May 16, 2012

Wituk recognized by Wichita Business Journal as 40 Under 40 awardee

Recently Scott Wituk, director of WSU's Center for Community Support and Research (CCSR), was selected as a member of the Wichita Business Journal's 40 under 40 for 2012. The 40 Under 40 honorees are compiled from nominees based on leadership, community involvement and contribution to their organization. Wituk has been with CCSR for nearly 20 years and has served as director for the past two years.

Wituk was selected as a 40 under 40 honoree due to his involvement in creating thriving and supportive communities and organizations and his background in community leadership, organizational capacity building, and applied research and evaluation methods. He works with nonprofit organizations, community coalitions, government entities, mental health consumer organizations and self-help support groups.

"I'm fortunate to be involved with some amazing projects and people in Wichita and across Kansas. We (CCSR) get to do some really exciting work," Wituk said.

One of CCSR's recent initiatives, supported by the Kansas Health Foundation, involves assistance to 20 Kansas community coalitions who are working to improve local health and wellness.

Wituk also mentions his commitment to WSU students. "I'm interested in finding additional ways in which we can involve WSU students in our projects. We've had a strong relationship with several WSU departments who have students that want hands-on experience. I hope we can build upon those relationships and create new ones, providing a unique opportunity for WSU students that they cannot find anywhere else."

In addition to his work in the community, Wituk is also known for his academic efforts. He recently co-edited a book, "Mental Health Self-Help: Consumer and Family Initiatives" and has 25 peer-reviewed research publications.

Wituk is a WSU research professor and serves as an adjunct professor of psychology.