I found out yesterday that one of my mentors, Dr. Tom Williams, suddenly passed away. I have been very fortunate to have such people who have influenced and mentored me outside my family. Dr. Williams is one of those.

I first met Dr. Williams when I started my master’s degree at Mississippi College. I remember him saying, “Glad you are here; when you finish your Master’s in Math, you start the Ed Leadership program.” I was like, “Sure…” and ever since then, I have had a leadership mentor who was always there to listen first and then give advice. I do not know what I did to befriend Dr. Williams beyond the student-professor relationship. I do not understand why he took an interest in me. I did not know, at the time, how much of a mentor he would become and how much of his influence I would develop into my leadership style. Looking back, I still do not know, but I will forever be thankful. Even now, at 53 years old, I value the influence and mentoring Dr. Williams provided me.

So, here is my tribute to Dr. Williams…

I’m writing today to tell of a person who modeled servant-based leadership to its finest degree. I only knew Dr. Williams as a college professor at Mississippi College and as a friend now for 20-plus years. Looking at his resume would make you dizzy with all he had done in education and almost every possible role, and he is one of the best I have ever seen on this front. His ability to encourage is textbook-worthy. My friend Nason Lollar and I were reminiscing last night on the phone about Dr. Williams, along with a few other greats we have both had in our lives. We concluded that if we can be half the encourager for future educators that Dr. Williams was, not only for us but for all, then we will succeed. While we can never replace them, we can only stand on the shoulders of these educational leadership giants.

Dr. Williams fits the mold of “often imitated but never duplicated.” His heart for education transcends into many lives he touched, and as an educator, he valued education while serving others, and he did just that. Education needs more educators like Tom Williams because people like Tom Williams are extraordinary educational leaders. As a lifelong educator, Dr. Williams helped shape my future through his influence and so many others, which we must remember to do and value as well.

So, I am sad that I lost someone I adored, admired, respected, appreciated, loved, etc. However, I am glad I am a better educational leader because of Dr. Williams. I will miss the many talks we had when we saw each other or on the phone. By far, he is one of servant-based leadership’s greats. I am grateful for the time I have had as his student and colleague, as I am sure many of you have also had him as a professor and worked with him. His impact on our lives leaves a legacy that will ripple through education for years to come. Dr. Tom Williams was my professor, my colleague, an inspiration, one of my leadership heroes, and my mentor. Most importantly, Dr. Williams was my friend, and I will miss him…

To take this quote from the movie The Emperor’s Club is to embody what Dr. Williams is:

“A great teacher has little external history to record. His life goes over into other lives. These men are pillars in the intimate structure of our schools. They are more essential than its stones or beams, and they will continue to be a kindling force and a revealing power in our lives.” 

I hope you have a mentor in your life like the ones I have had and currently do. It will make you better, regardless of your age. Allow someone to invest in you so you can invest in others. The value of a mentor is needed in all areas of life, including education.

As you step into your role today, remember that you are not just an educator and leader but a shaper of the future. Your actions and decisions profoundly impact the lives of those you guide. Go, be the great educator and leader that our future needs.

Remember… Think Leadership and Be For Others…

©2025 J Clay Norton

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