Dr. Betty Smith Williams is known as a lifetime educator with over 50 years in research and teaching. She was the first African American nurse to be brought into the higher educator sector in the state of California.

During her time in California, she was a professor at UCLA, California Long Beach, and Mount Saint Mary’s College. In addition to being a professor, she served as the Assistant Dean at the School of Nursing at UCLA, the Founding Dean at the School of Nursing at the American University of Health Sciences, and a Dean and professor at the School of Nursing at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center.

Dr. Williams’ roles extended beyond teaching and leadership in academia. She was also a co-founder and charter member of the National Black Nurses Association in 1971. Williams stated that “the association was created to give African American nurses a voice and the opportunity to shape our destiny.” She believed that although educational career, and leadership opportunities have made significant improvements and progressed over the past 30 years, more work is still needed.

Dr. Williams is another great example of a Black nurse who made great strides in the nursing and public health worlds and paved the way for many generations to come.

Sources: Black history month - notable nurses throughout history - trusted health. (2020, October 29). https://www.trustedhealth.com/blog/black-history-month-notables-nurse-throughout-history.

Burnette, M. (2018, April 26). Celebrating excellence: Past, present and future. https://minoritynurse.com/celebrating-excellence-past-present-and-future/.