Nonpublic Education Association Honors Reitz Memorial Principal
Dr. Marie Williams, principal of Evansville Reitz Memorial High School, received the 2016 Outstanding Leadership Award from the Indiana Nonpublic Education Association. INPEA officials presented the award during the organization’s annual conference, held Sept. 15-16 in Indianapolis.
“It is befitting that we recognize the leadership of Marie Williams at this year’s INPEC, where the theme is “Building on a Legacy of Excellence,” says an article in the conference program. “Our Theme perfectly describes Marie’s career and her approach to being an educational leader. Her involvement with Indiana nonpublic schools began as a teacher and administrator in the 1970’s.
“Her first formal involvement with INPEA was in 1995 during her first tenure on the INPEA Board,” the article continues. “Since then, she has been involved in the planning of INPEC Conferences in 2000, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2012, and 2014. In addition, she is serving as the Steering committee Co-chair for this, INPEA’s 20th anniversary conference.”
Williams’ second stint on the INPEA board coincided with her accepting the position of Director of the Pastoral Office of Education for the Diocese of Lafayette, which included serving as Superintendent of Schools. She served from 2007-2015, and served as president of the board from 2011 to2015.
Williams is recognized as an excellent troubleshooter and problem solver, and she has used those skills to help many schools over the years. Her legacy of striving for excellence in education transcends all levels of education from elementary to secondary to higher education. Three different dioceses and a university have been blessed by her leadership.
