Willie has spent his entire life dedicated to student success. He gained a Bachelors in French and English at Morehead State University, where he focused his studies on advocacy for students, particularly first generation, Appalachian, and minoritized students. He began his work in Eastern Kentucky, later studying and teaching in France. He gained a Rank 1 in French Linguistics at the University of Georgia, where he also taught and was elected student representative. Most recently, he gained a double-endorsed MAT in French and English, dedicating over a decade to teaching in Kentucky high schools and universities, where he created LGBTQ-inclusive spaces and advocated for travel abroad and dual credit opportunities. In 2022, Willie was given the honor of being named the 2022 Kentucky Teacher of the Year and Ambassador to the Kentucky Department of Education, where he created a platform of inclusion and advocacy for LGBTQ, BIPOC, and Appalachian students. He has been published in multiple magazines and newspapers (Courier Journal, Kentucky Teacher, Education Week, Herald Leader, EdPost) and featured on multiple news platforms (NBC, PBS, NPR, Advocate, ABC, CNN). He is elated to be helping students at Gatton find their best path forward. He enjoys spending time with his cats and helping people see their potential.