ESU student headed to national workshop

Artimio Wilson

Artimio Wilson, a Rehabilitation Education major of Counselor Education and Rehabilitation Programs, was selected to attend the "National Training Workshop for New Leadership Development," which will take place in Washington , D.C. July 13 - July 17, 2005.

“I am honored to have been selected to attend this workshop. This is an invaluable experience,” Wilson said. “I look forward to learning a lot and meeting new peers in my field.”

Wilson was nominated for the conference by Dr. Shonda McLaughlin, Assistant Professor Counselor Education & Rehabilitation Programs.

“ The application process was very competitive,” McLaughlin said. “Mr. Wilson was selected to attend this training; something that is not opened to all, and something that is a first for a student at Emporia State University .”

According to the application, the workshop will “train a cadre of ‘grass root' individuals to work with representatives of culturally diverse entities on issues concerning people with disabilities. Subsequent to the training, participants will be expected to perform assertive outreach and advocacy in their communities to increase the interest and involvement of culturally diverse entities as active participants in the rehabilitation system and with competitions for grants, contracts and cooperative agreements funded under Titles I through VII of the Rehabilitation Act.”

“This project is attempting to “develop new leadership and increase the number of individuals serving as disability advocates in their respective communities,” McLaughlin said. “ Based on his character, ability, and goals, Mr. Wilson is a “prime” candidate to participate in this training, and this is why I nominated him.”

This is further exemplified by his willingness to conduct national a regional presentations. In fact, he will serve as “co-presenter” with Dr. McLaughlin of “ Best Practices in Developing Multicultural Competent Counselors” at the National Association of Multicultural Rehabilitation Concerns Annual Training Conference, which will be held in San Antonio , TX , July 20-24. Five other students will also be attending and presenting at the conference. They are Janice Perez, Sandy Giger, Martin Giger, Shelby Swords, and Rebecca Miller.

“Having this training and conducting presentations will afford Mr. Wilson the opportunity to strengthen his leadership skills, as well as “enable” him to become more definitive in his goals toward working with and serving people with disabilities,” McLaughlin said. “We all are not privy to such opportunities, especially not undergraduate students, and I am so proud and happy that Mr. Wilson, as well as the other students, has decided to take advantage of all that has been offered to him. This can have such a positive impact on his future.”

Wilson is currently doing an internship in the Office of Disability Services.

Last Updated July 2, 2007>