Wilson hired to direct Horizon Leadership Program
FOR RELEASE: Sunday, June 14, 2009
Huntington, Ind.-Huntington University and Youth for Christ USA have hired Arthur Wilson as the director of the Horizon Leadership Program. Launched in the fall of 2008, the Horizon Leadership Program is a partnership between Huntington University and Youth for Christ USA with the goal of creating a more racially and ethnically diverse campus. A cohort of students from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds is selected each year to receive the Horizon Leadership Scholarship. A combination of federal, state and institutional aid, the scholarship covers all fees associated with tuition and housing costs for up to 10 semesters.
"As a first-generation minority college student in a predominantly white evangelical environment, I've known, experienced and successfully completed the journey that every Horizon student has the opportunity to travel," Wilson said. "Having that experience made it an easy decision for me and my family to accept the director's position and give back to the kingdom of God what He had given to me, a chance to obtain a Christ-centered education, a chance to be an ambassador and educator of my culture, a chance to fellowship and love outside of my race and a chance to pioneer a new work in my family that has never been done before."
Wilson formerly served as the City Life coordinator for Fort Wayne Area Youth for Christ. City Life is a division of the Primetime Community Center that oversees day-to-day operations of the center and partners with Huntington University to offer educational resources, recreational activities, group meetings, small groups and Bible studies to at-risk teenagers.
Wilson has represented Fort Wayne Area Youth for Christ on a national level by serving as a camp speaker and as a member of the City Life National Team. In addition to his role at Huntington University, he serves as the assistant pastor at New Covenant Worship Center in Fort Wayne. Wilson also is the board chair for the Southeast and Old Fort YMCAs of Fort Wayne. In 2004, he graduated from Taylor University Fort Wayne with a Bachelor of Science degree in pastoral ministries. Wilson and his wife, Shanon, have four children and reside in Fort Wayne.
Some of Wilson's goals for the Horizon Leadership Program include "ensuring that current Horizon students are successful in obtaining a four-year degree, providing effective advocacy and mentoring for current Horizon students, expanding the awareness and participation of the program to key City Life ministry sites within Youth for Christ USA, developing indigenous leaders from the program that are capable and willing to serve Christ through various employment and volunteer opportunities that impact the lives of at-risk youth and families within their communities, and establishing the Horizon Leadership Program as one of the most sought-after opportunities for prospective youth in the Great Lakes region."
In addition, Wilson would like to establish a college preparatory program for high school students who are prospective Horizon scholars. His vision is to collaborate with the Primetime Community Center and other area youth-focused organizations.
"This program would not just provide students with access to a college education but it would equip them, through various activities and information-sharing opportunities, with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully continue their education beyond high school," he said.
Wilson's personal goals are to "continue to allow God to use my life to inspire and change the lives of others, continue to pursue knowledge and education, and continue to provide and be for my family what God has always been for me-constantly available to exhibit love, support and service."
"The benefit that I have in directing the Horizon Leadership Program is the solid foundation upon which it was established by the former director, Amber Brown," Wilson said. "She did an exceptional job constructing an excellent framework for me to continue to utilize with a few adjustments and changes."
