Dr. Bill Cleveland is an assistant professor for the School of Education at Samford.  Cleveland has spent over 30 years in the public education arena serving as a teacher, coach, athletic director, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. He started his education career in Jefferson County at Minor high School and Bottenfield Junior High School. He then moved to Spain Park High School in the Hoover School System. Following that, he was selected to serve as principal at Homewood Middle School and eventually became the superintendent of Homewood City Schools from 2008-2020. Cleveland said it was a “very positive experience getting to serve as a principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent in Homewood City Schools as that is where I attended from elementary through high school graduation.”  Prior to joining the faculty at Samford, Cleveland served as an educational consultant.

Cleveland is married to Jennifer and they have two grown children, Andrew and Mary Katherine. They also have two Cocker Spaniels named Emmy and Oscar.

Dr. Cleveland is no stranger to Samford University. He grew up on the campus as his father served as the Dean of Admissions and Director of Financial Aid. He completed his undergraduate work and doctoral work at Samford University. His wife also grew up on the campus of Auburn University as her father was a professor at Auburn.

Dr. Cleveland considers himself a lifelong learner and enjoys getting to know his students. He strives to model a positive, challenging, and inspiring setting during his classes. He enjoys getting to work with current school leaders throughout the state.

Degrees and Certifications

• EdD Doctor of Education, Samford University
• EdS Educational Specialist, The University of Montevallo
• Administration Certification, The University of Montevallo
• MS Master of Education, The University of Montevallo
• BS Bachelor of science in Education, Samford University
• Graduate of Superintendent's Leadership Network
• Graduate of Alabama Superintendent's Academy

Expertise

• leadership and administration
• school culture and climate
• finances
• team building forming positive relationships
• school planning and construction
• administrator coaching

Awards and Honors

• Samford University Learning for Life Honoree
• Leadership Birmingham Graduate
• Alabama Music Education Association (AMEA) Administrator of the Year
• Alabama State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (ASAHPERD) Administrator of the Year
• Outstanding Alumnus in Education Administration, The University of Montevallo
• Alabama Geographic Alliance Completor

Publications

Niebuhr, K.E., Niebuhr, R.E., & Cleveland, W.T., “Counselor and Principal Collaborations: It’s About Time,” Education, vol. 119, no. 4, 1999, pp. 674-678.

Involvement

• Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Superintendents’ Advisory Committee 2013-2020
• Birmingham Rotary Club member 2008-2020
• Bryant-Jordan Student-Athlete Scholarship Selection Committee 2008-present
• Dawson Memorial Baptist Church
  • Deacon 4 terms, Vice Chairman 2007
  • Nominating Committee 2 terms, Chair 2022
  • Life Group Teacher 200-2018
  • Sanctuary Choir 2021-present
• Greater Alabama Council of boy Scouts of America executive board member 2016-2017
• Homewood Chamber of Commerce
  • Board of Directors, 2008-2011
  • Vice President Community Affairs, 2011
• Homewood Police Foundation Board of Directors, 2015-2020
• Samford University Board of Overseers, 2016-2020
• Samford University Orlean Beeson School of Education Deans’ Advisory Committee 2019-2023
• School Superintendents of Alabama (SSA)
  • Board of Directors 2012-2019
  • District 5 President 2014-2019