Photo credit: Wayne State University
Why Wayne State Hired its New President From Within
February 25, 2026
Crain’s Detroit Business
February 24, 2026
Sherri Welch
Wayne State University named interim President Richard Bierschbach to the job permanently on Thursday, skipping a national search after the WSU Board of Governors concluded he was the right fit for the role.
Bierschbach’s appointment was welcomed by the Detroit Regional Chamber, which called for steady leadership at the state’s top universities in September amid tensions between WSU’s former president and medical school leadership and others.
“I am delighted with the board of governors’ appointment and approval of Richard Bierschbach as Wayne State University’s new president,” President and Chief Executive Officer Sandy K. Baruah said in a statement forwarded to Crain’s.
“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.”