Fayetteville Observer's 40 Under 40 Class of 2022: Paul J. Williams
Name: Paul J. Williams
Age: 39
Birthplace/where you were raised: Born in Fayetteville and grew up in Baltimore
Where do you live now? Raeford
Employer: Cumberland County Schools
Job title: Exceptional Children's teacher in severely emotional disability
Who are your immediate family members? Mother, Phelisa McCall; father, Reginald S. Williams; and daughters, Olivia, 8, Adele, 6, and Devyn, 4 months
Education: Bachelor's, Fayetteville State University; master's, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
What community and professional groups are you affiliated with? Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.
Here's the list: Meet the Fayetteville Observer's 40 Under 40 award winners for 2022
What are your guiding principles? Discipline, education and resiliency
How do you volunteer your time in the community? High school football coach; volunteer mentoring programs; food drives; roadside cleanup; voter registration; COVID-19 drives
Who has helped you achieve success in your life and career? My family has been my biggest supporter and encouragement
What goal would you like to accomplish before turning 40? Pursuit of another degree in school administration
What's your favorite book? “Invisible Man” by Ralph Ellison
What are your hobbies? Grilling and spending time with my family and friends; hunting, fishing; riding four-wheelers; and working out
What's your most prized possession? My family
If you had a theme song for your life, what would it be? "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: 40 Under 40: Paul J. Williams of Cumberland County Schools
