Spotlight on New Faculty

By Bryanna TidmarshProfessor Carl Williams joins Bellarmine's School of Education as a full-time faculty member. He is currently the only African American on the education faculty and brings with him a strong background in diversity and social justice.


Professor Williams has been an adjunct professor at Bellarmine for two years, teaching courses related to diversity, social justice and culturally responsive teaching.


Both of Williams' parents graduated from Bellarmine, and he is especially impressed by the school's social justice and service approach. "In my classes last year, students had a combined 300 service hours," says Williams. He describes his enthusiasm at creating an "army of educators," adding, "After all, they're out there on the front lines."


Unlike most educators, Professor Williams did not set out to become a teacher. He majored in electronic media at Murray State University where he worked on the newspaper and yearbook.

After earning his bachelor's degree, Williams became a special education teacher for Western High School. It was in this position that he found his calling.


Having decided to pursue his career in education, Williams completed his master of arts degree at Bellarmine University where he studied teaching secondary English and earned a Rank I in special education learning and behavior disorders.


After working as a special education teacher, Williams became coordinator for the Multi-Cultural Teacher Recruitment program for Jefferson County Schools. While in this position, he began teaching at Bellarmine as an adjunct professor. "I just loved being back in the classroom," says Williams. "That is where I can make the most difference."


Professor Williams focuses on helping future teachers assist students in managing transitions. Williams taught behavioral disorder (BD) classes. He was so successful in this role that his classes were affectionately termed "Advanced BD" by his students.


Williams points out that most of the difficulties that students in these classes face are due to the transition between the expectations of their family, peers and education. "You have to build relationships and trust with these students," says Williams.


He also stresses the importance of high expectations. "These students aren't dumb," he says. "They just don't have anyone to challenge them." High expectations without relationships, though, only result in students being frustrated. "But demonstrating high expectations while establishing trust with the students leads to success."


Currently, Williams is pursuing his doctorate in educational leadership and organizational development at the University of Louisville. In his spare time, he likes to travel, having been to ten different countries. He's also a classically trained violist, having played for 22 years. He played in the Murray State Symphony, as well as the Paducah Symphony.


With a diverse background in journalism, education and social justice, Professor Williams is a valuable addition to Bellarmine's faculty. If you see him around campus or have him in the classroom, extend a warm welcome.