Wayne State University Names Richard Bierschbach as 14th President

Bierschbach was appointed to the interim role in September 2025 after former President Kimberly Andrews Espy stepped down.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Wayne State University Interim President Richard Bierschbach was named as WSU's official president, the university announced on Tuesday. Bierschbach was appointed for a term through June 30, 2030.

Why it matters

Wayne State University is a major public research university in Detroit, Michigan, and the appointment of a new president is an important leadership transition for the institution and the city it serves.

The details

Bierschbach was appointed to the interim role in September 2025 after former President Kimberly Andrews Espy stepped down due to "personal reasons." On Tuesday, the WSU Board of Governors voted unanimously at a special meeting to appoint Bierschbach as the 14th president, effective immediately.

  • Bierschbach was appointed to the interim role in September 2025.
  • The WSU Board of Governors voted to appoint Bierschbach as the 14th president on Tuesday.

The players

Richard Bierschbach

The newly appointed 14th president of Wayne State University. He previously served as dean and John W. Reed Professor of Law at WSU's Law School and has also served as a clerk for U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Raymond Randolph and U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.

Kimberly Andrews Espy

The former president of Wayne State University who stepped down in September 2025 due to "personal reasons."

Bryan C. Barnhill II

The chair of the Wayne State University Board of Governors.

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What they’re saying

“I am honored to serve as the 14th president of Wayne State University and grateful to the Board of Governors for their trust and confidence. Wayne State's mission is rooted in accessible excellence that opens doors and creates opportunity. Every day, our community advances that mission through work that changes lives; strengthens our city, region, and state; and makes an impact around the world. We are public, urban education as it should be.”

— Richard Bierschbach (cbsnews.com)

“We consistently heard from our stakeholders that they wanted a president who understands Detroit and Michigan, has a deep understanding of and authentic connection to our university and its mission, strengthens partnerships, and will tackle challenges and opportunities head-on. The board has found these essential qualities in our interim president. We're grateful to have had such strong, passionate engagement during these sessions and are thrilled to have identified this kind of exceptional leadership from within our own community.”

— Bryan C. Barnhill II, Board of Governors Chair (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Bierschbach's term as the 14th president of Wayne State University will begin immediately and run through June 30, 2030.

The takeaway

The appointment of Richard Bierschbach as the new president of Wayne State University represents a leadership transition for the major public research institution in Detroit, with the board citing his deep understanding of the university, city, and state as key factors in his selection.