Dr. Audie Williams

Dr. Audie Williams is the author of Unbelievable! The Life Journey of Art Williams – Baseball’s First

Black National League Umpire. Although recently published, this book was written nearly a quarter

century ago, and speaks to Audie’s steadfast determination to preserve and share the compelling story

and resilient spirit of his brother.

Prior to completing his post-secondary education, Audie was drafted into the United States Army, sent

to military Police School at Fort Gordon, Georgia, and served as active duty stateside for two years

before being honorably discharged.

Dr. Williams received a PhD from the University of California, Santa Barbara, a Master’s degree from

California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, a Bachelor’s degree from California State

University Fresno and an Associate of Arts degree from Bakersfield Junior College.

Dr. Williams’ professional career spanned the educational arena. He served as Administrator of Adult

and Continuation Schools, Coordinator of Specially Funded Programs, Dean of Students, Counselor,

Head Varsity Baseball Coach, Assistant Varsity Girls Basketball Coach, High School and Junior

College Instructor and Middle School Physical Education Coach.

While holding the position of Dean of Students at a local High School and completing his dissertation,

Audie wrote and implemented an In-School suspension Program that was adopted by the District.

Dr. Williams has also worked on a number of organizational committees and participated as the Master

of Ceremonies for various events and as a workshop presenter at both the State and local levels.

Additionally, for several years Audie traveled to HBCUs in order to interview and recruit Black teaching

candidates for the Kern High School District.

Since retiring, Dr. Williams has substituted at a local middle school in the roles of teacher, Vice

Principal and Principal. His community involvement has included being a YMCA Board Member and

volunteering with the Red Cross and the Kern County Sheriff’s Department.