Dr. Mike Williams of the Roanoke Rapids Graded Schools Board of Education is the 2023-2024 recipient of the Raleigh Dingman Award for Outstanding Boardsmanship. To receive this esteemed award, which is given annually by the North Carolina School Boards Association (NCSBA), a board member must be peer-nominated by their local school board.

“Our 2023-2024 Raleigh Dingman recipient is like a North Carolina education superhero,” said NCSBA Executive Director Leanne Winner during the announcement. Williams started as a math teacher, then became a principal, and a superintendent for three school systems before serving on the Roanoke Rapids school board. Since retiring, he has contributed part-time to various education-related roles, including coaching principals, serving as a liaison, and acting as interim superintendent. Williams has continued to be actively engaged in state-level education, holding positions on many boards, all while remaining committed to his local community and family. “I believe our Raleigh Dingman winner will now make a difference for children across the state,” said Winner.

The Raleigh Dingman Award is the highest honor bestowed on a North Carolina school board member. The award is named in honor of Dr. Raleigh Dingman, the Association’s first full-time executive director, and was first presented at the 1981 annual conference. In 2002 legislation was passed by the North Carolina General Assembly that provides for the Raleigh Dingman Award winner to serve as an ex officio advisor to the state board of education and to attend meetings and participate in deliberations of the state board. Williams will serve in this capacity.