Detroit News: President M. Roy Wilson is interviewed at the Detroit Economic Club
Asked to describe Detroit in one word Tuesday, the president of Wayne State University said, “Gritty.” A second later he added, “in a good way,” drawing laughter from the audience at Cobo Center for a Detroit Economic Club luncheon. That same grit applies to the university's students, who deserve to be heard, said M. Roy Wilson, who discussed a wide range of topics as WSU celebrates its 150th anniversary this year. “I think we need to do a better job of responding to what students want, and what businesses want, as opposed to saying we know best and sticking to what you’re used to doing,” he told The Detroit News. “We have to adjust.” He also touched on the nation's intense, widening political divide: “Students need to feel safe expressing themselves, whatever their opinions.” Wilson became the 12th president of Wayne State University on Aug. 1, 2013. He proudly discussed improvements around the campus, including the new Mike Ilitch School of Business on Woodward near the Little Caesar's Arena, made possible by a $40 million investment from Mike and Marian Ilitch.
