William King never planned to become a teacher, but life kept guiding him toward young people who needed someone in their corner. Now teaching business and accounting at William Woods University and Moberly Area Community College, he brings lessons from his hardworking grandfather, D.T. “Gussy” Burkhart, who taught him that truth and character matter most. After careers in automotive, retail, and farming, King found purpose in the classroom, guided by a simple philosophy: care for the person before the student, and always do the right thing because it’s right. Though he’s earned teaching awards, he values the quiet rewards more—a thank-you hug, a student’s success, and the reminder that every choice should answer one question: “How does this help the student?”

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