Trailblazing Change: How One Visionary is Transforming the Future

Title: Assistant Professor of Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration, University of Vermont

Age: 34

Education: B.A. in Interdisciplinary Arts from Hampshire College; M.A. in Sociology of Education from Teachers College, Columbia University; Ph.D. in Counseling and Human Development from the University of Georgia

Career mentors:  Dr. Darris Means, Clemson University; Dr. Tiffany J. Davis, University of Houston; Dr. McKinley Melton, Rhodes College; Dr. Dominique Baker, University of Delaware; Dr. Jason Garvey, University of Vermont

Words of wisdom: “Do research and scholarship that you value, that aligns with your vision, and that can be a vehicle for change for the communities, people, and groups you care about most because what’s for you will never miss you.”

Dr. Brittany Williams is an assistant professor in higher education and student affairs at the University of Vermont. From a young age, education excited her. She often woke up early, eager to learn. As the first in her family to attend college, Williams initially thought she would study law. However, she found great satisfaction in the academic environment of a college campus.

During her studies, Williams began noticing that many students from underrepresented backgrounds didn’t share her enthusiasm. She remembered facing challenges herself, dealing with racism and sexism. She felt a strong urge to help improve the campus experience for everyone.

This passion drove her to explore beyond just higher education. While working on her dissertation about Black women in education, she learned about alarming statistics regarding HIV among heterosexual Black women. This revelation pushed her to expand her research focus. “I had to consider how their experiences related to overall wellness and the concept of ‘weathering,’” she explained.

Despite limited training in public health, Williams eagerly dove into research. She found resources and engaged with experts, fully integrating public health into her work. Her background at a small liberal arts college, Hampshire College, encouraged her to embrace new subjects and adapt quickly.

Dr. Jason Garvey, a colleague at UVM, admires Williams’ ability to bridge different disciplines, especially public health and education. He notes her commitment to creating meaningful change for communities she cares about. “She is not afraid to push boundaries and challenge the status quo in higher education,” he said.

Williams has also made an impact on social media, starting movements like #CiteASista and #SisterPhD. These initiatives highlight and celebrate the achievements of Black women in academia. Additionally, she leads the #IAmHIVPossible campaign, raising awareness about HIV and its surrounding stigmas.

For Williams, staying ahead of emerging issues is not about being special; it’s about curiosity and asking the right questions. She credits her mentors for guiding her along the way. “I want my research to help the communities that are often overlooked,” she said.

Currently, Williams is working on a project funded by the National Institutes of Health that focuses on supporting middle-school girls, especially those from immigrant and refugee backgrounds. This effort combines her interests in public health and education, aiming to set these girls on a path to college.

As she looks ahead, Williams envisions a healthier educational landscape. “I want my work to reach beyond academia. It’s essential that my research has a direct impact on the public,” she said. “That’s what truly matters to me.”