Speakers

Robert Williams has worked in education for over 20 years, with 18 of those years being in the Hattiesburg Public School System. Before he was appointed as Superintendent, he served as principal of N.R. Burger Middle School. Under his leadership and with unwavering commitment from staff, students, and parents, N.R. Burger Middle transformed from a school labeled “At Risk of Failing” in 2008 to “High Performing-High Progress” in 2012. In 2012, N.R. Burger received the “Champion of Change” award from the Mississippi Department of Education. Dr. Williams has been involved with and participated in numerous steering and selection committees. His peers selected him as Hattiesburg Public School District Administrator of the Year (2011-2012 & 2015-2016). . Additionally, he represented Mississippi Congressional District Four (4) as a finalist for Mississippi Administrator of the Year.

During his tenure as superintendent, Hattiesburg Public Schools has made improvements in several areas. Academically, student proficiency scores have increased in reading, math, and science. Students are provided with more dual enrollment opportunities at post-secondary institutions. In addition to classroom achievements, students have excelled in athletics and the arts, as shown by championships in track and field, girls basketball, baseball, and forensics.

The district has transitioned from a period of financial uncertainty to financial stability. The Hattiesburg community demonstrated their support of Hattiesburg Schools by passing a $22 million bond renewal with a 93% approval rate, one of the highest in Mississippi history. Hattiesburg Public Schools was ranked #18 by Forbes in 2020 as “Best in State Employer.”

Dr. Williams is married to Angela Givens Williams, an Assistant United States Attorney with the Office of the United States Attorney, Southern District of Mississippi.  They are the parents of Anna-Grace Williams and Louis Alexander Williams.