Kimberly Andrew Espy, the first woman president of Wayne State University in Detroit, has resigned from her post after only two years in the position and three years before the end of her five-year contract.
“Serving this institution has been an honor, and I am deeply proud of what we have accomplished together — from advancing student success and expanding research innovation to strengthening the community through collaboration,” said Dr. Espy. “With the remarkable students who inspired me every day, this decision was not a simple one, and I look forward to spending more time with my family. I am confident in the university’s continued momentum and further success for the future.”
According to Bridge Michigan, Dr. Espy’s resignation includes a settlement agreement that includes $760,449 and two years of healthcare for her and her spouse, as well as a requirement to relinquish her tenure rights to return to the faculty.
In her initial contract, Dr. Espy was awarded a total annual compensation package worth some $1 million: a base salary of $690,000 that would increase 3 percent each year, along with $220,000 in deferred compensation and supplement retirement income. Additionally, the contract gave her rights to return to the faculty with tenure in the university’s School of Medicine upon the conclusion of her presidency. Thus, Wayne State is saving millions of dollars as a result of Dr. Espy’s separation.
Although Dr. Espy said she resigned for “personal reasons,” a source told Bridge Michigan that Dr. Espy had clashed with the Wayne State board due to perceptions of her commitment to the city of Detroit and concerns from faculty members about her respect and personnel decisions.
Before assuming her presidency in 2023, Dr. Espy held senior leadership roles and faculty positions with the University of Texas at San Antonio, the University of Arizona, the University of Oregon, and Southern Illinois University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Rice University, as well as a master’s degree and Ph.D. in clinical neuropsychology from the University of Houston.