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During today’s IMPACT Conference, Dublin City Schools Superintendent Dr. Fred Williams was recognized for his continued commitment to “high achievement and success for all students” with the Cognia Excellence in Education Award.  The prestigious award is presented to one individual in each state who has demonstrated unparalleled leadership in promoting and advancing excellence in education.

     “I’m humbled and honored to receive this prestigious award from the international accreditation agency, Cognia,” said Dr. Williams.  “However, I’m also cognizant of the fact that it takes the whole team.  I commend our students, our staff, our families and our community for their support. Together, we’ve earned this tremendous achievement in the life of Dublin City Schools.” 

     Cognia Excellence in Education Award Winners: 

• Foster a shared vision and mission aimed at elevating expectations among students, faculty, and the educational community.
• Display a noteworthy and distinguished track record of contributing to the field of education.
• Leave a lasting, positive influence on student learning.
• Act as an exemplar and mentor for students and/or aspiring educators in future generations."

     Dr. Williams has been Dublin City Schools’ superintendent since 2015.  
 
     Under his leadership, the district has embraced its charter flexibility, carrying out several innovative practices such as the Irish Gifted Academy, the Big Green Reading Machine, Baby Irish, the Leaping Leprechaun Learning Academy and the Dublin City Schools College and Career Academy.  Dublin City Schools was also named Georgia’s Charter System of the Year in 2019 and received the Charter System Foundation’s Leadership Development Award in 2023.  

      In addition to this impressive recognition, Dr. Williams was named as one of the four finalists for Georgia’s Superintendent of the Year in 2022 and 2023.  He was also the first recipient of the Georgia School Superintendents Association Marvin E. Lewis Sr. Trailblazer Award in 2023, earned the Georgia School Superintendents Association President’s Award in April 2017 as well as the Dublin Laurens County Black History Festival’s 2016 Man of the Year Award and 2022 Pastoral Excellence Award.  

     Nominations for the Cognia Excellence in Education Award were received from sources including volunteers, field consultants, Cognia advisory committee members, Cognia staff and lead evaluators.  It is given to educators who make meaningful contributions to their district, community and profession. 

     According to Cognia’s Southeast Region Direct Terri Johnson, Dr. Williams’ “commitment and dedication to create worlds of opportunity on behalf of the students [he] serves” is what sets our Lead Learner apart. 

     “It is through dedicated educators such as you and your staff that make a difference in the quality of our communities,” she added.  “Cognia is entirely grateful for your care, contributions, and commitment to excellence and equity.”  

     Cognia is a Georgia-based nonprofit that conducts rigorous, on-site reviews for primary and secondary schools throughout the United States and internationally.  It also provides resources, tools and support to educational leaders across the globe.