 Chris Williams, right inset, an education program consultant with the Kentucky Department of Education’s Office of Assessment and Accountability, received the 2025 Teresa Perry Compassion Award during the Kentucky Board of Education (KBE) meeting on June 5. At the presentation were, from left, Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher; Michael Williams, who was accepting the award on behalf of his wife; and KBE Chair Sharon Porter Robinson. Photo by Myles Young, Kentucky Department of Education, June 5, 2025
(FRANKFORT, KY) – Chris Williams, an education program consultant with the Kentucky Department of Education’s (KDE’s) Office of Assessment and Accountability, Assessment Communication Branch, received the 2025 Teresa Perry Compassion Award during the Kentucky Board of Education meeting on June 5.
Williams has been employed at KDE in the Office of Assessment and Accountability for 20 years.
Williams consistently makes time to offer clear explanations, resources and thoughtful guidance to anyone who seeks her help, said her nominator, Angela Allen, director of academic programs at Bell County Schools.
“Whether responding to urgent inquiries or providing long-term support, Williams ensures that others feel heard, respected and empowered to succeed,” Allen said. “She doesn't just provide answers; she builds understanding. She recognizes that behind every request is a person, often juggling competing responsibilities, and she meets each one with empathy and genuine care.”
Williams works with ACCESS for ELLs (English language learners), an annual English language proficiency assessment. In her role, Williams handles trainings for the assessments and screeners and provides technical support.
The award is given in honor of Teresa Perry, who served as executive secretary to the commissioner of education and worked for the state for more than 33 years. She was noted for providing outstanding customer service to those inside and outside the agency, always exhibiting compassion and providing positive inspiration for others.
The award is given annually in June to a KDE employee who exhibits the characteristics and professionalism Perry showed every day. The first four recipients were Janice Harris (2021), Monica Raines (2022), Viembre Nicholson (2023) and Crystal Sohl (2024).
“Although Teresa would say not to worry about recognizing her, she’d be so happy that we have used her name for an award that honors the hard work and compassion that so many people at KDE show on a daily basis,” said KDE Communications Director Jennifer Ginn.
Associate Commissioner Rhonda Sims of KDE’s Office of Assessment and Accountability said Williams exemplifies the qualities sought in a Perry Award winner: integrity, commitment to assisting others, excellence in customer service, knowledge and productivity, and compassion in their work.
“Chris has consistently demonstrated accessibility, responsiveness and the ability to foster understanding for those she serves,” Sims said. “Chris cares about people. Her dedication to ensuring that every individual feels heard, respected and empowered aligns directly with the spirit of this recognition. Through her support of others, Chris has made a lasting impact, embodying the highest standards of integrity and compassion.”
In receiving the award, Williams expressed her gratitude.
“I’m very touched and honored for this award that you have bestowed upon me,” she said. “I was fortunate to be at KDE when (Theresa) was here. She was always a giving person, and I’m very honored to get this award at the department in her honor.”
Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher said the work Williams does every day is truly commendable.
“As we present this award, we are preserving the legacy of Teresa Perry,” Fletcher said. “Teresa would be proud that the recipient is someone so dedicated to assisting the students and staff and always with such a positive attitude. Chris is All In when it comes to her commitment to assisting others and providing excellent service.”
|
