District Leadership

Dr. Robert Williams, Superintendent

Dr. Robert Williams began his teaching career in 2000 teaching 5th and 6th-grade math at South Forrest Attendance Center. He then moved to Earl Travillion Attendance Center and began teaching math and science to 7th and 8th graders.

In August 2001, he transferred to N.R. Burger Middle School, where he taught pre-algebra and algebra. At N.R. Burger Middle School students also knew him on the field as Coach Williams as a football coach. In 2005, Dr. Williams was given the opportunity to serve as an Assistant Principal for Special Educational Students and Assistant Athletic Director. 

He served at the High School for two additional years as an 11th-grade assistant principal and 9th Grace Academy Principal. After his time as an assistant principal, Dr. Williams served as Principal of N.R. Burger Middle School from 2008-2016. In November 2016, he was named Superintendent of  Hattiesburg Public Schools, after briefly servicing as the Interim Superintendent.  

Williams holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education, Specialist in Education Degree in Education Administration, and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Education Administration and Supervision from the University of Southern Mississippi. 

He earned an Associate of Arts Degree in Elementary from Copiah-Lincoln Community College and a Master of Education in Elementary Education from William Carey College. Outside of education, Williams is an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, and the United States Army Reserves. Additionally, Williams has served as a Deacon at Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church in Hattiesburg, MS. 

Dr. Williams is a native of Crystal Springs, MS, is married to Angela Williams, and they have two children. Dr.Williams believes all children can learn, and all means all. 

Dr. Michael Battle, Assistant Superintendent

 Dr. Battle began his career at least a decade ago within the education profession. In 2004, Dr. Battle was         named Assistant Principal of Gulfport High School, and within four years was named Principal of  Gulfport Central Middle School. He also was named Gulfport School District Administrator of the Year during the 2012-2013 school term. In May 2017, Battle was selected as Assistant Superintendent of the Hattiesburg Public School District.

Dr. Battle holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science, Master of Science Degree in Political Science, with an emphasis in American Politics, Public Law, and Public Administration. He also holds a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Education Administration and Supervision from The University of Southern Mississippi.

 Dr. Battle is married to Fanneta Battle, a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army. They are the proud parents of Sloane Elizabeth Battle.