Billy Taylor Takes Pride in Making LWC Shine
By Jean-Wikes Dutreuil
Staff Writer and Producer
For 15 years, Billy Taylor has been an integral part of the community at Lindsey Wilson College, working tirelessly behind the scenes while building meaningful relationships with students, colleagues, and leaders. But his story is about more than just sweeping floors or mopping halls. It’s a story of faith and the quiet power of hard work.
Five years ago, he experienced a life-changing moment when he found his faith and was saved. It was an experience that deeply affected him and has guided him through every challenge since.
The influence of his faith is evident in his daily routine. When faced with the typical struggles of early mornings or challenging tasks, Taylor turns to prayer, grounding himself in the strength he draws from God and his deep sense of purpose.
"When things get tough, I look to God, say a prayer, and keep going," he said. "My faith keeps me motivated and focused, no matter the circumstances..."
"When things get tough, I look to God, say a prayer, and keep going," he said. "My faith keeps me motivated and focused, no matter the circumstances."
While many may see custodian work as a job that’s often invisible, Taylor has always viewed it as an opportunity to take pride in his work. He finds satisfaction in the details—whether it’s cleaning the floors or helping keep the buildings nice.
“They often look rough from years of use,” he said, “ but after I clean them, they shine, giving me a sense of pride to see the transformation.”
Over the years, Taylor has also adapted to significant changes in his role, from learning to operate new equipment to adjusting to new leadership.
"There was a lot of new stuff when I started that wasn’t here, the campus looked different with new buildings," he said. "There are always new things to learn, and I’m always up for the challenge.”
A big part of Taylor's motivation is the people he meets along the way—especially the students. He’s built lasting relationships with many who have passed through the campus. One of the most memorable aspects of his job is the opportunity to mentor young people, offering advice and support when they need it. Some students have even reached out to him years later, continuing to check in on him, or calling to wish him a ‘happy birthday.’
“During the summer, I’ve picked up students for work, taken them home afterward, and even kept in touch with some of them. A few still call me to check in, even on my birthday. Those moments really stick with me.”
In addition to his faith and his community, Taylor credits his strong family ties as a significant motivation for his hard work. Married for 34 years, he and his wife have one child, he has always seen his job as a means to support his family.
"I get up at 4 a.m. every day because I want to provide for my family,” he said , “My son is grown now, but when I first started this job, it helped give him the chance to go to college for free, which set him up for a better future."
For Taylor, work isn’t just about earning a paycheck—it’s about fulfilling his responsibility to his family and community. His work ethic, instilled by his parents at a young age, has been unwavering.
"My parents taught me to always do my best, no matter the job I got," he said. “That’s something I carry with me every day. Even though I’m a janitor, I take pride in doing my work well...”
"My parents taught me to always do my best, no matter the job I got," he said. “That’s something I carry with me every day. Even though I’m a janitor, I take pride in doing my work well.”
Having spent years in the workforce, he also has valuable advice for students considering a similar career path.
"I would tell young people to aim higher," he said. "Get an education. There are better-paying jobs out there, and you should pursue them if you can. Honestly, I can’t sit here and tell you to do what I’m doing, but my job helped my son get through school, and now he’s working in a much better position than I am.”
Still, Taylor doesn’t regret his career choice. He’s proud of the work he’s done and the impact he’s had on his community.
"No matter what job you do, you can always take pride in it," he said. "Work hard, show up on time, and do your best. That’s what I’ve always tried to do..."
"No matter what job you do, you can always take pride in it," he said. "Work hard, show up on time, and do your best. That’s what I’ve always tried to do."
Taylor may not be in the spotlight, but his impact is felt daily. His quiet dedication, strong faith, and unwavering work ethic have earned him the respect and admiration of everyone he meets.
Through his actions and words, he’s proven that true success isn’t about the title you hold; it’s about the difference you make in the lives of others. And for Taylor, that’s precisely what he does every day, in every corner of the campus.
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