AZUSA, CA, January 26, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Dr. Candice R. Williams has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Dr. Williams is a distinguished figure in the field of criminal justice, sociology and ethnic studies. She is currently on the faculty at Azusa Pacific University, where since 2016, she has served as the chair of the department and played a pivotal role in shaping the academic landscape of a once-nascent program. When she first joined the university, the program enrolled only 25 students; under her leadership, it has expanded to serve hundreds, and she remains deeply fulfilled by witnessing students graduate, pursue advanced degrees and excel in their chosen fields. Notably, Dr. Williams is proud that alumni return to share how the faculty members' mentorship has positively influenced their lives, underscoring her commitment to assembling a cohesive team dedicated to meaningful student engagement.

In her capacity as chair, Dr. Williams teaches courses on victimology, sex crimes and domestic violence, with a particular focus on identifying red flags in various types of relationships. She also instructs theory courses, research methods and introductory criminal justice classes, including policing in society and related subjects. Her broad expertise encompasses victimology, human trafficking and interpersonal violence on college campuses. Dr. Williams is recognized for her intentional approach to faculty selection and team-building, ensuring that her department provides comprehensive support to students.

Dr. Williams's professional affiliations reflect her enduring dedication to academic excellence and social advocacy. She is a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society, Alpha Kappa Delta International Honor Society, the California Student Association and the Association of Black Sociologists. Dr. Williams is also affiliated with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the American Society of Criminology.

Exceptional academic credentials further define Dr. Williams's presence in her field. She completed a Bachelor of Arts in sociology and black studies in 2008 at the University of California, Santa Barbara, after which she pursued graduate studies at California State University, Fullerton, where she obtained a master's degree in sociology with a concentration in social inequality and culture in 2011. Additionally, Dr. Williams completed her Doctor of Philosophy in sociology and criminology at Howard University in 2016.

Initially aspiring to attend law school, Dr. Williams's career trajectory shifted during her doctoral program at Howard University. While teaching introductory sociology courses, she discovered that some students were absent because they were leading workshops on human trafficking, having been victims themselves during the same semester. This revelation had a profound impact on her, prompting her to redirect her research focus toward interpersonal violence on college campuses. Since then, Dr. Williams has dedicated her career to protecting young individuals and raising awareness about human trafficking within local communities as well as internationally.

In the classroom and beyond, Dr. Williams is known for her proactive approach to research and advocacy, often challenging herself and others with the question "So what?" to ensure the pursuit of actionable solutions. Her work specifically addresses programmatic issues and rehabilitation through grant writing, workshops and educational initiatives designed to inform others about critical topics related to victimization and recovery. She also seeks out opportunities for civic service and volunteers at soup kitchens, supports domestic violence shelters and contributes time to her local church. In acknowledgment of her commitment to service, Dr. Williams humbly accepted the Martin Luther King Outstanding Volunteer Award in 2025.

Dr. Williams was raised by supportive parents alongside an older brother, and she credits her faith, especially during challenging times, as the foundation of her advancement. To achieve balance, she enjoys spending time with her husband, friends and family, organizing movie nights, and visiting the beach to parasail. She also explores nature and relaxes at spas. As she looks toward the future, Dr. Williams aspires to advance from chair to dean to provost within higher education administration, and she plans to establish a resource center offering workshops and mentorship opportunities to inspire confidence and ambition in young women and girls.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

# # #