A passion for education, mentorship and creating opportunities for others has driven Thea H. Williams-Black, Ph.D., throughout her career. She has spent more than two decades in education, from classroom teaching to working as a dean of education.
Throughout it all, her focus has been on helping others empower themselves through education.
“Coming from a long line of educators — the fifth generation on both my maternal and paternal sides — teaching is truly in my DNA,” Williams-Black said. “I have always believed in the transformative power of learning, and throughout my career, I have focused on teacher development, literacy instruction and strategic partnerships to enhance educational outcomes.”
Along the way, she has discovered that one of her “greatest joys” is mentoring teachers, school leaders and aspi
ring professionals “who are committed to making a meaningful impact.”
Her dedication to making an impact helped convince Williams-Black to earn the Women in Leadership: Influence and Impact Certificate from SMU Continuing and Professional Education (CAPE).
“As a seasoned educator and leader, I am always looking for opportunities to enhance my leadership approach, expand my professional network, and refine my ability to drive impact in the education sector,” Williams-Black said.
She came to the online certificate program with high hopes. She said the program “fully met” her expectations.
“I entered the program seeking strategic leadership insights, practical tools to enhance my influence and opportunities to connect with other women leaders, and I found exactly that,” Williams-Black said. “I appreciated the opportunity to learn from diverse perspectives across industries, which helped me broaden my approach to leadership and influence.”
She added that the program “reinforced the idea that great leadership is not just about managing tasks but about inspiring others, advocating for change and fostering meaningful collaboration.”
A Life Focused on Education and Helping Others
Williams-Black, who calls herself “a proud native of Gulfport, Mississippi,” has spent 25 years in K-12 and higher education. She has worked as a tenured professor, chair of education and dean of education. She currently works as a Senior Manager for Strategic Partnerships at the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, a Master of Education in Elementary Education, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction/Literacy Education.
Williams-Black saw the Women in Leadership program as a strong next step in her educational journey. She said she was drawn to the program “because of its commitment to empowering women in leadership through strategic skill-building, networking, and personal growth.”
She added, “For me, leadership is about impact, influence, and legacy—principles I strive to embody in both my professional and personal life.”
She lives by those same ideals in her personal life, where she focuses on helping others achieve their academic and career aspirations. She also enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and volunteering at local organizations with her daughter through the National Charity League.
Williams-Black said she has benefited from a strong support system. Her family, she said, “has always instilled in me the value of lifelong learning and leadership. Their unwavering support has been a driving force in my pursuit of excellence.”
She added that her colleagues and professional network have inspired her to seek opportunities that improve her leadership skills, while scholars and educators have also been constant sources of motivation.
Addressing a Skills Challenge Through the Women in Leadership Program
Williams-Black said that by enrolling in the Women in Leadership program, she wanted to enhance her ability to lead with greater influence in cross-sector partnerships and further develop her executive-level leadership skills.
She said she approached the program “with the goal of refining my strategic leadership skills, executive presence and ability to navigate high-level decision-making spaces. As a leader in education, I wanted to strengthen my influence and impact within my organization and across the broader education landscape.”
She listed a handful of areas where she sought specific insights. They included:
- Executive decision-making and strategic influence: Understanding how to effectively position herself as a key decision-maker.
- Negotiation and advocacy skills: Learning how to advocate for initiatives, secure buy-in from stakeholders and navigate complex negotiations.
- Building and leveraging networks: Expanding the ability to cultivate and maintain high-impact professional relationships that drive meaningful change.
- Resilience and leadership presence: Developing a stronger executive presence while balancing the demands of leadership with personal and professional well-being.
She said the program met her needs and provided an impact that “was truly transformative” for her.
“Each session allowed me to think more strategically about how I lead, how I influence, and how I can maximize my impact in both my organization and the broader education sector,” Williams-Black said.
A Favorite Topic: Coaching, Mentorship and Sponsorship
Williams-Black said her favorite session in the program was Module 5, which focused on coaching, mentorship and sponsorship.
“This module was particularly impactful because it allowed me to reflect on the ways I have influenced others in their professional journeys, as well as how these relationships have shaped my own growth,” she said. “It reinforced the importance of intentionality in building and maintaining these connections — whether as a mentee, mentor, coach or sponsor.”
She said the session helped her develop a deeper appreciation for the different roles each relationship plays in career development. For example, coaching, with its focus on skill-building and guidance, helped her recognize the value of constructive feedback and targeted support. Mentorship highlighted the power of long-term professional relationships, and sponsorship underscored the responsibility of advocating for others.
“This module also pushed me to evaluate how I show up in these roles. It encouraged me to think critically about the ways I can be a more effective mentor and sponsor, ensuring that I not only provide guidance but also actively create opportunities for others to excel,” Williams-Black said.
An Exceptional Experience
Williams-Black said her experience in the program was “exceptional,” including working with her student success coach, Genesis Fletcher.
“Genesis truly went beyond the call of duty to ensure I had the support I needed throughout the program,” she said. “She was proactive and consistent, calling regularly to check in, offer assistance and provide encouragement. What stood out the most was her genuine commitment to my success.”
In terms of the overall impact of the program, Williams-Black said what she learned will strengthen her ability to lead “with greater confidence, influence, and strategic vision” in her current job.
She also said the program sharpened her strategic communication skills and helped her refine her leadership approach. And with the other students in the online classroom, she expanded her network, connecting with accomplished women leaders.
Asked what advice she would give those who are considering enrolling in the certificate program, Williams-Black said:
“Just do it! If you’re on the fence about registering for SMU’s Women in Leadership: Influence and Impact program, I encourage you to take the leap. This program is an investment in yourself, your leadership growth, and your ability to make a greater impact in your field.”