Lori Wischnewsky, Ph.D.
Texas State University
Promising Professional in College Autism Support
Dr. Lori Wischnewsky was nominated by two of her colleagues who wrote that the recipient’s colleagues are “consistently impressed by her enthusiasm, integrity and commitment to student success. She created a new program on campus, while simultaneously pursuing her Ph.D. Her initial vision was to create a program that supported autistic students as they navigated college that would also empower them to participate in shaping the programs and services developed to promote their success. While the program was established as a means of providing additional support to students as they attempted to navigate the unfamiliarity of college, it rapidly became much more than a support program, and has evolved into a comprehensive program offering coaching, workshops, community events and family support.
“She has made a significant impact by cultivating collaborative partnerships with faculty, staff, families, and the community. This has served to enhance and enrich the services provided and has helped to further develop a culture of inclusiveness on our campus by raising awareness and understanding of neurodiversity.”