Willie A. Terrell, Jr.
John E. Moore, Sr. Lifetime Leadership Award
Willie A. Terrell, Jr. holds a BS in Social Studies from Central State University (CSU), Wilberforce, Ohio. He earned an M.Ed. from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, and a second M.Ed. from Wright State University (WSU), Fairborn, Ohio. He is certified and licensed by the State of Ohio Department of Education in several areas: Social Studies Comprehensive, High School Principal, Supervisor, Pupil Personnel, Staff Personnel, and Instructional Services.
After a distinguished education career, Willie retired from Dayton Public Schools (DPS) after 38 and a half years. Throughout his tenure, he demonstrated commitment and leadership to students and colleagues. Willie served as President, Vice President and Treasurer in the Dayton Education Association (DEA). He contributed to the advancement of the DEA by chairing several Executive Board committees. Mr. Terrell, Jr. held a variety of DPS positions: Social Studies teacher, Staff Developer, Coordinator of Saturday School, Cluster Leader, Social Studies Department Chair, Athletic Coordinator, Teacher on Special Assignment, Proficiency Challenge Liaison, Martin Luther King (MLK) Orator Coordinator, and Title I Regional Parent Resource Teacher. Willie’s final position in fall 2006 was a Regional Parent Resource Teacher for the Office of School Improvement and External Resources. There he led his team to plan family events, parent workshops and host TV shows to inform the community.
Willie is a Thirty Third Degree Mason, belonging to Equity Lodge 121. He is an Omega Psi Phi Fraternity life member and was a Past Chapter President of Xi Iota Iota chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. Mr. Terrell, Jr. is a life member of several civic organizations. Willie’s exceptional dedication and service to the community have been recognized through numerous awards over the years. A few of these recognitions include: 2006 Eta Phi Beta Sorority Heart of Gold Award, and Parity Inc.’s Top Ten African American Male Award; 2007 The Coalition of Black Trade Unionist Labor Leader Award, and SCLC Women’s Division Strong Men and Women of Excellence Award; 2008 The National Pan-Hellenic Council North Central Region Community Service Award; 2010 24th MLK Holiday Celebration Committee’s Brother Raymond Fitz Educational Leadership Award, and Dayton Opera Guild “BRAVO! Community Role Model Award”; 2012 Dayton Weekly Newspaper “Man of Influence” recognition; 2013 The Dayton Boys Prep Academy Pre K-8 Elementary School Golden Eagle Award, and Amer Court #65 Daughter of Isis Legacy of Strength Strong Men Award for Excellence in Education; 2015 CSU Alumni Achievement Hall of Fame Inductee, and “Luminary” recognition by Dayton Alumni Chapter of CSU in the Inaugural Class; 2017 The Dayton and Montgomery County Black Elected Officials Legacy Award; 2023 Amer Temple #107 Distinguished Volunteer of the Year Award, and 72nd Dayton Hall of Freedom Award for Distinguished Volunteer. Mr. Terrell, Jr. received numerous NAACP recognition: 2007 NAACP Lifetime Achievement Award; 2008 NAACP Life Golden Heritage Award; 2009 The Dayton Unit NAACP Meritorious Service Award; 2015 NAACP Diamond Life Membership Award; 2017 Elected 3rd Vice President, Dayton Unit NAACP; and 2018 67th Freedom Fund Banquet Dayton Unit NAACP Presidential Award.
At home in the community, Mr. Terrell, Jr. is committed to his faith and serves as an ordained Deacon at the First Baptist Church of Ridgewood Heights, Dayton, Ohio. He is a past Chair of that church’s Trustee Board. Mr. Terrell, Jr., has a passion of service for community. Willie is honored and blessed to be a Parity Inc. John E. Moore, Sr. Lifetime Leadership Award recipient.