A brilliant young woman named Dr. RoDina L. Williams has made history as the first Black person in Illinois, the United States, to earn a Doctorate in Clinical Laboratory Science (DCLS) from the University of Texas Medical Branch.
Her journey is a powerful blend of academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and a lifelong commitment to representation in a field where professionals of color remain significantly underrepresented.
William's Story and How She Did It
RoDina’s journey began at Illinois State University (ISU), where she discovered her passion for science, mentorship, and research. She earned two bachelor’s degrees—one in Kinesiology and Recreation and another in Medical Laboratory Science.
ISU shaped her confidence, introduced her to research, and connected her with faculty mentors who helped her understand her strengths. These degrees were not just academic milestones; they laid the foundation for a future rooted in scientific inquiry and healthcare innovation.
In the medical laboratory sciences, professionals analyze blood, cells, body fluids, and tissues, producing the diagnostic results doctors depend on to treat serious illnesses like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Understanding this responsibility pushed RoDina to aim even higher.
With mentorship from professors like Dr. Pete Smith, Dr. Dale Brown, Dr. Lori Woeste, and Dr. Beverly Barham, she sharpened her research skills and grew into a leader determined to open doors for others.
Returning to graduate school, RoDina pursued the Doctorate in Clinical Laboratory Science (DCLS), one of the most rigorous clinical science degrees in the United States.
Becoming the first Black person in the country to achieve this milestone reflects years of dedication, mastery of advanced clinical knowledge, and groundbreaking research contributions.
For RoDina, this accomplishment carries powerful meaning. “To stand as the first Black person to earn a DCLS in Illinois—and among the few nationwide—is a testament to every door our ancestors pushed open,” she said. “Representation isn’t symbolic; it is a beacon.”
Outside the classroom, RoDina balances her life as a mother, scholar, and advocate. She often shares how her son, Kien John, keeps her grounded and reminds her to embrace life with purpose and presence.
Her family and close friends also keep her centered, helping her step away from the title “Dr. Williams” and simply be RoDina—the mother, mentor, and woman who laughs and rests when necessary.
Today, she continues shaping the next generation as the Director of Health Sciences – Medical Laboratory Programs at City Colleges of Chicago, where she oversees academic, clinical, and administrative operations.
In her own words, her journey can be summed up in three powerful words: challenging, rewarding, and honored.
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