Kimberly Andrews Espy

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Kimberly Andrews Espy
Kimberly Andrews Espy, Ph.D.jpg
Espy in 2023
13th President of Wayne State University
Incumbent
Assumed office
August 1, 2023 - September 17, 2025
Thesis Neurobehavioral development in preterm infants prenatally exposed to cocaine  (1994)

Kimberly Andrews Espy is an American neuropsychologist and former academic administrator. She was the first woman to serve as President of Wayne State University during her tenure from August 2023 to September 2025. [1]

Contents

Early life and education

Espy was born and raised in Cincinnati. [2] She graduated from Cincinnati Country Day School in 1981 and was a National Merit Scholar. [3] Espy completed a Bachelor of Arts in psychology at Rice University in 1985. Following this, she received a Master of Arts in 1988 and a Doctor of Philosophy in 1994, both in clinical neuropsychology and from the University of Houston. She then became a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Arizona College of Medicine from 1994 to 1996. [4] During her studies, Espy's research focused on the impact of cocaine and pregnancy. [5]

Career and image

Upon completing her postdoctoral studies, Espy accepted a professorship at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. [4] Upon joining the faculty in 1996 as an associate professor, Espy began to study the impact of smoking and pregnancy instead of cocaine. [5] She also led a five-year research project investigating how preschoolers developed self-control. [6] In 2005, Espy left Southern Illinois University to become the associate vice chancellor for research at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL). [7] She also served as acting dean of UNL's Graduate Studies and directed the school's Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab. [8] In 2008, Espy helped UNL secure a National Science Foundation's ADVANCE program grant to recruit, promote and retain female faculty in the STEM fields. [7] After six years at UNL, Espy became the vice president for research and innovation at the University of Oregon. [9]

Espy worked at the University of Oregon from 2011 until 2014. [10] While at the University of Oregon, she led a partnership to establish the South Willamette Valley Regional Accelerator and Innovation Network and secured its initial state funding. [11] In 2014, Espy returned to her alma mater, the University of Arizona, as their senior vice president for research. [10]

Espy left Arizona in 2018 to become the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). [12] As UTSA, Espy oversaw the establishment of the Najim Center for Innovation and Career Advancement [13] and the opening of the San Pedro 1 Building, housing UTSA's School for Data Science. [14]

On August 1, 2023, Espy became the first woman to serve as president of Wayne State University. [1]

On May 29th, 2024, Espy authorized a police raid of a pro-Palestinean student encampment, leading to the arrest of at least 11 students and the alleged removal of a student's hijab by Wayne State Police. Espy was criticized by the Wayne State chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine, and by local media for authorizing the use of police force on Wayne State University students. Her decision sparked further protests by student organizations, many of which demanded her resignation. [15] [16] [17] [18]

On September 12th, 2025, Espy removed School of Medicine Dean Dr. Wael Sakr from office without formal explanation, evoking criticism from Wayne State students, faculty, and the Wayne State Board of Governors. [19] [20]

On September 17th, 2025, Espy resigned as President of Wayne State University following a leaked plan from the Board of Governors for her dismissal from office.[16]

References

  1. 1 2 Kyaw, Arrman (July 3, 2023). "Dr. Kimberly Andrews Espy Named First Woman President of Wayne State University" . Retrieved May 2, 2025.
  2. ↑ Davies, Natalie (March 27, 2024). "President Espy celebrates Investiture". Archived from the original on May 3, 2025. Retrieved May 3, 2025.
  3. ↑ Munsen, Rosemary (June 1, 1981). "Debs Looking Forward To Gala Season". The Cincinnati Enquirer. Retrieved May 2, 2025– via newspapers.com.
  4. 1 2 "About Kimberly Andrews Espy". Wayne State University. Archived from the original on April 2, 2025. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
  5. 1 2 Jaehnig, K.C. (August 25, 2003). "Researchers look at impact of nicotine on babies". Daily Republican-Register. Retrieved May 2, 2025– via newspapers.com.
  6. ↑ Jaehnig, K.C. (February 26, 2004). "Project explores how preschoolers develop self control". Daily Republican-Register. Retrieved May 2, 2025– via newspapers.com.
  7. 1 2 Lee, Tiffany (November 6, 2024). "Espy offers wisdom on successfully navigating career challenges facing women". University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
  8. ↑ "Farewell reception for Espy is today". University of Nebraska–Lincoln. June 8, 2011. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
  9. ↑ "Nebraska's Espy chosen to head research and graduate studies". University of Oregon. April 13, 2011. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
  10. 1 2 "Vice President Espy to take research position at University of Arizona". University of Oregon. April 15, 2014. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
  11. ↑ "Oregon RAIN receives legislative approval, funding". University of Oregon. July 26, 2013. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
  12. ↑ Robbins, Robert C. (April 18, 2018). "Thank you and congratulations to Dr. Kimberly Andrews Espy". University of Arizona. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
  13. ↑ Garza, Jennilee (2021). "UTSA Receives $3 Million Commitment for Najim Career and Innovation Center". University of Texas at San Antonio. Archived from the original on February 7, 2021. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
  14. ↑ Fish, Christi (January 9, 2023). "UTSA hosts grand opening of San Pedro I, an epicenter for high-tech education and research". University of Texas at San Antonio. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
  15. ↑ Neavling, Steve (2024-05-31). "Wayne State faculty demand President Espy's resignation after student protest encampment raid". Detroit Metro Times. Retrieved 2025-09-17.
  16. ↑ Raiyn, Nargis Rahman, Amanda LeClaire, Sascha (2024-06-27). "Pro-Palestinian students share concerns at virtual WSU Board of Governors meeting". WDET 101.9 FM. Retrieved 2025-09-17.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  17. ↑ James, Janelle D. (2024-05-30). "Wayne State University police dismantle encampment; 13 arrested". BridgeDetroit. Retrieved 2025-09-17.
  18. ↑ Javed, Faraz; Speagle, Brandon (2024-04-30). "WSU faculty and staff members condemn university president and Board of Governors in an open letter". WXYZ 7 News Detroit. Retrieved 2025-09-17.
  19. ↑ Wisely, John. "Wayne State medical school's interim dean resigns amid controversy involving predecessor". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved 2025-09-17.
  20. ↑ Atwood, Sarah. "Wayne State medical school dean's return demanded as board seeks Espy's exit". The Detroit News. Retrieved 2025-09-17.
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