Dr. Kerri-Ann Williams is set to enhance project management education at Northeastern University as she takes on a new role this July. With over 15 years of experience in various industries including military operations, healthcare technology, and private security management, Williams brings a wealth of knowledge to her position as Assistant Teaching Professor and Program Director for the Master of Science in Project Management.
In her expanded role, Williams will oversee the MS in Project Management programs across Northeastern University’s campuses in Canada and the United States. This program is accredited by the Project Management Institute’s Global Accreditation Center, ensuring it meets the highest standards in the field. This accreditation is crucial for students and employers, as it signifies the program’s quality and relevance in today’s job market.
“Project management kept following me across roles and industries,” Williams explains. She formalized her expertise by earning a Doctor of Business Administration focused on project management in 2021, in addition to holding degrees in Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering Technology, and an MBA in healthcare management. Williams views her role as one of integration, stating, “I always think of myself as an invisible hand that puts all the pieces in place.”
Real-World Application in Project Management Education
Williams’ extensive industry experience provides a robust foundation for her teaching. Prior to her tenure at Northeastern University, she served as the Director of Projects and Research at Highmark Interactive, a digital health organization focused on cognitive wellness. In this position, she led significant projects, including developing software for cognitive health assessments.
“This was an exciting role,” she recalls, highlighting her involvement in a project assessing cannabis impairment. Williams transitioned into academia in 2021, discovering a passion for teaching through her experiences leading courses in project management and health systems management.
At Northeastern, Williams emphasizes the importance of practical application in her courses. “Especially at the graduate level, I encourage my students to approach their courses not as a box to check off but as an exercise in knowledge and skill set development,” she states. Her teaching style involves interactive methods rather than traditional lectures, including case studies and pre-recorded lectures to maximize class engagement.
For instance, in her Project Scheduling and Cost Planning course, Williams had students analyze the timeline and budget for the proposed Alto high-speed rail project connecting Toronto and Quebec City. This hands-on approach aligns well with Northeastern’s commitment to experiential learning, garnering positive feedback from students.
Future Vision as Program Director
As the new program director, Williams is tasked with maintaining the program’s relevance in a rapidly changing market. She recognizes the importance of connecting with industry leaders and ensuring that students graduate with skills that are in demand. Northeastern’s global alumni network includes project managers from major companies such as IBM, Biogen, and Procter & Gamble.
“My job as program director is to ensure that when our students graduate, the industry will value their diploma and that it will reflect a high level of competence,” she emphasizes. She is dedicated to fostering relationships between faculty and industry practitioners, which enriches the learning experience for students.
In her role at the Toronto campus, Williams aims to enhance Northeastern University’s reputation as a leader in project management education. “I’m excited to stand on the shoulders of those who went before and see what we can achieve in terms of growth in regional reputation,” she notes. Her collaborative approach with the College of Professional Studies will be crucial in expanding the program’s impact within the Greater Toronto Area.
Through her leadership, Dr. Kerri-Ann Williams is poised to shape the future of project management education, equipping students with the skills they need to succeed in an ever-evolving field.
