As a first-generation college graduate, Dr. William Artis believes that all students should graduate not only college and career ready, but “life ready” as well. Dr. Artis has had the privilege of serving students and their families as a passionate educator over the past 20 years. During his educational tenure, Dr. Artis has served in education to maximize students' learning opportunities by inspiring them through hands-on learning, leveraging new and relevant technology, and creating an environment conducive for learning in career and technical education. Dr. Artis believes in equipping students with the tools that prepare them for the global competitive market and to become life-long learners who contribute positively to their societies.
 
Dr. Artis has served in various capacities in his tenure. He has served as principal, director of career and technical education, director of career academies, director of curriculum and instruction and a CTE administrator for the Maryland State Department of Education before joining the team of IDEA Public Charter School. Dr. Artis possesses the capacity to affect change academically, socially, and emotionally in students with the help of dedicated and knowledgeable teachers, administrators, parents, and community members, which aligns with IDEA's Five Guiding Principles.
 
Dr. Artis holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration, a Master of Arts in business education, Master of Science in school administration (K-12), and Doctor of Education in educational administration (K-12) from East Carolina University. In addition, he holds an educational specialist (K-12) in school administration from Liberty University.  

He believes what Dr. James Pierpont Comer said in regard to students, which also applies to adults who serve schools: “No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship.” Such relationships are about setting high expectations for the academic, social, and emotional needs of students and differentiated support to achieve at high levels.