Wayne State showcases statewide impact at Advocacy Day

Wayne State University leaders and ambassadors gathered at the Michigan State Capitol on April 29 for Advocacy Day. The team met with lawmakers to advocate for continued investment in higher education and highlight the university's critical role in strengthening Michigan's economy, wellbeing and talent pipeline.

Led by University Relations, the annual event is part of Wayne State's broader efforts to share its story and champion state funding and support. The event brought together representatives from across campus for meetings with members of the House and Senate, connecting with legislators from approximately 45 districts across Michigan.

"We should view our public universities as vital public resources - much like our Great Lakes or state parks - worthy of investment and stewardship. Talent is universal; opportunity should be as well," said Richard Bierschbach, president of Wayne State University. "We all want a stronger, more prosperous Michigan. To achieve it, our leaders must treat our public universities as the economic engines they are - and invest in them accordingly."

A central focus of this year's Advocacy Day was the need for stable, ongoing investment in university operations. Advocates emphasized that recent funding proposals have not kept pace with inflation, effectively reducing resources that directly support students, academic programs and campus services. State funding remains essential to Wayne State's mission, supporting operations, financial aid, capital investments, workforce development initiatives and more. For FY 2025-26, the university's state appropriation is approximately $230 million annually, representing about 30% of its general fund.

"WSU Advocacy Day is focused on state investment, but it's about so much more than the budget. It's about showing legislators what's possible when a university is deeply committed to its students and to Michigan," said Dana Gill, associate vice president for government relations. "Our students, faculty, researchers, staff and alumni are already driving this state forward. When Michigan invests in Wayne State, it invests in its own future."

Advocates also called for continued support of the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, a critical financial aid program that helps make college possible for students across the state, particularly those who are first-generation or from low- and middle-income families.

Wayne State continues to lead in affordability and access, with 6 out of 10 first-year students attending without paying tuition or fees, and 42% identifying as first-generation college students. These outcomes are possible in part through sustained investment programs like the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and the Wayne State Guarantee, which help ensure higher education remains within reach.

That investment delivers long-term returns for Michigan. More than 219,000 WSU alumni live and work in the state, and approximately 81% of graduates remain in Michigan, filling high-demand roles in health care, life sciences, mobility, technology, manufacturing, professional services and more. The university generates an estimated $4.6 billion in annual economic impact through job creation, innovation and regional growth.

Beyond workforce development, Wayne State also holds the Carnegie Foundation's highest designation for research activity and was recognized by US News and World Report again this year as one of the top 100 public universities in the nation. Wayne State research has real-world impact, with its Grand Challenges initiative addressing some of society's most pressing challenges, including lifelong health, sustainability, artificial intelligence and smart mobility.

In addition to operating and financial aid support, WSU leaders also emphasized the importance of funding for infrastructure, technology and safety, as well as advancing capital outlay projects. These investments ensure students have access to modern learning environments and allow the university to continue growing Michigan's talent pipeline. Capital priorities include the forthcoming Health Sciences Research Building and Law Classroom Building, among others. Leaders also highlighted statewide initiatives such as the Michigan Mobile Health Corps, SOS Maternity Network, the Center for Behavioral Health and Justice's Behavioral Health Emergency Response program, and other programs that improve health outcomes, expand access to care and strengthen communities across Michigan.

The event concluded with an evening reception welcoming supporters and alumni, hosted by the Office of Alumni Affairs.

"Advocacy Day doesn't end at a single day at the Capitol. It continues through our alumni, whose passion and successes demonstrate the tremendous impact of Wayne State," said Lyndsey Crum, associate vice president, advancement communication, and engagement and executive director of the WSU Alumni Association. "Our alumni ambassadors play a vital role in telling Wayne State's story, demonstrating the real-world impact of a Wayne State education and helping policymakers see the value of investing in our students and our future."