For the Rev. Ronnie Williams, success isn’t about the bottom line; it’s about fulfilling a passion. When he opened Camelot College in 1986, it was the culmination of what he considers a calling.
“I was a supervisor at Exxon. I was satisfied. I was happy,” he says. “Everyone was asking, ‘Why did you leave that job?’ After 12 years, the Lord just called me out. And I started to have a passion to help those in the community who were going through the experience of poverty. It was tremendous.”
The result of that calling is Camelot College, which offers fast-track career training in fields such as health care, cosmetology and computer technology. As part of its mission, the institution reaches out to impoverished students with guidance and services such as housing and day care.
Twenty-five years later, the college continues to thrive under Williams’ leadership. He works in what he calls the “family-elevation business,” in which graduates serve as uplifting role models for their children, who he hopes will follow their example.
“It’s been a labor of love,” he says. “I count it as a joy and a privilege to do what I do because we have a chance to really touch so many lives.”
Williams says passion must drive anyone in their pursuits, be it in the business or academic sectors. He considers such goals to be divinely inspired, and that those people who choose to listen to God will receive a blueprint for success. But it’s up to the individual to maintain a positive attitude and solid work ethic.
“You’ve got to be committed, consistent and courageous. That’s the three Cs,” Williams says. “And I have three Ds. You have to be determined, dedicated and devoted.”
Keeping the passion alive also involves cultivating the right influences. He urges people to consider whether their social circle is helping or hurting their dreams.
“You have to be careful who you associate with because there are some dreambusters out there,” Williams says. “Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future. You can’t associate with someone negative if you’re trying to be positive.”
Williams credits positive influences in his life for his passions burning as bright as ever. His parents instilled in him the virtues of love, education and hard work on the family farm.
“My parents always told us, our way out is education,” he says. “[My mother] said, ‘I didn’t give birth to average children. You’d better not bring me any average grades.’ That stuck with me.”
