Mayor Briton Williams Shares Insights on Leadership and Public Service with USCA Students

Mayor Briton Williams of North Augusta made a stop by the University of South Carolina Aiken to speak with students.

Mayor Williams, who was invited by USCA Professor Sarah Young as a guest speaker to her State and Local Government class, came to share his experiences as a public servant and to offer insights into the world of politics on Tuesday, Dec. 3.

Williams, who was first elected as mayor on April 27, 2021, shared with students the story of his journey into politics, offering both his achievements and lessons learned during his first term in office.

As the mayor, Williams has been at the helm during a period of growth and change for North Augusta. He outlined the key accomplishments from his first term, underscoring his commitment to improving both the city's infrastructure and the quality of life for its residents.

Some of his accomplishments include:

• Expanding the amphitheater in North Augusta and adding a boat dock
• Investing millions from grants and the American Rescue Plan into infrastructure to improve the sewer and wastewater system.
• Completing the new Fire Station 1 on Martintown Road

The students, many of whom were studying political science with aspirations to enter public service, listened intently, asking thoughtful questions about his career, his challenges as a public official, and his vision for the future of North Augusta. 

Casey Barrett, a political science major with a minor in Pre-Law at USCA, says Mayor Williams visit was very insightful. He mentioned that he believes Mayor Williams offered valuable advice for students interested in political science careers.

Barrett says he aspires to be a military judge advocate lawyer with the potential to also pursue a career in corporate law.

Professor Sarah Young says that cultivating town-gown relationships is important for the university and the students.  “Our political science majors gain so much from direct interactions with local government leaders. It inspires them to develop their decision-making skills and become confident leaders themselves.”

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