In the book The Race Against Time Carson roomed with Mr. Trees at the university. Carson called him Mr. Trees because it was his citizen’s band (CB) radio handle. Mr. Trees was studying to be a minister but he loved to have fun.

Fun for Carson and Mr. Trees included such things as shadowing the nightwatchman after curfew, riding in a shopping cart. pulling pranks on other students and racing automobiles on the college athletic track.

Mr. Trees was instrumental in helping persuade Carson to return to the university when he dropped out after his sophomore year. Once they were reunited, they became roommates for the last three years Carson attended college.