Dr. Matthew Wilson, director of Liberal Arts, is getting the word out about WilmU’s new online Esports Certificate program, which prepares students to compete in the rapidly expanding field with expertise in business, technology, entrepreneurship, and digital media. As a pancreatic cancer survivor, he also is devoted to raising awareness about the disease.

He did both on a live stream cast entitled “Harnessing Gaming for a Better Future” with Gamers We Care. Dr. Wilson appeared with Stephen Sye, CEO and co-founder of Futures First Gaming (FFG), a Middletown-based firm that brings together esports enthusiasts to compete, build community and learn about careers in esports. Students who complete FFG’s Workforce Development Program are awarded six WilmU academic credits to apply directly to the Esports Certificate program.

“It’s been an amazing explosion of connections in learning,” Dr. Wilson says.

The episode was part of a month-long awareness and fundraising effort for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and educated members of the gaming community. Dr. Wilson is chair of the National Volunteer Advisory Council of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and a passionate advocate for early detection.

“I’m so grateful for my second chance,” he says.