William "Bill" Houston graduated from St. Andrew's Catholic Elementary School in Harrodsburg, Ky. He attended St. Joe Prep from 1962 until graduation in 1965. He participated in baseball, soccer, cross country, and golf.

Bill Houston graduated from Murray State University with a BS Degree in sociology and psychology. He also received a Masters Degree in guidance and counseling as well as a Rank I from Murray State. He earned Doctorial studies at Southern Illinois University in Administration and Supervision.

Bill served as vocational guidance counselor for the eight far western counties in Kentucky. He served as state guidance association president in 1978 and was honored as "State's Outstanding Counselor" in 1981.

From 1983 to 1991 he served as President of West Kentucky Technical College in Paducah at a time when enrollment was increased from 400 to 3,000. In 1990, West Kentucky Tech was recognized as one of the three outstanding flagships of the state system. From 1991 to 1996 Bill served as Workforce Development Cabinet Secretary under Gov. Brereton Jones and Commissioner of Technical Education under Gov. Paul Patton. From 1997 to present he has served as President of St. Catherine College.

Bill has also served as President of Springfield Rotary Club, President of Paducah Optimist Club, Board of Directors of Springview Hospital, Board of Directors of Paducah Economic Development Corp., and Board of Directors of Washington County Economic Development Council.

Bill received the Murray State University Most Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1996, and the Honorary Citizen of the Year in Washington County in 2000.

He served in the U.S. Navy from 968 to 1972, making 4 tours of duty in Vietnam. He was Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Coast Guard in 1977, and served as Commanding Officer in Huntington, W.V., and Paducah, Ky. During his military career spanning five decades, Bill has been decorated with 19 medals and awards of achievement.

Currently, President Houston serves as a Coast Guard Captain in the Reserves stationed at Scott Air Force Base in St. Louis.