Bill Lee Atchley was born 16 February 1932, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri to William Cecil and Mary Bicket Atchley. After a brief career as a pitcher for the New York Giants, 1951-1952, and a brief stint in the U. S. Army, 1952-1954, Atchley embarked on a career in civil engineering; he earned the bachelor and master of science degrees from the University of Missouri at Rolla in 1957, and 1959, respectively, and the doctorate from Texas A&M University in 1965. Atchley returned to the University of Missouri to teach civil engineering and later serve as Associate Dean of the College of Engineering. In 1975 he went to West Virginia University to assume the position of Dean of the College of Engineering.

In 1978, Atchley interviewed for the presidency of Clemson University; was selected in February 1979, and inaugurated in April 1980. Atchley brought about a number of changes such as the integration of faculty and students into decision making; the reorganization of University administration; the renovation of Tillman Hall; the upgrading of computer facilities; and the creation of the Calhoun Honors College. His attempt to reorganize the athletic department after an investigation by the National Collegiate Athletic Association in 1982 was met with opposition within the department, from athletic supporters, and from the Board of Trustees. The conflict between the Trustees and President Atchley culminated in his resignation on 1 March 1985.

After leaving Clemson University, Atchley served as President of the National Science Center for Communications and Electronics Education Foundation. In July 1987 he assumed the presidency of the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California.