Plum Tree Blossoms Even in Winter

Dr. M. Roy Wilson is chancellor emeritus of the University of Colorado Denver and Health Sciences Center and thetwelfth president of Wayne State University. Previously, he was dean of the School of Medicine at Creighton University, where he was the youngest medical dean in the country and the second African American dean of a non-HBCU medical school; president of the four campus Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center; dean of the medical school, president, and chair of the board of directors of Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science; and deputy director of strategic scientific planning and program coordination at the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities at the NIH.

The Plum Tree Blossoms Even in Winter is a deeply inspiring and personal story of M. Roy Wilson's struggle and success. Wilson faced numerous barriers throughout his life, from an early childhood marked by difficulties to experiencing racism due to his Black and Japanese heritage to significant health challenges as an adult. Despite these challenges, he persevered, pursuing a medical degree and achieving a highly successful career in ophthalmology, academic medicine, public health, and higher education. His life's journey, which centers on overcoming adversity, is an inspiration that will serve as motivation to all who read about it—but in particular, it will offer hope to young people who face difficult challenges in life." —Victor Dzau, President, National Academy of Medicine"This moving, compelling, fascinating book tells the story of a courageous and extraordinarily accomplished individual whose life journey bears lessons for many of us, including those transitioning between cultures and those aspiring to leadership. It deserves to be widely read."—David J. Skorton, MD, President and CEO, Association of American Medical Colleges; former Secretary, Smithsonian Institution; Emeritus President, Cornell University; former President, the University of Iowa"This riveting and deeply personal biography traces the arc of M. Roy Wilson's extraordinary life with literary detail. It recounts how the son of a Japanese mother and a Black father overcame childhood trauma and many challenges to graduate from Harvard Medical School and ultimately to serve senior medical roles and as president of several leading universities. His incisive account offers important lessons not just on his life but about life in general, race in America, and leadership."—Peter McPherson, President, Association of Public and Land-grant Universities"M. Roy Wilson offers a memoir that is as unexpected as it is powerful, as emotionally moving as it is intellectually provocative. With a cinematic sweep, it depicts the improbable rise of a mixed-race, street-tough, violence-prone young person from the streets of Youngstown to a medical, public, and academic career of transcendent accomplishment. Along the way, Wilson sketches the complexities of family, the timely interventions of friends, the generosity of mentors, and the close connections to colleagues that would ensure that he fulfilled a lifelong dream of service to patients, students, and community. A riveting story that will inspire and humble any reader."—Rip Rapson, President and CEO, The Kresge Foundation"'I resolved to always look to the future and continue to develop and evolve—throughout life.' We are fortunate to witness M. Roy Wilson's resolve and forward vision as he makes a difference every day in Detroit and in Michigan. His courage in sharing his story is a small example of his lifelong commitment to ensuring that education and learning are accessible to and valued by all."—Cindy Pasky, CEO, Strategic Staffing Solutions"Roy Wilson's memoir of overcoming personal, family, and social challenges to become a leader in higher education and in the health professions is truly inspiring. His courage, persistence, and high standards for achievement, integrity, and service show the heights one can reach with determination and focus. Many individuals and institutions are the beneficiaries of his successful journey."—Louis W. Sullivan, MD, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, 1989–1993 and President Emeritus, Morehouse School of Medicine