Dr. Larry R. Dickerson, graduate coordinator in the online master’s degree program in Rehabilitation Counseling, has been named the new chief executive officer at Lions World Services for the Blind.

Carl Foreman, the new chairman of the LWSB Board of Directors who has been serving as interim CEO since May, called Dickerson “the perfect person” for the job.

“Larry has actually had a relationship with LWSB for many years,” Foreman said. “So he is no stranger to our organization. His extensive experience in rehabilitation services will serve him well as our new leader.  He is well known and respected across the country in the field of rehabilitation education, which will be a great asset.”

Dickerson said he looks forward to going to work to bring LWSB’s focus back to that of Roy Kumpe who founded the organization in 1947.

“My immediate plans for LWSB are to focus on serving our clients,” Dickerson said. “We need to make every effort that our clients are being counseled and trained so they can function independently and live full, productive lives. That’s clearly our mission.”

Dr. Joel E. Anderson, UALR chancellor, said Dickerson has been a foremost leader in education of the blind in Arkansas over the last quarter century.

“He has repeatedly exhibited effective leadership in responding to new challenges and opportunities,” Anderson said. “He will do that for Lions World Services for the Blind, which will also be a labor of love for him.”