On behalf of the board of directors, we proudly honor Dr. Wilbur L. Campbell, Ed.D., Co-Founder of Writers, Planners, Trainers, Inc., whose distinguished career in education, research, and public health strengthened the intellectual and programmatic foundation of Writers, Planners, Trainers, Inc.
A three-time graduate of Northern Illinois University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, Master of Science in Education, and Doctor of Education in Business Education, Dr. Campbell’s academic excellence laid the groundwork for a lifetime of scholarship and service. As a National Institute of Mental Health Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at Washington University School of Medicine, he conducted groundbreaking research examining the relationship between substance abuse and suicidal ideation, co-authoring peer-reviewed work published in The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease under the mentorship of Linda B. Cottler.
At Writers, Planners, Trainers, Inc., Dr. Campbell served as Evaluator, Principal Investigator, and Director of Institutional Advancement.
His leadership guided major federally funded initiatives, strengthened evaluation systems, and ensured accountability across HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and outreach programs. He developed and adapted evidence-based interventions, led innovative “Home Grown Interventions” for Prevention for Positives, and evaluated projects funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other state and national agencies.
Throughout his career—including leadership roles with Blacks Assisting Blacks Against AIDS, the St. Louis Health Department, and federal grant review with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration—Dr. Campbell secured and evaluated millions of dollars in funding, expanded access to Ryan White resources, and strengthened systems of prevention and care.
An award-winning educator and mentor, Dr. Campbell’s legacy reflects scholarly rigor, visionary leadership, and an unwavering commitment to equity, quality, and community empowerment. His contributions continue to elevate our mission and expand our impact.