Roslyn Artis says she always tried to follow the work of the late civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. while growing up in Raleigh County.

“Dr. King’s dream of social change has always been an inspiration for me,” she said. “I have always tried in my own small ways to follow his work.”

Saturday, Artis will be recognized with the Sharing of Self honor, one of the Living the Dream awards presented as part of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday observance by the Martin Luther King Jr. West Virginia Holiday Commission at the West Virginia Division of Culture and History’s Cultural Center in Charleston’s Capitol Complex.

Artis, vice president of university advancement at Mountain State University in Beckley, says she is humbled to receive such an award.

“It was a surprise to be nominated,” she said. “It is truly a great honor. It is so encouraging and gratifying to be recognized by peers in my community. It was nice that they could see my love for the community.”

Susan Landis, executive director of the Beckley Area Foundation, nominated Artis for the honor.

“She is an unusual person who always places family first, but still finds time to volunteer and be passionate about her work,” Landis said. “She always goes the extra mile and her community recognizes it.”

In addition to her work at MSU, Artis has become known and recognized for her advocacy for children, involvement in the YMCA, the United Way of Southern West Virginia, and serves as a role model for young adults and youth.

“In both her professional and her personal life, Roslyn Artis’ deeds and character call to mind the legacy of Dr. King,” Beckley attorney Bill Wooton wrote in support of Artis’ nomination for the award. “There is not a segment of the local community that has not benefited from Roslyn’s leadership and dedication to our community. Her contribution to our community is too voluminous for inclusion in this brief note.”

The Sharing of Self Award is given to a person who has rendered to others in the public or private sector.

“Roslyn is truly deserving of this honor,” Landis said. “She is an amazing person.”

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