Photo credit: Ryan Garza, Detroit Free Press
Wayne State Names Richard Bierschbach its 14th President
February 25, 2026
Detroit Free Press
February 25, 2026
John Wisely
The former dean of Wayne State’s Law School, who has been serving as interim president since September, Richard Bierschbach was formally named Wayne State University’s 14th president at a special meeting of the Board of Governors on Tuesday, Feb. 24.
Bierschbach’s appointment drew praise from Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Detroit Regional Chamber.
“Continuity and stability are key attributes needed at this critical moment in Michigan’s higher education system,” Baruah said in a statement. “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 (the) Chamber to accelerate the innovation economy in the Detroit Region.”