Wayne State Names Richard Bierschbach as 14th President

Former law school dean has been serving as interim president since September

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Wayne State University Board of Governors has named Richard Bierschbach as the school's 14th president. Bierschbach has been serving as president on an interim basis since September, when he replaced former President Kimberly Espy, who resigned a little more than two years into her tenure. Bierschbach is a lawyer by training who served as dean of Wayne State Law School for eight years before being named interim president.

Why it matters

Wayne State has seen significant leadership turnover in recent years, with Bierschbach becoming the school's third president in less than three years. Bierschbach faces the challenge of providing stability and continuity at a critical moment for the university, which has seen enrollment growth but also faces broader challenges facing higher education institutions.

The details

Bierschbach replaces Kimberly Espy, who resigned in September citing personal reasons. Espy had drawn criticism from some faculty and students who considered her aloof and unwilling to engage. Bierschbach's appointment was praised by the Detroit Regional Chamber, which cited the need for continuity and stability in Michigan's higher education system.

  • Bierschbach has been serving as interim president since September 2025.
  • Espy resigned as president in September 2025, a little more than two years into her tenure.

The players

Richard Bierschbach

The 14th president of Wayne State University, who previously served as dean of the Wayne State Law School and has been serving as interim president since September 2025.

Kimberly Espy

The former president of Wayne State University, who resigned in September 2025 citing personal reasons.

Roy Wilson

The former president of Wayne State University, who served for 10 years before stepping down in 2023 when his contract expired.

Sandy Baruah

The president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber, who praised Bierschbach's appointment.

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What they’re saying

“Continuity and stability are key attributes needed at this critical moment in Michigan's higher education system. Additionally, and importantly, Richard is not just fully committed, but fully engaged, in the work Wayne State has led in dramatically improving student performance and outcomes as well as the work led by Chamber to accelerate the innovation economy in the Detroit Region.”

— Sandy Baruah, President and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber (freep.com)

“For families like mine, higher education wasn't a given. It was a gift made possible by institutions like Wayne State.”

— Richard Bierschbach (freep.com)

The takeaway

Bierschbach's appointment as Wayne State's 14th president comes at a critical time for the university, which has seen significant leadership turnover in recent years. His challenge will be to provide the stability and continuity needed to address the broader challenges facing higher education institutions, while also building on the university's recent progress in improving student outcomes and supporting the innovation economy in the Detroit region.