Becoming a Thought Leader

“I am currently working on K–12 artificial intelligence in education,” she said. “When ChatGPT came out in November of 2022, it changed education forever. I saw the results of that immediately in my students, and I knew right away that was where I needed to be researching.”

Williams approaches AI neither as a threat nor a miracle solution, but as a tool whose impact depends on the people who shape it.

“We want to help students become the best versions of themselves, help them get professions that are meaningful to them,” she said. “I think it can help. It can also be a problem, but if we as teachers and admin and policymakers get our arms around it, we can use it for good.”

Williams brings a rich professional background to her research. She currently teaches French at Wasatch High School in Heber City, Utah, after spending more than four years as a high school assistant principal in Glendale, California. Those experiences gave her a front-row seat to the rapid changes sweeping through K–12 education.

For Williams, pursuing a doctorate wasn’t simply a professional milestone, it was a calling. When it came time to take that next step, she says the decision was immediate.

“It’s been amazing,” she said of her time in Auburn’s College of Education. “I have never had an experience like this before, where the people are so hands-on and really care about your success.”

As a working professional, Williams sought a program that offered both rigor and flexibility. Living in Utah and discovering Auburn’s online doctoral program sealed the deal.

“I wanted to do a distance program, so I was so happy to know that Auburn had a fantastic online program,” she said. “From the very first phone call I had with Dr. Ellen Hahn, I have had so much support. Every single person has been incredible.”

Leaning into hard problems

Williams’ faculty mentor, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership Andrew Pendola, recalls immediately recognizing her potential.

“Glory stood out as a student because she took an issue that was really pressing for schools at the moment,” he said. “She hasn’t been looking for an easy solution. She’s been looking for a thoughtful solution. And that takes a lot of extra work. And she has really leaned into that. And that’s really what distinguishes a student here.”

In addition to coursework, Williams works directly with Pendola on emerging research in AI in education, contributing to studies that explore how schools can adopt AI responsibly. Pendola sees in Williams not just a scholar, but a thought leader in the making.

Williams said Pendola’s guidance has been a catalyst, opening doors of opportunity for her future aspirations.

“Dr. Pendola has been a fantastic mentor, very much looking out for his students and making sure that we go out and we’re successful,” she said.

She hopes to pay it forward one day.

“Auburn’s College of Education has opened so many doors for me,” she said. “And the way that I hope to improve lives is to be the same kind of mentor and motivational influence that the people here have been for me.”