While living in Dearborn some 30 years ago and working at Ford, Allan Gilmour was asked to get involved in the new Fairlane Medical Center of Henry Ford Hospital. Because the person asking was his boss, Gilmour didn't hesitate, he said with a laugh. From then on, he has been involved in metro Detroit, both in his professional life and in his volunteer efforts. "I've had a fascinating life," he said. "I've been very lucky in that I've been associated with consequential organizations." For his work to improve metro Detroit, Gilmour is this year's recipient of the Neal Shine Award for Exemplary Regional Leadership. "He has a uniqueness that few of us have," said Debbie Dingell, who in her role as a member of WSU's Board of Governors was influential in getting Gilmour to Wayne State. "He lived in Dearborn. He lives in Birmingham now. He works in Detroit. He has roots in all the regions that need to work together to improve the area." During his tenure at WSU, he has worked to retool admission standards and is in the midst of negotiations with the faculty union over a new contract and definitions of tenure. He also has overseen WSU's work in developing Midtown, efforts he was first involved with during his board service at the Henry Ford Medical System. "The three anchor institutions (WSU, HFMS and the Detroit Medical Center) are so important," he said. "When you're here physically, you want a good neighborhood." At his direction, the school also established an Office of Adult Literacy, working with nonprofit Reading Works to help adults across the region boost their skills. In 2013, WSU plans to host a national summit on adult literacy. A photo of President Gilmour is included.

Detroit Free Press
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