It is not everyday that you come across a true role model and become a better version of yourself just by being present in a conversation with someone who makes it their mission to grow others through education.

Mr. Antonio Williams, a lifelong learner, started his journey early on at College of The Albemarle (COA) his junior year of high school by enrolling in COA’s High School Equivalency program. He aspired to join the Army National Guard and set his goal to earn his diploma. Having been a caregiver for his great grandparents, Antonio knew he was going to enter the healthcare field to ignite his passion in caring for others. Antonio began his studies in the Certified Nursing Assistant program at COA, then went on to complete the Medical Assistant program at the former Key Business College, now know as Everest Institute in Virginia.

Antonio had fond memories of his high school years playing basketball and how one individual Dr. Lindsey White, MD assisted the team in purchasing their basketball sneakers. He knew after all those years that good deed had made a big impression on him and took it upon himself to inquire with Dr. White on behalf of an internship opportunity to aid in his requirements for completing his degree. After the internship was finished, Antonio was offered a position working under Dr. White and was able to add to his technical and training skills in obtaining the certification as a Nationally Certified Phlebotomy Technician, External Counterpulsation Technician, he also managed a Coumadin Clinic along with starting the IVs for nuclear stress tests performed.

Now having his experience and education, Antonio knew he wanted to focus his career in becoming an Assisted Living Administrator and did just that in both North Carolina and Virginia. His first position as Executive Director was near Raleigh at the Louisburg Gardens Assisted Living Community, where he traveled daily for nine months being the first one in the office and the last to leave. Regardless of the commute he had each day, he set the example to his peers to show his commitment and expectations not just of his staff but of himself as well. He was later offered a position in Virginia as an Administrator in Training Program at Leigh Hall Assisted Living, where he was able to manage multiple assist living communities.

During his career path, he continued his educational journey by earning his Associate in General Education along with a Bachelor of Science from Indiana Wesleyan University. He also earned a Bachelor of Divinity from the Roanoke Theological Seminary and is currently days away from receiving his Masters in Organizational Leadership at Capella University.

Throughout Antonio’s professional career he excelled all while within his personal life, he provided for his family including his four children Imani, Jazmine, Soniya and James. He and his wife Sabrina now live in Hertford, and Antonio serves as the Student Life Director at Mid-Atlantic Christian University. Antonio is also the Pastor of Corner Stone Missionary Baptist Church and has a vested interest in his Faith Investors Corporation, where he educates others on financial wealth and wisdom with regard to real estate.

This individual has a story to tell and COA is pleased to have been a stepping stone along Antonio’s life journey. He stated that people can come from all backgrounds in life and they can make up all types of excuses for why not, however, until they make the choice to choose education they have to have the faith in themselves to change their tomorrow.