Ricky Williams
Introducing Ricky Williams Director of State Partnership
To support the C2C program’s ambitious goal to improve student outcomes and foster economic growth and New Mexico, NS4ed is pleased to welcome Ricky Williams as an important contributor to this effort. As a former superintendent, Mr. Williams is dedicated to the development and implementation of strategic plans for school turnaround efforts. This effort led to improved student academic achievement ensuring that every student was given an opportunity to succeed in college and a career of their choice.
Describe your role as director of state partnership.
As director I will lead the creation and implementation of the Pathway2Careers (P2C) in New Mexico. I will also work closely with the executive leaders and staff across the state with a focus on supporting individual districts and state affiliates to build new partnerships and expand who they engage with to strengthen students learning aligned to a career goal of interest. I look forward to collaborating with others to create an awareness of one’s own cultural identity, views about difference, and the ability to learn and build on varying cultural and community norms.
What excites me about this role?
Working strategically with local and state leadership in attaining instructional goals and objectives through partnerships, grants, and philanthropic initiatives. Additionally, I am excited to craft an ambitious multi-year vision and strategy for improving the economic status in the state of New Mexico.
What did you do prior to joining NS4ed?
Prior to joining NS4ed, I served the students, staff, and community of Hagerman Municipal Schools for eight years as Superintendent. I worked side by side with local, state, and national leaders to improve the educational process that included effective leadership over 26 years of service in the state of New Mexico. Prior to taking over the reigns as Superintendent, I served three years as Director of Secondary Instruction for Las Cruces Public Schools.
Before working for Las Cruces Public Schools, I held a variety of positions including high school principal and Director of Special Education at Loving Municipal Schools. Positions at Carlsbad Municipal Schools included high school counselor, secondary gifted facilitator, elementary special education teacher, principal at Carlsbad Middle and High School Alternative Program, middle school assistant principal, and high school assistant principal. He held a post-secondary position as Director of Student Services at New Mexico State University-Carlsbad. Before moving to New Mexico in 1995, Mr. Williams worked for Odessa High School (Odessa, TX) as a high school special education teacher and high school football coach.
Note: NS4ed is a collaborative partner of the Careers2Communities Program