Photo credit: David Guralnick, The Detroit News
Wayne State Joins Trend by Selecting Former Dean as President
February 25, 2026
The Detroit News
February 24, 2026
Sarah Atwood
Wayne State University’s Board of Governors on Tuesday elevated interim President Richard Bierschbach to the permanent role, a development that one expert said is a trend among some universities.
Detroit Regional Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Sandy K. Baruah said in a statement that he was delighted with the selection.
“Continuity and stability are key attributes needed at this critical moment in Michigan’s higher education system,” Baruah said. “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.”