Lifetime achievement award presented to Harrison County native

The Kentucky Association of School Administrators awarded Dr. Fred Williams a Lifetime Achievement Award for 54 years of work in public education. 
Dr. Williams, only the second person to receive this award, was honored during a special recognition ceremony on Feb. 4 with more than         100 of the commonwealth’s top school leaders in attendance.
In presenting the award, KASA Executive Director Wayne Young said, “Dr. Williams, you have led the way in developing leaders of excellence and we thank you for devoting your entire career to Kentucky’s education leaders and the students they serve.”
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes leaders in the field of educational administration whose professional lives have been characterized by extraordinary commitment, excellence, leadership, capacity, generosity and service. The award recipient is selected by the association’s board of directors.
Dr. Williams’ education career spans 54 years in public elementary and secondary education. Having begun his tenure as an eighth grade teacher and later director of pupil personnel, he was named superintendent for Grant County and then Ft. Thomas Independent Schools.  In addition, he served the Kentucky Department of Education in numerous roles and was named the Kentucky Association of School Administrators’ first executive secretary in 1970.
“Dr. Williams has been the backbone in education circles for years,” said Dr. Fred Carter, KASA Superintendent Mentor and retired superintendent. “His life is a wonderful example to us all.”
Dr. Williams’ pioneering spirit has been instrumental in developing highly capable and committed school leaders, specifically in the role of school superintendent. Having served as program director of the New Superintendent Training  and Testing program since 2000, he has mentored hundreds of school leaders in his lifetime and was the first in Kentucky to encourage women to pursue the role of superintendent.
Dr. Williams’ leadership set the standard for training new superintendents and his determination has paved the way for future generations.
Joe Tinius, Bowling Green Independent Schools superintendent, thanked Dr. Williams for his support while saying, “You helped me as a new superintendent, setting me on the right path.”  
A native of Harrison County, Dr. Williams currently resides in Raleigh, N.C., where he lives with his wife JoAnn. 
Dr. Williams is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and earned an Ed.D from Indiana University. He is also a veteran of the armed forces.