Zaphon R Wilson

NCCU Public Administration Department Chair Dr. Zaphon Robert Wilson is a native of North Wilkesboro, NC. Dr. Wilson attended Appalachian State University, where he obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science. Dr. Wilson then completed his PhD in Political Science at Atlanta University, now Clark Atlanta University.

Previously, Dr. Wilson served as the dean of the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences and professor of Political Science at Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh, NC. He has served as department chair in the Department of Criminal Justice, Social & Political Science at Armstrong State University in Savannah, Georgia, and as department chair of Public Administration and Political Science at Savannah State University (SSU). He led SSU in its initial NASPAA accreditation of the Master of Public Administration degree.

Wilson has a certificate from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University from its Certified Planning Commissioners Program. Wilson’s civic and community work includes serving on planning and zoning boards in Boone, NC, and Hampton, VA. He served on the Board of Directors for the Big Brother, Big Sister programs of the Low Country in Savannah, Georgia; Savannah Rape Crisis Center and the Clear Channel Radio Stations of the Low Country. Armstrong State University awarded Wilson with the University Distinguished Faculty Service Award to the Community for his work on various boards and commissions.

Wilson has been a pioneer in promoting racial diversity in academia. His passion was honored in 2015 when he received the Appalachian State University’s Faces of Courage Award for his contributions during Appalachian State University’s early efforts to promote racial diversity. In 2015, Wilson received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Black Faculty and Staff Association of Appalachian State University, and in 2014, Wilson was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Black Alumni Association of Appalachian State University. In 2016, Wilson was inducted into the Wilkes County, North Carolina Hall of Fame.

Wilson’s wife, Dr. Annette Ingram Wilson, also graduated from Wilkes Central High School and Appalachian State University. Dr. Annette Ingram Wilson was also a member of the Appalachian State University faculty. She is currently department chair of education at Bennett College in Greensboro, NC, and formally served as department chair of humanities, education and social sciences at Voorhees College in Denmark, SC. Their son, Kevin, graduated from the Art Institute of Atlanta and is creative director for Creative Services for Active Project AV Chicago, IL. Their daughter, Ada, earned a law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and is assistant vice president for Access and Inclusive Excellence at Auburn University.