BOG Notebook: Wayne State Board of Governors adopts refreshed strategic plan, moves forward with emerging school of public health, approves FY 2027 budget

Members of the strategic plan refresh committee attended the Board of Governors meeting on Thursday, June 25, where Our Moment is Now was adopted.

Our Moment Is Now: At its meeting on Thursday, June 25, the Board of Governors adopted a refreshed strategic plan, Our Moment Is Now. The plan is intended to translate Wayne State's momentum into sustained, visible progress for our students, faculty, staff and the communities we serve by guiding priorities and decision-making. The result of a year-long collaborative effort involving faculty, students, staff and university leadership, the updated framework sharpens WSU's institutional focus around three core priorities and four cross-cutting themes.

"When Wayne State University launched a refresh of its strategic plan, the goal was not to replace our vision or start from scratch, but to refine it by clarifying priorities, focusing our institutional energy and ensuring our strategy is both actionable and measurable for the years ahead," said President Richard A. Bierschbach. "A great deal of work has brought us to this moment, and we're ready to move forward with Our Moment Is Now."

Interim Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Keith E. Whitfield, who chaired the strategic plan refresh committee, said the university's progress over the past three years made the refresh a natural next step.

"The strategic plan adopted in 2022 laid a strong foundation for where we are today. We refreshed the plan because we had already achieved many of its 94 goals, including raising our six-year graduation rate to the national level of 60%. It was time to build on that foundation."

Dr. Bernard J. Costello shared a presentation about the emerging school of public health, highlighting community-based research impacts, strong workforce alignment, enrollment potential, research funding opportunities and interdisciplinary collaboration, among other benefits.

School of public health: The board also voted unanimously to move forward with plans for the emerging school of public health, marking an important milestone in the ongoing initiative to address health inequities and prepare students to improve health and well-being across Detroit, Michigan and beyond through academic programs, community-connected partnerships and research efforts. The approval follows nearly four years of planning and discussion marked by broad consultation, shared governance and ongoing opportunities for community input.

"The school of public health has the potential to fulfill our mission in serving Detroit's health and allow us to grow in new ways. This is a unique opportunity to design our future for success," said Dr. Bernard J. Costello, senior vice president for health affairs, who highlighted community-based research impacts, strong workforce alignment, enrollment potential, research funding opportunities and interdisciplinary collaboration, among other benefits.

Budget: The board also approved the university's general and auxiliary fund operating budget for fiscal year 2027, capping off months of extensive planning, thoughtful dialogue and collaboration.

Senior Vice President for Finance and Business Affairs, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Bethany Gielczyk and Brelanda Mandija, assistant vice president for budget and planning, shared detailed expense and revenue data and recommendations ahead of the vote, emphasizing the university's commitment to strategic financial stewardship. The board approved a balanced general fund budget totaling $1.1 billion.

Brelanda Mandija shared detailed expense and revenue data ahead of the board's approval of a balanced general fund budget totaling $1.1 billion.

"Experiencing the level of engagement, commitment and expertise across campus is truly inspiring and makes me incredibly proud to be part of this team. Throughout this process, it is clear that every leader and member of our community is deeply committed to the university and the success of our students," Mandija said. "As we navigate enrollment pressures and state and federal challenges, that shared commitment and the understanding that we're all in this together is what makes this university just such a strong and resilient place."

As part of the budget, the board approved an increase in undergraduate and graduate tuition fees to support instructional quality, student services and operational needs. This year's 4% tuition increase was accompanied by an additional $2.5 million investment in financial aid, bringing Wayne State's institutionally funded financial aid to $106 million, an increase of more than 68% over the past decade. Housing rates will again remain flat for the fourth consecutive year.

Between 2023-26, Wayne State's average undergraduate tuition rate increases have been the lowest in the state and among the lowest for graduate students. Wayne State has the lowest tuition of Michigan's four top-tier research universities. The university also serves student families who, on average, have the fewest financial resources while students achieve six-year graduation rates in the top half of the state's public universities.

New academic programs: The board approved three new academic programs, including graduate certificate programs in applied artificial intelligence, basic medical science and cybersecurity. A new college-level center in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences - the Barber Center for Multiscale Systems Biology - was posthumously named in honor of alumnus and long-time Wayne State supporter Richard J. Barber, who had a distinguished career as an author, consultant, academic and public servant.

President Richard A. Bierschbach shares university highlights with the Board of Governors.

University Report: President Bierschbach highlighted numerous recent successes, including spring Commencement, Wayne State Advocacy Day, a successful Year of Focus series themed around AI and ongoing preparation for the public launch of a comprehensive campaign. He also congratulated faculty, staff and students from across campus on recent recognitions and accomplishments. The full University Report is available here.

Other business: At the recommendation of Whitfield and Vice Provost for Strategic Enrollment Charles Cotton III, the board also voted to eliminate the standard test score requirement for admissions applications for the fall 2027 semester, continuing a proven test-optional pathway (first adopted by WSU in 2020) that is increasing in popularity nationwide to allow more holistic application reviews.

Dr. Britany Affolter-Caine, executive director of Research Universities for Michigan (center, with Dr. Ezemenari Obasi, vice president for Research and Innovation, and Ned Staebler, vice president for Economic Development and TechTown president and CEO), spoke about Wayne State's tremendous research and economic impact.

The Division of Research & Innovation and the Division of Entrepreneurship and Economic Development invited Dr. Britany Affolter-Caine, executive director of Research Universities for Michigan (RU4M), to speak about the alliance's impact, initiatives and ongoing advocacy. Michigan's R1 research universities generate nearly $36 billion in economic impact each year, with Wayne State contributing $4.6 billion as the state's only urban R1 research institution.

"When people hear 'university research,' they might think of labs or academic papers," she said. "What it really means is jobs, small businesses getting contracts, students gaining skills and billions of dollars coming into Michigan."

The Board of Governors will meet next on Friday, October 2, 2026.