Superintendent Renee Williams was elected as the new superintendent for the school year of 2016-2017 this month becoming the first African-American superintendent for Prince George.

“I decided to become a teacher in the 5th grade because of my teacher, Julia Scott,” Williams said in an e-mail interview.

But throughout William’s life her mother was the one encouraging and supporting her which motivated her to soon become the first African-American superintendent for Prince George.

Williams built a strong foundation for a career by earning her bachelor’s at Virginia State University in elementary education and then her master’s in administration and supervision. She began her occupation as a 4th grade teacher in Petersburg Public Schools.

She then became an assistant principal on both elementary and high school levels. She has also had the positions of Director of Elementary Education, Director of Secondary Education, Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Service and now the school district’s superintendent.

“Success for me is ending each day knowing that I have given my best, done all I could to make a difference in the lives of students and looking forward to doing it again the next day,” Williams said.

As superintendent, Williams has a strong driving force to do what is best for the school and the students.

“What has pushed me is my heartfelt desire to do what’s best for students,” Williams said.

Williams has ambition and determination to make the lives of students better than they are today and the best they can be.

“I love the fact that every day, I work [with] an awesome group of educators who are dedicated and determined to meet the diverse needs of our students so that they can become successful, caring adults,” Williams said.

Earnest in improving the students education, Williams already has goals established.

She hopes to have all schools fully accredited, to increase the options for students that prepare them for work and post-secondary education, and improve the amount of student use of technology for learning.

“I hope that when young people see me, they see the possibilities they can have in their lives,” Williams said.

February is Black History Month, a month dedicated to African-Americans that have changed society for the better and made an impact on history. Out of the 40 years Prince George School District has existed Renee Williams is the first African-American superintendent.

“I hope in the near future that we see Martin Luther King’s dream that people will not be judged by the color of their skin but, by the content in their hearts. The Bible teaches us to love one another,” Williams said. “I hope when people see me that they will know that the dream is becoming a reality.”

“I attended all black schools through the 10th grade. I was one of the first black students to graduate from Prince George High School. That experience taught me how important it is to accept diversity,” Williams said. “Embracing and respecting all people makes our schools, communities, state, nation, and the human race stronger. We have so much we can learn from each other.”

Making sacrifices throughout college and life in general, Williams has attained a stature that sets an example and inspires students.

“There is a book by S.I. Parker titled 212 The Extra Degree,” Williams said. “He states.. ‘At 211 degrees, water is hot. At 212 degrees, it boils. And with boiling water, comes steam. And with steam, you can power a train’. To achieve your dream you must be willing to give the extra degree. You must be willing to do the little things, the extra things and go beyond what is expected. You have to generate steam.”