Dr. Ben Williams Appointed Wilson County Schools Superintendent
WILSON, N.C. – The Wilson County Board of Education has named Dr. Ben Williams as Superintendent of Wilson County Schools, effective July 1, 2026. Dr. Williams is currently the Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services, a role he has held since July 1, 2020. The Board voted to appoint Dr. Williams during a Special Board of Education meeting on March 25, 2026. The contract is for a four-year term.
Dr. Williams will succeed Dr. Lane B. Mills, who will retire on June 30, 2026, after 10 years of service as superintendent. Over the next several months, Dr. Mills will assist with the transition.
“I am excited for the opportunity to serve the Wilson County Schools staff, students, families and community in this new role. It is an honor to work with such an outstanding team to continue moving our school district forward,” said Dr. Williams.
Prior to beginning his tenure with Wilson County Schools as the Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services, Dr. Williams served as the Interim Superintendent for Johnston County Public Schools. Throughout his 26 years in education, he has also served as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal and area assistant superintendent for Johnston County Public Schools. Dr. Williams is also a military veteran.
A native of Johnston County, he is a graduate of North Johnston High School and earned an Associate of Applied Science in Law Enforcement Technology from Johnston Community College; a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a teaching certification from North Carolina State University; a Master’s degree in School Administration from North Carolina State University; and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership from the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
Dr. Williams is a 2022 graduate of the Aspiring Superintendent Program, Cohort VI. The Aspiring Superintendent Program is offered through the NC School Superintendents’ Association and the NC Alliance for School Leadership Development. Dr. Williams was recognized with the Dr. Sam Houston, Jr. Leadership Award for Cohort VI.
“The Wilson County Board of Education is proud to appoint Dr. Williams as our new Superintendent,” said Wilson County Board of Education Chair Blake Boykin. “Over the past six years, he has been a valued part of our district and knows our schools, students, staff and community well. His leadership, dedication and experience will help us build on the great work already underway across our district. We are grateful for the leadership and service of Dr. Mills and the positive impact he has made. As we look ahead, the Board is confident that Dr. Williams is the right leader at the right time to guide Wilson County Schools with clarity, accountability, and a strong focus on student success.”
He is a member of the Wilson County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council and an active member in his church. Dr. Williams and his supportive wife, Brandy, have four children – Cassidy Holland and her husband Britt Holland; Jake Williams and his wife Maddie Williams; Hannah Dowling; and Ella Williams.
An event to celebrate Dr. Williams will be held in the coming weeks, with members of the community invited to join.
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If JoCo schools would have kept him they would never have gotten into the messes they got into.
He wasn’t “ diverse” enough.
Chuck M, YOU ARE EXACTLY RIGHT!!! We lost a GREAT MAN To Wilson County! What a Shame! Ben Williams was a great asset to JCPS! He was one of the good guys and one of the best Principals there was. I wish him all the best.
He was the principal at nojo when I was a student lol I was the hard headed ones but he had a good heart literally would come get me out of class just to make sure I was ok. He a Goodman 🫱🏼🫲🏾
I’ve noticed there’s been a lot of drama on the school board….. since Kay Carroll has got back on it.