MPS principal Stanley McWilliams dies at 54, remembered for "soft heart"
Stanley McWilliams, who has served as principal of the Wisconsin Conservatory of Lifelong Learning since 2016, died Saturday at age 54, Milwaukee Public Schools announced Saturday night.
McWilliams worked in the district for more 30 years, according to a news release from the district, starting as a middle school teacher at Fritsche Middle School. He then served as an assistant principal for 18 years at three schools: North Division High School, Hamilton High School and Washington High School.
Before moving to WCLL, he served as principal at North Division from 2011 to 2016.
McWilliams was an alumnus of Rust College, a historically Black college in Mississippi, MPS said. In 2011, he was pictured wearing an "HBCU proud" jacket on the district's social media pages.
Principal Stanley McWilliams from WCLL is a proud HBCU alumnus of Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi. #HBCUProud
Learn about HBCU, apply for financial aid and scholarships, and learn what to expect in college by visiting https://t.co/DW0vQvpJ9V pic.twitter.com/agCEPQb09j— Milwaukee MPS (@MilwaukeeMPS) October 11, 2021
"Wisconsin Conservatory of Lifelong Learning students and staff and the MPS community will greatly miss Principal McWilliams and his commitment to the district’s students and families," MPS officials said in a statement. "MPS extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, students, colleagues, and friends."
In a message to the Journal Sentinel, a former student remembered him Saturday as having a "big soft heart."
"Mr. McWilliams wasn’t just a principal; he was a father figure, a mentor, a protector," wrote Jennifer, who asked that her last name not be published. "He always gave great advice. He was very well respected and he will truly be missed. He made a great impact on a lot of young lives."
McWilliams also served as a core member of a curriculum and professional development committee that helped develop curriculum related to the Black Lives Matter movement, according to MPS materials.
MPS noted there would be support for students and staff of WCLL, which serves students in kindergarten through 12th grade at 1017 N. 12th St. The last day of school there is Tuesday.
Funeral arrangements are pending, MPS said.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee Public Schools principal Stanley McWilliams dies
