Wilson named interim campus pastor at Huntington University

HUNTINGTON, Ind. After helping to bring new students to campus through the Horizon Leadership Program, the Rev. Arthur Wilson will now step into the role of interim campus pastor for the 2011/12 school year. As the interim campus pastor, he will be responsible for shaping and mentoring the student body to have hearts for God.

Wilson serves as the director of urban scholarship and mentoring at Huntington University. He came to the university in 2009 to head the Horizon Leadership Program, which he will continue during this interim period.

"Arthur's heart for ministry is obvious, and we look forward to the impact he will have as campus pastor for the coming academic year," said Dr. Ron Coffey, vice president for student life. "We are fortunate to have someone like Arthur who brings proven ministry experience and genuine passion for the spiritual formation of our students at a time when we have a significant need."

Wilson formerly served as the City Life coordinator for Fort Wayne Area Youth for Christ before coming to Huntington. 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.

"Arthur is a gifted ministry professional who has impacted our students in significant and profound ways," said President G. Blair Dowden. "He will do an outstanding job in this new position and will continue to make a positive difference in the lives of our students. I am very grateful that he is a part of the Huntington University community."

Wilson also helped to shape the Horizon Leadership Program at HU to create a more racially and ethnically diverse campus. Launched in the fall of 2008, the program is a collaborative effort between the university and Youth for Christ that is designed to attract and retain students of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds by providing educational, leadership and creative outlets. The Horizon Leader Scholarship covers fees associated with tuition and housing costs for up to 10 semesters through a combination of federal, state and institutional aid.

The program is designed to integrate participating students into an existing fabric of university life and Youth for Christ ministry through community service, academic success, professional/leadership development, spiritual growth and social involvement.

In addition to his role at HU, Wilson serves as the assistant pastor at New Covenant Worship Center in Fort Wayne, Ind. 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. He is currently working toward his Master of Arts degree in youth ministry leadership at Huntington University.

Wilson replaces the Rev. Bill Fisher who left the university in June.