Edwina Williams
Edwina Williams has come full circle. Born and raised in Oceanside, Williams’ educational journey began at MiraCosta College’s Community Learning Center, where she completed the Adult High School Diploma Program. From there, her commitment to learning, community advocacy, and educational access propelled her forward. She went on to earn an associate degree in psychology from MiraCosta College, a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Cal State San Marcos, and a Master of Arts in Sociological Practice.
In Spring 2025, Williams earned her Ph.D. in Education for Social Justice from the University of San Diego—fulfilling what Diane Danielewicz once expressed with confidence: “I have no doubt that soon I will be calling her Dr. Edwina Williams.”
Dr. Williams is a sociology instructor at MiraCosta College, teaching at the very institution that helped cultivate her academic and professional path. In Spring 2026, she will be nearing ten years of teaching sociology at MiraCosta College—continuing to serve in a place rooted in her personal, academic, and community history.
“I never imagined I would one day stand at the front of a college classroom,” Williams reflected. “But learning, teaching, and community have always been a part of me. I’m grateful to be able to contribute to a place that embraced and supported my goals.”
During her time as a student, Williams built strong relationships with faculty, staff, and peers—connections she describes as transformative and sustaining. Along the way, she earned several scholarships and academic honors, including the MiraCosta College Foundation Scholarships, the Grandison M. Phelps Jr. Memorial Scholarship, an EOPS Recognition Award, the North County African American Women’s Association Scholarship, and the Louise A. Broderick San Diego County Scholarship. She later completed a year-long SDICCCA faculty internship, which supported her transition into community college teaching.
Since joining MiraCosta College as associate faculty in 2016, Williams has continued to lead with community-centered, student-focused practices in the classroom and across campus. Her work has been recognized at local and statewide levels, including honors such as the North San Diego County NAACP Distinguished Woman Award, the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges Regina Stanback Stroud Diversity Award, and the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges Hayward Award for Excellence in Education.
Education has also been a shared journey among family. Williams’ son is a fellow MiraCosta alumnus who earned his associate degree in English before transferring to San Diego State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in English and Comparative Literature.
“MiraCosta College means everything to me,” Williams said. “I formed lasting relationships with students, faculty, and staff—people who believed in community, collaboration, and educational justice. Those values continue to guide my work.”
She adds, “My journey is ongoing. But I know I am exactly where I’m meant to be.”