November 22nd 2025.
When Dr. RoDina L. Williams reflects on her early days at Illinois State University, she fondly remembers a nurturing environment that fueled her ambition and helped her discover her purpose. During an interview with the university on November 19th, Williams opened up about her journey. As the first Black person in Illinois to achieve a Doctorate in Clinical Laboratory Science, she has forged a career that combines rigorous research, education, and a strong dedication to increasing diversity in her field.
"It's safe to say that Illinois State played a huge role in shaping who I am today," she shared. "It's where I first discovered my passion for research, learned the value of mentorship, and gained the confidence to aim higher than I ever thought possible."
Williams' journey at the university began as a transfer student, drawn to its renowned kinesiology program and the unwavering support she received from the faculty. Even after returning to complete a second bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science, she found the same sense of community and purpose that initially drew her in. "The fact that the sense of community remained constant speaks volumes about the kind of institution ISU is," she reminisced.
Throughout her studies, her professors played a pivotal role in shaping her academic path. She credits Dr. Pete Smith from the School of Kinesiology and Recreation as the first person to introduce her to formal research. Dr. Dale Brown helped her understand the importance of connecting lessons to real-life experiences, making learning both easier and more memorable. Williams even jokes that she "borrowed" his teaching style because it resonated with her and her students.
As she pursued her degree in medical laboratory science, Williams found another layer of mentorship in Dr. Lori Woeste, who helped her understand the interconnectedness of the various subspecialties in the discipline. And Dr. Beverly Barham, a long-standing mentor, continuously encouraged her to pursue opportunities that pushed her forward in her field.
Achieving her DCLS degree was a significant milestone for Williams, but it also came with a sense of responsibility. "Being the first Black person in Illinois to earn a doctorate in clinical laboratory science means a lot to me," she shared. For her, this accomplishment goes beyond personal achievement; it's about creating space for young scientists who rarely see themselves represented in laboratory medicine. "There is still a severe lack of diversity in this field, which can make it difficult for students of color to envision themselves as part of it. So, for me, earning this degree was about opening doors and showing what is possible."
Williams sees mentorship as a crucial aspect of her mission. "My success is not just a reflection of my hard work, but it's also a testament to the power of representation in a field where people of color are significantly underrepresented," she explained. Her involvement with the Black Colleagues Association at Illinois State is one way she continues to give back.
Beyond her academic and professional duties, Williams strives for balance as a scholar, mother, and advocate. "I've learned that balance doesn't necessarily mean everything is evenly divided; it means being fully present in the moment," she shared. Her son, Kien John, helps her maintain that perspective. She often jokes that her family reminds her that she doesn't always have to be "Dr. Williams" and can simply be RoDina.
Today, Williams leads medical laboratory programs at City Colleges of Chicago, where she oversees educational, clinical, and administrative operations. When asked to sum up her journey, she chose three words: "Challenging, rewarding, and honored." And for her, Illinois State will always hold a special place in her heart—a place that shaped her, supported her, and set the stage for everything that followed.
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