Michigan Future Inc., a Michigan-focused nonpartisan, nonprofit think tank, today announced the addition of Dr. Kimberly Andrews Espy, president of Wayne State University, to its board of directors.
“We’re thrilled Dr. Espy has joined the Michigan Future board,” said Michigan Future Inc. President Lou Glazer. “Higher education sits at the forefront of MFI’s mission, and Dr. Espy’s decades of leadership in higher education will be invaluable as we continue to move Michigan into the 21st century knowledge economy.”
Espy was named president of Wayne State in 2023, and has since launched the institution’s “Prosperity Agenda,” focused on social mobility, urban health, and regional innovation. Prior to coming to Wayne State, Espy served as provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) where she prioritized UTSA’s role as an engine of social mobility. During her tenure, UTSA was a finalist for the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) Degree Completion Award, which recognizes institutions that improve student success and narrow achievement gaps. Espy has also held leadership roles at the University of Arizona, the University of Oregon, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
“Increasing educational attainment, particularly for underrepresented students, is critical to our state’s long-term prosperity, and Dr. Espy brings a deep level expertise – both to the Michigan Future board and to our state – about how we do that,” said Nick Khouri, chair of the Michigan Future Inc. board of directors. “Kimberly is the perfect addition to the MFI board.”
“It is truly an honor to join the Michigan Future Board of Directors and unite around building a prosperous future for our state,” said Dr. Espy. “My experiences in higher education and economic development will bring a valuable perspective to this team, and I also look forward to learning from such a remarkable, talented and dedicated group of leaders.”
Espy joins the Michigan Future Inc. board of directors alongside Sandy Baruah, president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber; Lou Glazer, president of MFI; Paul Hillegonds, former president of the Michigan Health Endowment Fund; Nick Khouri, retired state treasurer; Peter MacGregor, Kent County treasurer; Angelique Power, president and CEO of the Skillman Foundation; Kirk Profit, Profit Legal Services, PLLC; Donald Rencher, president of the Hudson-Webber Foundation; and Dale Robertson, president and CEO of the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
