Thomas Williams Jr., Ph.D. currently serves as an executive strategic policy analyst in the Kentucky Department of Education’ (KDE) Office of Special Education and Early Learning (OSEEL). Dr. Williams has a lifelong passion for early childhood education. He received his bachelor’s degree in early childhood education as well as master’s degree in education administration. After working as an early childhood teacher, instructional coach, and early learning principal, he went on to obtain his doctorate in educational administration from Jackson State University. Dr. Williams research is focused on home and school perceptions of behavior of men and boys of color in early education. Dr. Williams has an extensive mentorship and research background. He has served as a mentor for the California Consortium for Equity in Early Childhood Education Fellowship Program and he currently serves as a board member with the Center for Equity in Early Childhood Education (CEECE).