Board of Governors approves Institute for AI and Data Science, campus upgrades

Wayne State University continues to set the pace in enhancing the student, faculty and staff experience, as well as in enabling academic and research success across campus. At its Oct. 23 meeting, campus leaders shared division updates and progress reports, and the Board of Governors approved a host of campus upgrades and new academic and research offerings that will benefit Warriors for years to come.

Health Affairs, Research, and Economic Development Committee

WSU Institute for AI and Data Science: Following a presentation by Dr. Hengguang Li, professor and chair of mathematics, and Dr. Dongxiao Zhu, professor of computer science, the Board approved the creation of the WSU Institute for AI and DAta Science (AIDAS). Learn more about the AIDAS here.

Budget and Finance Committee

An Orbitrap Astral Zoom mass spectrometer will make an immediate impact on more than 23 research projects.

New Spectrometer to benefit research programs: The Board approved spending a $1.9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health, for an Orbitrap Astral Zoom mass spectrometer. The tool, which will be housed in the Proteomics Core Research Facility, is the most advanced of its kind and will be a cornerstone of biomedical research. The tool is expected to make an immediate impact on more than 23 existing WSU research programs and is expected to be installed in December 2025.

Athletics facilities upgrades: Wayne State's Athletics campus will also see improvements, with the Board approving the conversion of the existing Intramural Field into a field for the women's soccer team, as well as renovations to the Matthei locker rooms and the addition of bleachers, team shelters, a press box and a new storage facility. Also approved were renovations for the Matthaei swimming pool, which serves as home for WSU's nationally ranked men's and women's swimming and diving teams. Read more about Athletics facilities updates here.

The Board approved various campus update projects, including work to convert the Intramural Field into a field for the varsity women's soccer team.

Additional campus updates: The Board approved the Five-Year Capital Renewal Plan and a Capital Outlay Project Request, which outlines future maintenance needs and anticipates for forthcoming construction at the Law School and renovation and expansion of the Schaver building to accommodate a new school of public health. Also approved were several investments in campus facilities, totaling approximately $22.9 million, including work on campuswide parking, heating and cooling, and classroom spaces.

Academic and Student Affairs Committee

New Healthcare Master of Business Administration: In line with WSU's role as a leader in improving health of local and global communities, the board approved a new program for the Healthcare Master of Business Administration in the Mike Ilitch School of Business. As an accessible online program, it will expand educational opportunities for aspiring and current healthcare leaders, deepen partnerships with regional employers, and support the university's goals of enrollment growth, community engagement and workforce development.

Dr. Kelly Tremblay, professor of communication sciences and disorders, speaks about her work and experiences as a new member of the WSU faculty.

Enrollment: Vice Provost for Strategic Enrollment Dr. Charles Cotton III provided an overview of fall enrollment, which included growth in admissions and strong retention rates at a time when institutions are experiencing enrollment declines. The university marked its third consecutive year of growth, with total enrollment exceeding 24,000, buoyed by growing partnerships with community colleges, strategic enrollment programs and strong financial aid support.

New faculty: Provost and Executive Vice President Dr. Laurie M. Lauzon Clabo highlighted the newest cohort of WSU faculty, which includes 70 new scholars across the university. New faculty members Dr. Kelly Tremblay, professor of communication sciences and disorders, and Dr. Yasemin Gencer, assistant professor of art, art history and design, spoke to the board about their work and paths to WSU.

Board of Governors Meeting

University Report: Interim president Richard A. Bierschbach highlighted a plethora of good news, including WSU's enrollment growth, its most successful fundraising year ever - $138 million from nearly 8,000 donors - and an all-time high of $292 million in research activity. He also touted WSU's advancement in national rankings, the groundbreaking of the Health Sciences Research Building, the kickoff of the innovative Warriors On the Rise assured admissions partnership with Detroit Public Community Schools District, the launch of the Grand Challenges initiative, the AI-themed "Year of Focus," and the forthcoming debut of varsity women's soccer. Bierschbach also saluted faculty from across the university who have achieved national recognition through prestigious awards, research grants and community partnerships. The full University Report is available here.

The Board of Governors will meet again on Friday, Dec. 12 at the School of Medicine.