Robert Williams began his appointment as the new principal of B.E.S.T. Academy at the Thomas W. Dortch Jr. Institute in June 2024. As a native of Los Angeles, his first introduction to Atlanta began at Morehouse College. After graduating from Morehouse College, he worked in corporate America for two years and volunteered at the California Tennis Association for Underprivileged Youth.

After graduating from Morehouse, he worked in corporate America for two years and volunteered at the California Tennis Association for Underprivileged Youth. His transition to education began in 2002 when he was selected to be in the New York City Teaching Fellows (NYCTF) program where he taught elementary school in Bedford Stuyvesant. As a member of the NYCTF program, he earned a Master of Science for Teachers degree in Elementary Education from Pace University.

After completing the program in 2004, he helped develop a proposal for a small school and opened the doors of Young Scholars Academy (YSA) in the Bronx. While working at YSA, he continued his journey of professional and personal growth by earning a Master of Education degree in Education Leadership from Teachers College. At YSA, he led the math department as a math lead teacher and instructional coach.

In 2007, he transitioned from New York to Georgia to not only begin a family but to also work at Marietta Middle School (MMS) as an 8th grade math teacher and character education team leader. He is married and has three children (two sons and a daughter).

His administrative career began as an assistant principal at Washington High School, followed by an interim principal position at Kennedy Middle School, assistant principal at E.L. Connally Elementary, and assistant principal at B.E.S.T. Academy for eight years.  The past three years Mr. Williams has served as the principal of M. Agnes Jones Elementary School where he successfully managed the implementation of STEAM practices schoolwide and partnerships.

Mr. Williams is a dedicated leader who is not only focused on maximizing the potential of all students and educators but also on upholding the rich traditions and values that define the B.E.S.T. Community.  His commitment to embracing innovation and progress, while maintaining our community’s unique identity, is a testament to his dedication.  He believes all students will be successful with perseverance and a nurturing environment.