Wayne State University Names Interim President Richard Bierschbach as Permanent Leader

Bierschbach, who has served as interim president since September, will take on the role permanently after a successful tenure as law school dean.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Wayne State University's Board of Governors is expected to name Richard Bierschbach, who has served as interim president since September, as the 14th permanent president of the university during a special meeting on Tuesday. Bierschbach, 53, joined WSU in 2017 as dean of the law school after previously serving as vice chair and professor at Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University in New York.

Why it matters

The appointment of Bierschbach as permanent president comes after the resignation of former President Kimberly Andrews Espy, who departed after just two years into her five-year contract. Bierschbach's leadership during his interim term and his prior experience as law school dean have led the board to make him the permanent leader of Michigan's third-largest university.

The details

Bierschbach's research focuses on criminal law and he has been published in many leading law journals. Prior to his academic career, he practiced law after earning his undergraduate and law degree from the University of Michigan. WSU launched a national search for a new president, but Bierschbach's performance during his interim term led the board to make him the permanent choice.

  • WSU appointed Bierschbach as interim president in September 2025 following the resignation of former President Kimberly Andrews Espy.
  • The WSU Board of Governors is expected to name Bierschbach as the 14th permanent president during a special meeting on February 24, 2026.

The players

Richard Bierschbach

The 53-year-old interim president of Wayne State University who is expected to be named the 14th permanent president of the university. Bierschbach joined WSU in 2017 as dean of the law school after previously serving as vice chair and professor at Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University in New York.

Kimberly Andrews Espy

The former president of Wayne State University who resigned after two years into her five-year contract.

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What’s next

The WSU Board of Governors is expected to officially name Richard Bierschbach as the 14th president of the university during a special meeting on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

The takeaway

Bierschbach's appointment as permanent president of Wayne State University comes after a successful interim term and his prior experience as dean of the law school. His leadership and vision for the university have impressed the Board of Governors, leading them to make him the permanent choice to guide Michigan's third-largest university.