Dr. RoDina L. Williams has made history in Illinois medical education. She became the first Black person in Illinois to earn a Doctorate in Clinical Laboratory Science (DCLS). This groundbreaking achievement represents more than personal success for Williams. It opens doors for young scientists who rarely see themselves reflected in laboratory medicine.
Williams opened up about her journey in a November 19 interview with Illinois State University. She has built a remarkable career blending rigorous research, education, and representation advocacy. Her unwavering commitment to expanding diversity in her field drives everything she does. Today, she leads medical laboratory programs at City Colleges of Chicago with pride and purpose.
Illinois State University Shaped Academic Foundation and Purpose
When Williams looks back on her academic start, she recalls nurturing mentorship and support. Illinois State University helped define her purpose and fueled her ambition. “Illinois State truly shaped who I am as a person,” she said. The university environment provided crucial foundation for her future achievements.
“It’s where I discovered my passion and love for research, appreciated the importance of mentorship,” Williams explained. The experience also gave her confidence to aim higher than previously imagined. She gained self-assurance to pursue goals that once seemed unreachable. This transformative period established patterns that guided her entire career trajectory.
Transfer Student Finds Community in Kinesiology Program
Williams began her journey as a transfer student at Illinois State. She was drawn to the university’s strong kinesiology program initially. The steady support she felt from faculty made a lasting impression. This sense of community proved so powerful that it influenced her future decisions.
She later returned to complete a second bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science. “I found the same sense of community and purpose when I returned,” she recalled. The consistency of support across different programs impressed her deeply. “That constancy said a lot about the type of place ISU is,” she noted.
Faculty Mentors Introduce Research and Teaching Excellence
Throughout her studies, faculty members played pivotal roles in shaping Williams’ academic path. Dr. Pete Smith from the School of Kinesiology and Recreation introduced her to formal research. This introduction sparked a passion that continues driving her work today. His mentorship opened her eyes to research’s transformative potential.
Dr. Dale Brown taught her how connecting lessons to lived experiences improves learning. “Easier to learn and more memorable,” she said about his approach. She jokes that she “borrowed” his teaching style for her own students. His influence continues shaping how she educates the next generation of laboratory scientists.
Medical Laboratory Science Mentors Guide Career Development
Williams’ transition into medical laboratory science brought additional layers of mentorship. Dr. Lori Woeste helped her grasp the interconnectedness of the discipline’s many subspecialties. Understanding these connections proved crucial for comprehensive knowledge development. This holistic perspective strengthened her expertise across the field.
Dr. Beverly Barham became a long-standing mentor who continually encouraged Williams. She pushed Williams to pursue opportunities that advanced her career forward. Barham’s ongoing support proved invaluable during challenging moments and major decisions. These mentoring relationships demonstrate the importance of guidance in achieving ambitious goals.
Historic Achievement Opens Doors for Future Scientists
Achieving her DCLS degree became both a milestone and a responsibility for Williams. “It means a lot to me to be the first Black person in Illinois to receive a doctorate in clinical laboratory science,” she said. However, she emphasizes that this achievement transcends personal accomplishment. The degree represents something much larger than individual success.
“There are still very few Black professionals, and that lack of representation can make it hard,” Williams explained. Students of color struggle to see themselves in laboratory medicine fields. “So, for me, earning this degree was about opening doors and showing what is possible,” she added. Her achievement provides a crucial example for aspiring scientists from underrepresented backgrounds.
Representation Matters in Laboratory Medicine Fields
Williams addresses the persistent lack of diversity in clinical laboratory science directly. The field continues suffering from significant underrepresentation of professionals of color. This gap affects recruitment, retention, and innovation within the discipline. Young scientists need role models who look like them and understand their experiences.
“My success is not only a reflection of my hard work,” Williams said. She views her achievement as “a testament to the power of representation.” Working in a field where professionals of color remain significantly underrepresented motivates her advocacy. She understands that visibility creates pathways for others to follow and succeed.
Black Colleagues Association Provides Platform for Giving Back
Williams’ involvement with the Black Colleagues Association at Illinois State demonstrates her commitment. She continues giving back to the institution that shaped her career. This engagement allows her to mentor current students facing similar challenges. She provides the kind of support that proved crucial during her own journey.
The association creates community and support networks for Black faculty, staff, and students. Williams’ participation strengthens these connections while inspiring younger generations. Her presence reminds students that their goals are achievable with dedication and support. She actively works to create opportunities she wishes existed earlier in her career.
Balancing Scholar, Mother, and Advocate Roles
Outside her academic and professional duties, Williams strives for meaningful balance. She navigates responsibilities as a scholar, mother, and advocate simultaneously. “I’ve learned that balance doesn’t always mean everything is perfectly even,” she said. True balance means being fully present wherever she is at that moment.
Her son, Kien John, keeps her perspective grounded in reality. She laughs that her family reminds her she doesn’t always need to be “Dr. Williams.” Sometimes she simply needs to be RoDina—a mother, daughter, and person. This reminder helps maintain healthy boundaries between professional achievements and personal identity.
Leading Medical Laboratory Programs at City Colleges
Today, Williams leads medical laboratory programs at City Colleges of Chicago. She oversees educational, clinical, and administrative operations for these crucial programs. Her leadership ensures quality training for future laboratory professionals. She brings both academic excellence and practical experience to this administrative role.
Her position allows her to shape curriculum, mentor students, and influence field standards. She implements the lessons learned from her own mentors throughout these programs. Williams ensures that representation and inclusion remain priorities in student recruitment and support. Her leadership directly impacts hundreds of aspiring laboratory scientists annually.
Three Words Summarize Remarkable Journey
Asked to summarize her path, Williams chose three powerful words. “Challenging, rewarding, honored,” she said without hesitation. Each word captures essential aspects of her journey from transfer student to doctorate holder. The challenges made her stronger and more determined to succeed.
The rewards extend beyond personal achievements to include lives she’s touched and doors she’s opened. Feeling honored recognizes both her accomplishments and the responsibility they carry. These three words encapsulate a career dedicated to excellence, representation, and lifting others upward.
Illinois State Remains Cornerstone of Success Story
For Williams, Illinois State University remains a cornerstone of her entire journey. The institution shaped her, supported her, and set the stage for everything that followed. Her success demonstrates the lasting impact of supportive educational environments. Strong mentorship and community create ripple effects across entire careers.
Her story provides a blueprint for institutions seeking to support underrepresented students. Consistent mentorship, community building, and high expectations combine to produce remarkable outcomes. Williams credits Illinois State with providing the foundation for her historic achievement. She continues honoring that investment by paying forward the support she received.
Creating Pipeline for Diverse Laboratory Scientists
Williams’ work extends beyond her own accomplishments to systemic change efforts. She actively creates pipelines for diverse students entering laboratory science fields. Her visibility, mentorship, and advocacy work together to increase representation. She understands that one person’s breakthrough must become a pathway for many.
By leading programs, mentoring students, and advocating for inclusion, she multiplies her impact. Each student she mentors potentially mentors others in turn. This multiplier effect gradually transforms the demographics of clinical laboratory science. Williams sees this long-term change as essential to the field’s future success and relevance.
