Willie L. Smith, Jr. is a leader in higher education and specializes in working with academically at-risked and first-generation college students. He is the Founder and Executive Director of Empowered Scholars Foundation, Inc. He was born and raised in Brooks County, Georgia, where he spent much of his childhood in the small town of Barwick. He graduated from Brooks County High School in Quitman. He is also a proud alumnus of Fort Valley State University, Southwest Georgia Technical College, and Valdosta State University. Willie's undergraduate studies include business management and technical studies. Willie also holds a master's degree in adult and career education from Valdosta State University. Currently, Willie is pursuing his second graduate degree, an education specialist degree in information, with a concentration in leadership and management, at Florida State University