Professor EmeritusWil Counts has dedicated much of his life to molding the minds of young students, from his early years at GateWay Community College (known then as "Maricopa Technical College") until his retirement in 2008. More impressively, Counts, a faculty emeritus of psychology, made perhaps his greatest impact improving the south Phoenix community and serving its residents for more than three decades.

For those efforts, he was recognized as a recipient of the Martin Luther King, Jr. "Living the Dream" award during the 26th Annual MLK Awards Breakfast, a collaboration between the Arizona Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee and the City of Phoenix. The celebration honors individuals who invest a personal commitment to civil rights, embrace diversity and promote social causes throughout the community.

"Unlike most celebrations, our keynote speakers are our honorees," said Andrea Hardin, MLK Awards Breakfast chair and celebration committee member. "They not only receive this wonderful award but they have the opportunity to express themselves about the legacy of Dr. King and the legacy that they have imparted on our community."

Counts’ service initially dates back to the 1970’s when he opened the Terros drug rehabilitation facility, which helped minority residents overcome the struggles of drug and alcohol addiction. He also played a vital role in the founding of the Juneteenth Scholarship Program which provides assistance to inner-city youths who face financial barriers as well as the expansion of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Program geared toward college students who actively embody the principles of Dr. King.

Moreover, Counts has been an advocate for cultural diversity and equality, particularly in higher education. A product himself of the Maricopa Community Colleges, his efforts to educate inner-city residents enabled him to become a founding member of South Mountain Community College. He has worked with the American Psychological Association to ensure culturally-diverse curriculum in the field of psychology and even received a Distinguished Service Award from the association in 2002. In addition, Counts has been named Faculty of the Year at GateWay, been honored by the Arizona Alliance of Black School Educators, and has served on the board of the American Cancer Society, all in the name of community and educational activism.

“Dr. Counts is a very gifted gentleman and incredibly thoughtful as well,” Hardin said. “He has attained so many things in his life, and he continues to be personally involved with what is best for his students and the people he serves.”

Although he has received many accolades throughout his career, the fact that the “Living the Dream” award bears the name of Dr. King, whom Counts had the privilege of meeting when he was in high school, makes this honor particularly special.

“Dr. King was a tremendous influence in my life,” Counts said. “He was given a special mission to impact the lives of people throughout the world in a spiritual way with the ultimate goal of improving race relations for all.”