2021 Northeast Florida Leader’s Virtual Breakfast – Jacksonville

Dr. Patricia S. Willis is the former Superintendent of the Duval County Public School System of Jacksonville, Florida, the 20th largest school district in the country.

She was appointed by the Duval County School Board on May 22, 2017, which made Dr. Willis the first African American female to serve in this role. Prior to her initial retirement in June of 2012, Dr. Willis also served as Deputy Superintendent of Duval County Public Schools from December 2007, until her June 2012, retirement. Dr. Willis has 36 years of distinguished service with Duval the County Public Schools as a dedicated, progressive, innovative educator and instructional leader. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature and Secondary Education from the University of North Florida, a Masters Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Nova University, and a Doctor of Education Degree in Educational and Organizational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania. Her dissertation’s focus was on school leadership with an emphasis on “Turnaround Schools.” She is also the owner and president of Patricia S. Willis Consulting, LLC, which is an educational consulting organization specializing in educational and organizational leadership, academic improvement, School Turnaround, and the implementation of various instructional strategies to address the complex and diverse academic needs of children, especially those in our most challenged schools.

Dr. Willis has an immense portfolio of educational experiences. Prior to her role as Superintendent, she served in the positions of Teacher, Assistant Principal, Vice Principal, Principal (12yrs.), and General Director of Professional Development. She also served as Chief Operating Officer of the Schultz Center for Teaching and Leadership, Chief of the Professional Development, and Deputy Superintendent for Duval County Public Schools. She has served on numerous district committees and has served with many professional and community organizations such as: the United Way Board of Trustees, Leadership Jacksonville, University of Florida Lastinger Center Advisory Council, and the NAACP Education Committee. Her work has been recognized by the Council of Great City Schools, the National Staff Development Council (renamed-Learning Forward), and the Human Capital Management Council. She has presented at these and other educational conferences all across the nation.

Dr. Willis is a leader among educators and has received several recognitions acknowledging her accomplishments. Upon her first retirement from Duval County Public Schools, the Mayor of Jacksonville proclaimed June 19th as Dr. Patricia S.Willis Day. Her other accomplishments include, the 2021 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Helping Hands Award, the 2019 Jacksonville Ministerial Alliance Educator of the Year Award, the 2018 First Baptist of Oakland Community Supporter Award, the 2017 Jax. Downtown Rotary Club Appreciation Award, 2013 MWG Alumni Humanitarian Award, 2012 NAACP Education Award, 2011 Harvard University, “Women In Education Leadership” Inaugural Class

Membership, 2011 United Way Board of Trustees Appointment, 2010 PTA Lifetime Membership Award, 2010 Leadership Jacksonville Class Membership, 2009 Women of Color Education Award, and Finalist for the 2009 Prestigious Eve Education Award of North East Florida. She has held membership in the Jacksonville Women’s Network, the United Way Women in Local Leadership, and she is a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, a nationally recognized community service sorority.

Dr. Patricia S. Willis the proud mother of one son, Rashard and one daughter, Danielle. She is also a grandmother and wife of 42 years to Rev. Anthony L. Willis, Sr., Pastor of The Greater Beulah Missionary Baptist Church. Dr. Willis is a woman of faith who serves beside her husband in ministry. In 2016, they opened the Beulahland Christian Academy at the Greater Beulah Church where Dr. Willis serves as Executive Director. Dr. Willis’ spiritual and educational belief is that every child has the right to an excellent education, and she has dedicated and committed her life to accomplishing the moral imperative of providing a high quality education for all children. She often greets you with a line from an old African proverb, “How are the children?” fully expecting the refrain to be this, “The children are well!”