The University of Tennessee at Martin has invited Dr. Reginald Williams, Sr., the principal at Overton High School in Memphis, to be the speaker during the university’s two fall commencement ceremonies on Saturday, December 14, in the Kathleen and Tom Elam Center.

According to a story published on UTM’s website, “Dr. Williams is a 1985 UT Martin geosciences graduate and was elected twice as Student Government Association president while attending the university. He later earned a master’s degree from Trevecca University in Nashville and education specialist and education doctorate degrees from Union University in Jackson. Williams has also been a successful high school principal for 19 years at traditional, private, and charter schools. In 2022, Williams received the District 9 TSSAA Principal of the Year award, and he was twice a finalist for Principal of the Year in Memphis-Shelby County Schools. He was recognized in October by the Memphis City Council as an outstanding principal during National Principals Month.”

Considered as an innovator and analytical thinker in the United States Educational Systems, Dr. Williams is also the renowned author of “The 7 Keys to Success (A Comprehensive Guide for Urban School Development)” and “Strategies for Working With and Among Difficult People.” He has received many awards and honors, including the prestigious Epic Gold Award three years in a row for his high schools’ outstanding academic achievements. 

Both commencement ceremonies will be livestreamed at www.facebook.com/utmartin and www.youtube.com/utmartin. 

Commencement times are 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. About 500 students who completed degrees in the summer and fall semesters in 2024 are expected to graduate.

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