The remarkable journey of Matthew Wilson, the president and dean of

Temple University Japan campus, began at the tender age of three when he

impressed a neighbor, Alice, with his ability to communicate and set

his sights on becoming a lawyer. He attended the University of Utah, a

family tradition, and then served as a Mormon elder in Japan, where the

unforgiving climate caused him to return to Utah, facing criticism from

his congregation. Despite the setback, he remained determined to retain

his Japanese language skills, leading him to attend Japanese services

and meet his future wife, Noriko. Matthew and Noriko got married in

Gunma, and with his heart set on a law career, he found work at Yokogawa

Denki. Two degrees at the University of Utah later, he began

undertaking international law studies at Temple University. In

2003-2009, as the law program director, Matthew was part of a

significant milestone, securing the status of a "foreign university,

Japan campus" for Temple amidst the legal and political challenges.

Matthew's outstanding leadership skills and devotion to education and

service have been evident in his remarkable achievements at Temple

University, increasing visibility and undergraduate numbers during the

pandemic.