Larry W. Wilson is an Extension Educator in Community and Economic Development at the Countryside Extension Center and provides community-based leadership training, researches and develops educational programs on community leadership and volunteerism and works closely with community groups and grassroots organizations.

Wilson's education includes a B.S. in animal science and vocational education, a secondary education-teaching certificate and an M.S. in Extension Education. He completed his Ph.D. at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Education in the field of organizational leadership and development.

From January through December 2006, Wilson served on special assignment for the Assistant Dean, Urban and Metropolitan Affairs, University of Illinois Extension as Visiting Educator, Staff Development, Training and Mentoring. From January 1999 through July 2000, Wilson served on special assignment to the Associate Dean, University of Illinois College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, as Program Coordinator for Rural Route 2, a confidential help system for farm families in need. Wilson previously served as interim state specialist in leadership development for the University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service from August 1995 to May of 1996. He also serves as program coordinator for the Marshall Memorial Foundation, Washington, DC in which he develops, organizes and facilitates learning opportunities for young leaders representing the European Community.

Dr. Wilson helped design the national and Illinois Family Community Leadership (FCL) Program that teaches citizens and grassroots leaders how to work with and influence political leaders and public policy. Wilson has worked with all ages and sizes of audiences. His expertise in facilitating educational workshops through an engaging interaction model has been recognized around the world. Wilson and two colleagues have conducted sessions at the Ninth Annual International Conference on Post-Compulsory Education, Griffin University, Queensland, Australia and the International Conference for Adult Literacy, Murdock, University, Perth, Western Australia. Most recently, Wilson conducted educational sessions at the Hawaii International Conference on Education.

In 2007, Wilson was recognized by the Association of Leadership Educators with their Distinguished Service Award, the Highest Honor bestowed by the Association for his service and contributions to the field of leadership Education. Wilson was also inducted into the Distinguished Alumni Society, Lake Land College, Mattoon, Illinois earlier in 2007.

In 2005, Wilson and a team of colleagues received the Outstanding and Innovative Program award, University of Illinois Extension for "Which Way is Right", and educational program for county board members and local officials focusing on risk management. In 2000, Wilson was recognized as the Outstanding Agricultural Alumni by Lake Land College, Mattoon, Illinois.

Wilson received the National Association of County Agricultural Agents Distinguished Service Award for 1996. In 1993, Wilson and the Master Gardener Design Team, Chicago/Cook Unit, received recognition for Outstanding and Innovative Programs. His other awards include the Academic Professional Award for Excellence (1991); Illinois Cooperative Extension Service Peer Award; the Lake Land College Distinguished Alumni Award, (1991); and the National Association of County Agricultural Agents Achievement Award, (1989).

Wilson's professional affiliations include the National and Illinois Association of Community and Economic Development Professionals; the Association of Leadership Educators where he has served as President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Program Chair. Wilson has also provided leadership to the National Association of County Agricultural Agents, Illinois Extension Advisers Association, Epsilon Sigma Phi and Gamma Sigma Delta.

Statewide, Wilson has provided facilitation skills for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Governor's Green Communities Grant Program. Within the Chicago Metropolitan Area Wilson is known for his network of area agencies and organizations. He additionally provides leadership and facilitation skills to numerous Extension Committees and groups at the state and local level.

BARNGA; Where Everything Appears the Same

Developed by Dr. Sivasailam "Thiagi" Thiagarajan, the master of simulations, the BARNGA simulation engages participants in a simple game of cards. Through this simulation, participants actually experience the shock of realizing that in spite of many similarities, people from another culture have differences in the way they accomplish tasks. BARNGA provides the process enabling participants to learn that we all must understand and reconcile these differences if we want to function effectively in a cross-cultural; multi-cultural society.

Enhancing Personal Effectiveness through COLORs

Theory and research does not usually "reach out and touch" us. However, through Enhancing Personal Effectiveness through COLORs the mystery of our own behaviors and personality becomes clear as we explore ourselves. Only then can we understand ourselves, and through better understanding our selves, understand those around us. Thus, our power and our magic are discovered in the "Ah-Ha's" that provide us with clarity and understanding. This information becomes an invaluable tool for enjoying success in life, in our careers, with our family and in personal relationships. This knowledge opens our minds to new possibilities and allows us to undertake workable new actions that become the key factors in increasing good feelings about ourselves and others.

What's Your Type: Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator

Each of us has a natural way of going about our daily lives; from taking in information, organizing that information, coming to conclusions. Each of us does this in a way that "feels right". Each of us is also drawn to either the external or internal world more than the other. When we use our "preferred method" we are generally at our best and feel most competent, natural and energetic.

Realizing that there are no "right or wrong" psychological types, the Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator (MBTI) is a self-report instrument designed to make these psychological types, developed by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, understandable and useful in everyday life. The MBTI will help you identify your strengths and unique gifts to better understand yourself, your motivations, your strengths and potential areas for growth.

TeamWork: How Does it Happen?

In today's world, many situations require teamwork. Teams are part of everyone's life. You may be a member of a family team, a staff or work team, a school team, or a community team. Often we are confronted with increasingly complex and multi-dimensional issues that require a team approach. TeamWork: How Does it Happen? examines the seven stages of team development, the attributes of ideal teamwork relationships, and factors that promote and hinder working relationships. This interactive, engaging program encourages people with complimentary skills and competencies to coordinate their efforts in productive, effective and efficient team endeavors.

Coming Soon!!

The following programs are currently under development. Please check our website in the near future for further details.

Crucial Conversations

Strategic Planning

Customer Service

Working with Differences in Our Communities

Feel free to contact me if the program you have in mind is not listed. We will do our best to connect you with the best resources available to address the training needs of your group or organization.