Biographical Note

Dr. Willie Houseal was born in Valdosta, Georgia, where he matriculated in the Valdosta City School system. He received a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from St. Leo College; a master’s in Human Resource Management, Pepperdine University; a master’s and a Specialist Degree in Education, Valdosta State University; and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, Nova Southeastern University. Mr. Houseal served in the United State Air Force for over 10 years, including a one-year tour in Viet-Nam (1970-71) with the 19th Technical Air Support Specialist Reconnaissance Team. He spent 27 years in public education, including: teacher/tutor, Lowndes County Schools; administrator and principal, Brooks County Schools, where he retired in 2002. He was a Student Teacher Supervisor at Valdosta State University. After that, Mr. Houseal worked at Park University, MAFB Campus, for seven years as an adjunct professor and interim director. He served as City Councilman, District 1, 1985-1989, and Mayor Pro-Tem, City of Valdosta, 1988. He is the author of two books; The Power of Self-Esteem and The Power of Positive Self-Esteem. He is an active member of the River Street Church of Christ and serves as a song leader and an elder.

Community Service - Advocate for Wards and Districts voting system. - Participant, Valdosta-Lowndes Leadership Academy. - Served on Valdosta-Lowndes County Zoning Board of Appeals. - Community Partner in Education with Valdosta City Schools. - Chairman, historic Pinevale High School Alumni Association Inc. - Charter member, Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Committee.

Mr. Houseal has received the following accolades for his significant contributions to the community: Certificate of Special Congress Recognition (2002), MLK Achievement Award (2001); 100 Black Men Achievement Award (2000), and a City of Valdosta Proclamation for literary work (1999).

Houseal has a street named in his honor; Willie Houseal Drive, and he was recognized by the Georgia House of Representatives under House Resolution 1016 for outstanding community service on March 15, 2022. Dr. Houseal is married to Cleopatra, and they are the parents of three children: Willie Jr., Terry, and Yorshia.

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