Biography

Dr. Williams serves as an assistant professor at the University of Tennessee and the owner of UNMASKYTP, LLC. He is also a professional actor, and he has performed roles for Murder Calls, Justice By Any Means, Lt. Joe Kenda Homicide Hunter, Snapped, Killer Post, Fatal Attraction, and a commercial for Harrah's Casino in Cherokee, NC. He wrote From Thug to Scholar: An Odyssey to Unmask my True Potential. His second book will be released April 5, 2017, How to Get Abs like a Bodybuilder but Eat like a Fat boy. He has published research on emotional intelligence, soft skills, transformational leadership, employee training, mentorship, hospitality pedagogy, human resource management, and professional development.

Dr. Williams grew up hard and fast, selling crack and weed at 13, and having two kids, dropping out, and being homeless by 17, never knew his biological father. Yet, football provided a way out, so he eventually did enough to attend and to play football for Methodist University, in Fayetteville, NC. Yet, he was kicked off the team, and he quickly affiliated himself with the BLOODS until he almost shot someone in Durham, NC (January 1999). That was the turning point...the moment he decided to unmask and to join the United States Air Force. Dr. Williams began to recognize true love and to approach life from a more open-minded perspective; and he has never looked back.

Dr. Williams went on to play professional arena football for the Raleigh Rebels and earn six college degrees (two doctorates). Dr. Williams has spoke to over 100 unique audiences, and won numerous speech competitions for Toastmaster's International; he has served as a keynote speaker for Coffeewood Correctional Institution, public schools, colleges, fortune 500 companies, professional organizations, and given commencement speeches to various high schools. Dr. Williams has industry experience in the USAF, banking, sales, manufacturing, hospitality, and education. He is also a Certified Hospitality Educator and trainer.

Dr. Williams has been featured on UDC-TV, MadhouseTV, WBIR, WATE-TV, Hallerin Hill Radio Show, WUOT Radio Show, Knoxville News to name a few.

- IMDb Mini Biography By: James Arthur Williams

Dr. Williams serves as an associate professor and Director of the Honors and Scholars Program at the University of Tennessee and is the owner of UNMASKYTP, LLC, training domestic and international leaders to dwell in joy while seeking curiosity in every endeavor. He teaches mindfulness, various leadership tactics, and one-on-one coaching to build brighter leaders for the future. He has worked with leaders in Spain, South Korea, Bulgaria, China, and at many Fortune 100 companies.

Dr. Williams is also a professional actor, performing as Uncle Tom in Marble and Bullets (SAG/movie) and starring as Waco Collins in Murder Chose Me. He wrote three books, Check Your Life: Be Limitless (Best Indie Book Award 2020), From Thug to Scholar: An Odyssey to Unmask my True Potential and From Flabs to Abs. He has also published over 15 scholarly articles and delivered over 30 presentations on emotional intelligence, soft skills, sports, leadership, employee training, mentorship, hospitality pedagogy, human resource management, and personal and professional development.

Dr. Williams grew up masked, selling drugs at 13 years of age, fathering two kids, dropping out high school, and living on the streets by 17 years old.

Dr. Williams earned six degrees (two doctorates), Ph.D. from Iowa State University. He honorably served the United States Air Force, winning Airman of the Year. He played professional arena football for the Raleigh Rebels (2005-2006). Dr. Williams has industry experience in the dental, banking, sales, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, hotels, and education. He is also a Certified Hospitality Educator and trainer.

Dr. Williams has also spoke to over 100 unique audiences, and won numerous speech competitions for Toastmaster's International; served as a keynote speaker for Coffeewood Correctional Institution, public schools, colleges, fortune 500 companies, professional organizations. Dr. Williams was also recognized as a Top 15 Emerging Scholar of 2019 by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education. Dr. Williams also was a featured speaker for TEDx UTK in 2019. Best international mentor for Chinese Hospitality Education Initiative for the 2019 national championship in Shanghai, China.

- IMDb Mini Biography By: James Arthur Williams