Georgia Principal Dr. Josh Purvis Earns Distinguished Award

Dr. Josh Purvis, principal of Willie J. Williams Middle School in Moultrie, Georgia, has been honored with the prestigious Jerry Davis Georgia Distinguished Principal Award. This accolade, awarded by the Georgia Association of Middle School Principals (GAMSP), recognizes exemplary leadership and a commitment to student success among middle school principals across the state.

The award was presented on November 14, 2025, at a ceremony held at Williams Middle School. Dr. Purvis was unable to attend the GAMSP annual Fall Conference, where the award recipients were first announced. Cheryl Riddle, executive director of GAMSP, recognized his achievements in front of school and district personnel, highlighting the significance of the moment.

Superintendent Dan Chappuis expressed pride in Dr. Purvis’s leadership, stating, “This prestigious award acknowledges the school’s measurable, positive results in academic growth and school culture.” He emphasized that Purvis has played a crucial role in fostering a collaborative environment focused on learning, which has contributed to improved student achievement at the school.

Dr. Purvis, who has been at the helm of Williams Middle School since 2023, has a history of successful leadership roles. His previous positions include principal at Sunset Elementary and assistant principal at Stringfellow, along with experience as a teacher. Under his guidance, Williams Middle School has reached notable milestones, including being designated a “Capturing Kids’ Hearts Showcase School.” Additionally, the school has seen a reduction in disciplinary incidents to an all-time low and achieved the highest Georgia Milestones scores on record.

Purvis has implemented a team-oriented approach to identify school needs through techniques such as Tregoed situation appraisals and ongoing evaluations of staff concerns regarding school climate, culture, and academic performance. His leadership style emphasizes collaboration and accountability among staff and students.

In addition to his role at Williams Middle School, Dr. Purvis is an active member of the state educational community. He serves as an officer for GAMSP and is a Principal Mentor through the Georgia Association for Educational Leaders. He has also completed the Georgia School Superintendent Association’s District Office Professional Development Program and the Finance and Planning Institute. Purvis frequently shares his insights at educational conferences, contributing to the broader educational discourse.

Upon receiving the award, Dr. Purvis expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “I am thankful to serve in the Colquitt County School District with what I believe are the best educators and students in the state. I am deeply humbled and honored to receive this recognition, but the real credit belongs to our teachers and students.” He emphasized the collective effort that has driven the school’s success, saying, “This honor represents the collective heart of our school, teachers who give their all and students who inspire us every day.”

The Georgia Association of Middle School Principals serves as the state voice for middle grades principals, assistant principals, and prospective school leaders in Georgia. The organization aims to enhance middle-grade education in Georgia by providing members with leadership development, a resource network, and advocacy efforts at the state level.