Bill Rein
William C. (Bill) Rein has been an attorney and healthcare administrator in Kansas and Wyoming for 43 years. His most recent positions were Superintendent of the Larned State Hospital in Larned, Kansas and Administrator of the Wyoming State Hospital in Evanston, Wyoming. Both hospitals have general psychiatric and criminal forensic programs. Prior to his work as a hospital administrator, Mr. Rein practiced mental health, hospital, and administrative law where he represented state agencies before district courts and legislative committees. His career includes work as the chief administrative law judge for a large health agency and State Commissioner of Behavioral Health. In 2018 he received the “Lifetime Achievement Award for improving Mental Health Services to Kansans.”
How has being a mentor for Wilberforce impacted you?
“It is hard to imagine anything more promising than the chance to work with Christian international students and professionals as they assume responsible positions throughout the world. When people bound together by Christianity focus on issues in government, business, and culture the result should be improved understanding and mutual encouragement. This is happening for me at a time when factionalism is tearing nations apart. Christianity is the uniting force which can explain history, inform culture, and further true justice.”
What advice would you give a future Wilberforce mentor?
“Mentorship is about listening, explaining, sharing, and encouraging. Administrators use a similar process to help young professionals learn how to do their jobs. While no teacher can develop mature relationships with every student, mentors can. Mentors bring the lessons of experience to questions and new ideas. The anticipated results are improved understanding, growth, and confidence for everyone involved. However, this can only occur in an environment of mutual respect based upon Christian concern for all who chose to participate.”