RoDina Williams Achieves Historic Milestone in Clinical Laboratory Science
Dr. RoDina L. Williams is now recognized as the first Black person in Illinois to earn a Doctorate in Clinical Laboratory Science (DCLS). Her achievement is more than a personal milestone—it represents progress in a field where representation remains limited.
Williams has built a career that blends rigorous research, teaching, and mentorship. “Illinois State truly shaped who I am as a person,” she said. “It’s where I discovered my passion for research, appreciated the importance of mentorship, and gained the self-assurance to aim higher than I thought possible.” Her accomplishment opens doors for young scientists of color who rarely see themselves in laboratory medicine.
Journey Through Illinois State University
Williams began her academic journey as a transfer student, drawn to Illinois State University’s strong kinesiology program and supportive faculty. The community at ISU inspired her so much that she later returned to earn a second bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science.
Faculty mentorship played a crucial role. Dr. Pete Smith introduced her to formal research, while Dr. Dale Brown showed her how connecting lessons to real-life experiences made learning more memorable. “I even borrowed his teaching style because it resonated with me and my students,” Williams joked. The guidance she received became a foundation for her teaching and research career.
Mentorship Shapes Her Career
Her move into medical laboratory science added another layer of mentorship. Dr. Lori Woeste helped her understand the field’s many subspecialties, and long-time mentor Dr. Beverly Barham continually encouraged her to pursue challenging opportunities.
Williams emphasizes mentorship as central to her mission. “My success reflects hard work but also the power of representation in a field where professionals of color are underrepresented,” she said. She continues giving back through the Black Colleagues Association at Illinois State, supporting the next generation of scientists.
Balancing Life and Leadership
Outside her professional life, Williams balances her roles as a scholar, mother, and advocate. “Balance doesn’t always mean everything is perfectly even; it means being present where I am,” she shared. Her son, Kien John, reminds her she doesn’t always have to be “Dr. Williams”—sometimes she simply needs to be RoDina.
Today, Williams leads medical laboratory programs at City Colleges of Chicago, overseeing educational, clinical, and administrative operations. She describes her journey in three words: “Challenging, rewarding, honored.” For Williams, Illinois State remains the cornerstone of her success—a place that shaped her, supported her, and opened doors for others.
