George Kelley Williams
George Kelley Williams
Class Year
’98
Current home
Racine, Wisconsin
Major(s)
Business Administration, Exercise and Sport Science
Current Position
Senior Quality Assurance Manager at Badger Meter, Adjunct Professor at ǿմý, Author
A Carthage graduate with a double major in exercise and sport science and business administration, George Kelley Williams ’98 has built a thriving career as a senior quality assurance manager at Badger Meter, author of “Basketball Diplomacy,” and an adjunct professor at Carthage. In his role at Badger Meter, Mr. Williams leads the company’s quality strategy to ensure that products and processes meet customer, regulatory, and industry requirements. He also oversees the quality management system, audit readiness, compliance, CAPA, and improvement initiatives.
Mr. Williams returned to Carthage as an adjunct professor, inspired by the strong foundation it provided for his career. Guided by a spirit of giving back, he now prepares students for their own paths through his Leadership in Sports course. “I love to give back to the Carthage community with valuable lessons that the students can use in their careers.”
What have you enjoyed most about your career?
“Being able to use my leadership skills across all settings has helped me position myself positively in my career.”
How did Carthage prepare you?
“My Carthage experience prepared me through its strong emphasis on critical thinking, clear communication, and hands‑on learning. Engaging in collaborative projects, analyzing complex problems from multiple perspectives, and learning to articulate ideas effectively gave me a solid foundation that translates directly to solving real‑world challenges and working across teams in my career.”
How has your liberal arts education benefited you?
“One example of how my liberal arts education at Carthage helped me came during a challenging audit preparation season. We had gaps in documentation, inconsistent practices across teams, and differing opinions on the best path forward. Rather than approaching it as a purely technical problem, I drew on the critical thinking and communication skills I developed at Carthage. I stepped back to analyze the issue from multiple angles and worked cross‑functionally with lab personnel, engineering, and leadership to understand root causes rather than symptoms. My hands‑on learning background helped me translate abstract accreditation requirements into practical, workable processes, while my communication skills allowed me to clearly explain expectations. That experience reinforced how Carthage’s liberal arts focus — especially problem‑solving, adaptability, and clear communication — has been instrumental in my professional success.”
Why did you choose Carthage?
“I chose Carthage because it was close to home and had a reputation for providing good education.”
What role have the values in Carthage's mission, "Seeking Truth, Building Strength, Inspiring Service — Together" played in your life?
“Carthage’s mission has played a strong role in shaping how I approach both my career and my personal life. Seeking truth has guided me to ask thoughtful questions, challenge assumptions, and make decisions based on facts and integrity. Building strength has meant developing resilience — especially when navigating complex problems or leading through change. Inspiring service shows up in my commitment to supporting teams, mentoring others, and contributing to goals bigger than myself. Today, these values continue to guide how I lead, collaborate, and give back, reinforcing the importance of growth and service done together.”
What's your favorite Carthage memory?
“My years playing basketball at Carthage and my time with my teammates were instrumental to my growth.”
Tips for current Carthage students?
“Don’t underestimate the value of your liberal arts skills; the ability to think critically, communicate clearly, and approach problems from multiple angles will set you apart in any career. Also, say yes to opportunities, even if you don’t feel fully ready. Some of my biggest growth moments came from stepping into roles or projects that stretched me. You learn quickly when you’re willing to be uncomfortable. Additionally, take ownership and ask good questions. Employers value people who are curious, proactive, and willing to understand the ‘why’ — not just the ‘how.’ Your career path doesn’t have to be linear. Many of the skills I rely on today were built in unexpected ways. Focus on learning, building relationships, and doing quality work — things tend to connect over time.”