Cannon-Clary College of Education — Keith Williams (’69)

Keith Williams earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Harding, an education specialist degree from the University of Central Arkansas and a Doctor of Education from Memphis State University. He has served in a variety of education roles including as public school superintendent in three Arkansas districts from 16 years and director of Harding’s educational leadership program. Now in retirement, he continues to serve as an adjunct professor in the Cannon-Clary College of Education. He was named National Superintendent of the Year in 1999 and Arkansas Rural Education Superintendent of the year in 2003. He also served as president of the Arkansas School Boards Association in 1989 and as a member of the Arkansas Governor’s Task Force on Public School Facilities from 2004-2009. He is married to Kathy and has three children, Jerrod (’96), Janalyn Massy (’98) and Jodi Zeigler.

Where is your current hometown?

I live in Beebe, Arkansas.

How have you been involved in your community?

I have been active with the Beebe Church of Christ Belize missions efforts for many years; served as a board member of the White County Community Foundation for 12 years and for White County United Way for six years. I’m also a board member for the Bison Boosters.

Who were your major influences during your time at Harding?

Some of the people who influenced me include Dr. R.T. Clark, Dr. L.C. Sears, Dr. Neal Pryor, Dr. Bill Williams, Dr. Jack Wood Sears, Dr. Joe Pryor, Dr. Don England, Dr. Bobby Cooker, Mr. Bob Corbin, Coach John Prock, Coach Ted Altman and Coach Ted Lloyd.

How are you living your Inspired Purpose?

I was intrigued by the idea of being a teacher and coach. I enjoyed my subject matter and coaching. I continued teaching after I stopped coaching and moved out of the classroom and served in administrative roles to the superintendency. I was fortunate in that I always loved my work and felt blessed to be able to view my work as play. I served on a local school board for 10 years and that was valuable in preparing me for the superintendency. I still am living my inspired purpose in that I continue to work on a limited basis.

What makes your field rewarding?

I am rewarded by my relationships with people and the visible positive outcomes that are observable from those interactions and working with others.

How do you get to serve God and others through the work that you do?

I try to model the positive attributes of being a Christian. Humility is so important when interacting with people in all facets of life: spiritually, in family and in the work environment, especially as a teacher.

What else should we know about you?

I am a first generation college graduate. I never perceived that I would be so fortunate to have a career that was as rewarding as the 50+ years I have been in education. It started at Harding in 1965 when I began my journey as a freshman. It has all been fun, and I would not change anything. I am blessed and humbled by this recognition as the College of Education Alumnus of the Year.