Michael L. Williams facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael Lawrence Williams
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| Commissioner of the Texas Education Agency | |
| In office August 27, 2012 – December 31, 2015 |
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| Governor | Rick Perry (2012–2015) Greg Abbott (2015) |
| Preceded by | Robert Scott |
| Succeeded by | Mike Morath |
| Railroad Commissioner of Texas | |
| In office January 3, 1999 – March 31, 2011 |
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| Governor | George W. Bush (1999–2000) Rick Perry (2000–2011) |
| Preceded by | Carole Keeton Strayhorn |
| Succeeded by | Barry Smitherman |
| Assistant Secretary of Education for the Office for Civil Rights | |
| In office 1990–1993 |
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| President | George H. W. Bush |
| Preceded by | LeGree S. Daniels |
| Succeeded by | Norma V. Cantu |
| Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Law Enforcement | |
| In office April 1989 – 1990 |
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| President | George H. W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Gerald L. Hilsher |
| Succeeded by | Nancy L. Worthington |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 31, 1953 Midland, Texas, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Donna Nelson |
| Residence | Arlington, Texas |
| Alma mater | University of Southern California (BA, MPA, JD) |
| Profession | Lawyer, Politician |
Michael Lawrence Williams (born May 31, 1953) is an American educator and lawyer. He is known for his work in government, especially in the state of Texas. He served as the leader of the Texas Education Agency, which helps manage schools across the state.
Mr. Williams was chosen for this important role on August 27, 2012, by the governor at that time, Rick Perry. He decided to leave the position at the end of 2015 to work in the private sector again.
Before working in education, Williams was a member of the Texas Railroad Commission. This group helps to manage the oil and natural gas industries in Texas. He was the first African American to hold a statewide elected executive office in Texas history. He was first appointed to the commission in 1999 by Governor George W. Bush. He then won elections in 2000, 2002, and 2008 to keep his seat. He left this role in 2011.
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Michael Williams' Career in Public Service
Michael Williams started his career as a federal prosecutor from 1984 to 1988. He also worked as an assistant district attorney in his hometown of Midland, Texas. From 1988 to 1989, he was a special assistant to the U.S. Attorney General. In 1988, he received a special award for his important work as a prosecutor.
Williams also worked for the United States Department of the Treasury. There, he helped oversee several important law enforcement groups. These included the U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Customs Service.
In 1990, President George Herbert Walker Bush chose Williams to be the Assistant Secretary of Education for Civil Rights. This job involved making sure everyone had fair access to education.
Leading the Texas Railroad Commission
Michael Williams made history as the first African-American to hold a statewide elected executive office in Texas. He was appointed to the Texas Railroad Commission in 1999. This commission is very important because it oversees the oil and natural gas industries in Texas.
He won elections in 2000, 2002, and 2008 to continue serving on the commission. He was the chairman of the Texas Railroad Commission twice. He also led the Governor's Clean Coal Technology Council. This group worked on new ways to use coal more cleanly.
In 2005, Governor Rick Perry asked Williams to lead Texas's efforts to help people after Hurricane Katrina. He also worked on making the Railroad Commission's rules better and using new technology.
Serving as Education Commissioner
On August 27, 2012, Michael Williams was appointed Texas Education Commissioner. This made him the first African-American Education Commissioner in Texas history. In this role, he was in charge of the Texas Education Agency. This agency helps guide public education for students across the state.
He announced on October 15, 2015, that he would step down from his role. He said the long drive from his home in Arlington, Texas to the state capital in Austin, Texas was too much. Governor Greg Abbott later named Mike Morath as his replacement.
Political Activities and Campaigns
Michael Williams has been active in politics for many years. He spoke at the 2004 Republican National Convention. There, he supported President George W. Bush's re-election. He also spoke at the 2008 Republican National Convention to support John McCain for president.
In 2000, Williams won a two-year term on the Railroad Commission. He won with a large number of votes (77 percent). In 2002, he won a full six-year term, getting 54.8 percent of the votes. He was re-elected for another six-year term in 2008, winning with 52 percent of the vote.
Williams was also recognized for his good use of social media. He received a Texas Social Media Award.
Running for Congress in 2012
In 2008, Michael Williams thought about running for the United States Senate. However, he later decided not to. In July 2011, he chose to run for a new Congressional district seat instead.
He was one of many candidates in the primary election for this seat. He finished fifth among twelve candidates. The person who won the primary and then the general election was Roger Williams.
Michael Williams' Personal Life
Michael Williams graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Midland in 1971. His parents were both public school teachers.
He went to the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. There, he earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees. He also earned his law degree from the USC Law School. He is married to Donna Williams, and they live in Arlington, Texas.
Williams has volunteered for many organizations. He was an Honorary State Chairman for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Texas. This group helps young people through mentoring. He also served as a lawyer for the Republican Party of Texas. He was also involved with the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission and the Arlington Chamber of Commerce.
