Major Dexter D. Williams retired in 2022 as the Chief of Public Health for USA MEDDAC, Fort Drum, NY, bringing over two decades of military healthcare experience. Throughout his career, Dexter has been driven by a deep passion for improving public health and supporting those in need. His dedication to helping others continues to inspire his work today. Originally from Augusta, Georgia, Dexter began his service as a Combat Medic in the Georgia Army National Guard. Inspired by a desire to make a meaningful difference and serve his community, he chose the military as a way to combine his love for healthcare with public service. With a passion for nursing and public service, he earned his BSN from Norfolk State University, which paved the way for his commission into the Army Nurse Corps. He has continued to enhance his knowledge and skills through advanced education, including a Master of Science in Health Sciences (Public Health concentration) from Trident University, an MSN in Nursing Education from The University of Texas at El Paso, and most recently, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Post-Master’s Certificate from Purdue Global University.
Throughout his military career, Dexter completed numerous specialized courses such as the Military Medical Humanitarian Assistance Course (MMHAC), Public Health Emergency Management Course (PHEMC), and Combat Casualty Care Course (C4), all of which enhanced his ability to serve patients effectively during emergencies, manage public health crises, and provide humanitarian support in diverse and challenging environments. He has served in various leadership roles, including Officer in Charge (OIC) of Army Public Health Nursing for Area II, Yongsan, and Senior Clinical Coordinator for the Practical Nurse Course at Fort Bliss, Texas. His commitment to both military and educational excellence also saw him hold teaching appointments at Park University (Fort Bliss Campus) as an Adjunct Faculty member.
Dexter is recognized for his dedication to public health and healthcare education, serving as a leader and mentor to many. For instance, during his time as Senior Clinical Coordinator at Fort Bliss, he mentored dozens of young nurses, many of whom have gone on to take leadership roles themselves. His commitment to guiding others has left a lasting impact on those who have worked alongside him. His military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, multiple Army Commendation Medals, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, among others.
His assignments have spanned multiple roles and locations, each contributing to his deep understanding of patient care, team leadership, and public health initiatives. This versatility now enables him to offer a well-rounded approach to civilian healthcare, drawing on years of hands-on experience in diverse healthcare settings. These include serving as a Combat Medic, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Staff Nurse in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) at Fort Gordon, and Army Public Health Nurse (APHN) in both South Korea and Texas. He also supported Operation Enduring Freedom as an ANSF Health Advisor, demonstrating his commitment to global health initiatives and military readiness.
Now retired, Dexter brings his wealth of experience to civilian healthcare, particularly in psychiatric and public health settings. He is dedicated to making a positive impact in the community, providing compassionate care to individuals and families, and ensuring that everyone he works with feels heard and supported. He is passionate about providing compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals and communities, drawing on his extensive background in nursing, public health, and mental health. With a career characterized by service, leadership, and education, Dexter remains committed to advancing health and wellness for all those he serves.