Kevin Williams, JD, MPH
He/Him/His
Areas of Expertise
Areas of Expertise
- Positive Youth Development and Juvenile Justice
- Public Health Law and Policy
- Criminal Justice Law and Public Health
- Nonprofit Leadership and Governance
- Community-Based Public Health Partnerships
- Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
Biography
Kevin Williams, JD, MPH, is an Associate Professor of Public Health at Touro University California, where he teaches courses in Criminal Justice Law and Public Health Advocacy & Public Health Law. His work focuses on the intersection of law, public health, health equity, and the criminal legal system, with particular emphasis on how structural and legal systems shape community health outcomes.
Professor Williams brings more than three decades of leadership experience in public health, nonprofit management, legal advocacy, and community partnerships. Prior to entering academia, he served as an Executive Director of a mid-size community-based nonprofit organization, developing and leading programs focused on youth development, violence prevention, behavioral health, and systems-involved populations. He also maintains a federal legal practice supporting nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and small businesses. Finally, he is the founder of a strategic capital and advisory firm for nonprofits and small businesses.
His teaching and scholarship emphasize the role of policy, advocacy, and systems change in addressing health inequities. His current interests include implementation of the California Racial Justice Act (CRJA), public health approaches to mass incarceration, and partnerships between healthcare systems and community organizations. Professor Williams is also actively involved in community-engaged public health initiatives and interdisciplinary collaborations focused on advancing health equity.
Education
- Juris Doctor (JD), University of Houston Law Center
- Master of Public Health (MPH), University of Texas Health Science Center
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) High Honors, University of California-Berkeley
Certifications
- Texas Bar License
Honors and Awards
- Champion of Health Professions Diversity Award, The California Wellness Foundation
- Outstanding Board Member Award, LifeLong Medical Care
- Xavier Lemond Award for Distinguished Service, University of Houston Law Center
Research
My research examines the intersection of criminal justice, public health, and public policy, with a focus on how legal systems shape health outcomes, community well-being, and access to opportunity. Current areas of interest include correctional health, juvenile justice, reentry, health policy, constitutional law, social determinants of health, and workforce development. My scholarship explores practical, evidence-informed solutions that advance healthier communities through law, policy, and cross-sector collaboration.
Memberships and Affiliations
- American Public Health Association
- American Bar Association
- Texas Bar Association
Teaching Responsibilities
- PBHC 634 — Criminal Justice Law and Public Health Advocacy
- PBHC 626 — Public Health Law