Silas Norman Jr., associate dean of admissions, diversity and inclusion at the Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, died on July 17. He was 74 years old and had suffered from cancer.
“We have lost a beloved faculty member, a determined leader, and more importantly, a great man,” said Dr. Jack D. Sobel, dean of the School of Medicine. “In many ways Dr. Norman helped shape our School of Medicine. There are hundreds of people who will never forget his contributions to their success in medical school and in life.”
Dr. Norman was a graduate of Paine College in Augusta, Georgia, where he headed the college’s chapter of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. He was a leader of protests that resulted in the desegregation of Augusta’s city buses. Dr. Norman later served as chair of the board of trustees at Paine College.
Norman graduated from the medical school at Wayne State University in 1976. After graduation, he completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at Detroit General Hospital and then was appointed to the medical faculty at Wayne State. Dr. Norman was appointed assistant dean for admissions in 2003, and associate dean for admissions, diversity and inclusion in 2010.
Dr. Norman also served as chief medical officer for the Michigan Department of Corrections and medical director for the Wayne County Jails. He was the medical director of the State Prison of Southern Michigan in Jackson, where the medical offices are named in his honor.
Dr. Silas Norman was greatly instrumental in my pursuit of higher education at Wayne State University College of Lifelong Learning (East side Center), circa 1970. He was a great inspiration and a tremendous encouragement during my beginning college years. Unfortunately, I just learned of his death today (1-17-16) as I read the paper. Dr. Norman always will be in my thoughts, memories and prayers. May his family be blessed in the love of our Lord, and may Dr. Norman rest in the eternal peace of God. Ben Prince