to small business owners in the Omaha area.

Throughout her time at UNO, Williamson served in various roles across campus. She was elected to Faculty Senate, and served her second term as vice president in 1977 and as president in 1978. After her interim stints in both departments, Williamson returned to the Communications Department as acting department chair. She took partial retirement shortly after, and began working closely with NBDC as a business consultant. WIFP is an American nonprofit publishing organization which works to increase communication between women and connect the public with forms of women-based media.

Community service Williamson also worked as the vice president of Nebraska Cable Television, and was later appointed by the mayor of Omaha to the community's Cable Television Advisory Committee for two terms.

After retirement, she volunteered for various organizations. She served as an ombudsman at the Ambassador Rehabilitation Center, and a counselor at the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), and assisted the Hearts United for Animals shelter.

Death Williamson died on December 3, 2012, at age 88.