City Colleges of Chicago Director and ISU Health Sciences alumna becomes first Black person in Illinois to hold a doctorate in Clinical Laboratory Science

Seated in her office at Malcolm X College, Dr. RoDina L. Williams looks back on her years at schooling with gratitude and pride, recognizing that college, specifically ISU, as the place that sparked her love of research, bolstered her confidence, and solidified her dedication to mentorship.

Photo Credit: RoGina Montgomery Photography

A humble person, she whispers that when she learned she was the first Black person in Illinois to hold a *Doctorate in Clinical Laboratory Science (DCLS) she was "flabbergasted," and not because she earned the doctorate, but because she knows it's a catalyst for "something much bigger than me."

Born and raised in Chicago living in North Lawndale, Williams graduated from Whitney M. Young Magnet High School and Lawndale Community Academy and then attended a top school in another state but transferring shortly after she realized it wasn't a good fit.

"I often say my academic journey began at ISU as an undergrad, where mentors helped me see who I could become. I chose ISU because of its outstanding kinesiology program. Today, I'm proud to be Illinois' first Black DCLS graduate because I want our students at City Colleges to see what's possible and to know, without question, that they belong in this field of study," said Dr. Williams.

Becoming the first Black person in Illinois to earn a Doctorate in Clinical Laboratory Science, is a historic personal milestone for Williams and a breakthrough for representation in a field of study where Black professionals remain significantly underrepresented.

Her achievement sends a powerful message to City Colleges of Chicago students and to our future scientists where she serves as Malcolm X College's Director of Health Sciences, Medical Laboratory Programs.

"Dr. Williams provides leadership as an educator and administrator, directing the academic, clinical and administrative operations with excellence. She excels in this position and brings her A-game every day because she knows how important this program is to our students," said President David Sanders, Malcolm X College. "I want to congratulate her on this achievement and thank her for being a role model and mentor to so many others."

Williams' academic journey at ISU began as a transfer student in 1999. She was drawn there because of its strong programs and supportive faculty. She later returned to complete a second bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science, finding the same encouraging community that first inspired her.

Mentors such as ISU's Dr. Pete Smith, Dr. Dale Brown, Dr. Lori Woeste, and Dr. Beverly Barham helped her recognize her potential and develop the teaching and leadership style she carries forward today.

Now, as the director of health sciences-medical laboratory programs at City Colleges of Chicago, Williams provides strategic academic and clinical leadership, overseeing program operations while deeply investing in student success. Her work focuses on expanding access to laboratory science education, strengthening workforce training, and ensuring students, especially those historically excluded from STEM, see themselves reflected in the profession.

Committed to mentorship and service, she remains connected to ISU through the Black Colleagues Association and continues to advocate for equity in STEM education wherever she goes. Balancing her roles as leader, scholar, and mother, Williams grounds her journey in purpose.

When asked to summarize her path, she says: "Challenging, rewarding, honored." When you ask her why she is doing this, she shares, "I do it in service to others and for myself and my family. I want to emulate excellence in all that I do so that others know what is possible when you do the work. I am excited to share what I've learned with my students and to pay it forward here at Malcolm X College and everywhere."

Degrees earned by Dr. RoDina L. Williams

• B.S., Kinesiology and Recreation, Illinois State University (1999-2002)
• B.S., Medical Laboratory Science, Illinois State University (2008-2010)
• M.P.H., Public Health, University of Illinois at Springfield (2012-2015)
• *DCLS, Clinical Laboratory Science, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (2022-2025)

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