Dear Wayne Law Community,

It is an honor to write to you as Acting Dean of Wayne State University Law School. This is a moment of excitement for our community. As many of you know, Dean Richard Bierschbach has been called to serve as Interim President of Wayne State University. His leadership and vision have helped shape Wayne Law into the strong, vibrant institution it is today, and we are deeply grateful for his continued guidance and connection to the Law School. I am honored to help steward that momentum forward during this period of transition.

Wayne Law continues to be recognized nationally for its excellence. In the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings, we proudly remain among the Top 75 law schools in the nation, with particular strengths in Environmental Law, Clinical Training, and Part-Time Programs. These distinctions reflect not only our academic rigor, but also our deep commitment to public service, experiential learning, and the success of our students.

That commitment was on full display this past year. Our incoming 1L class is one of the strongest in our history, with a median LSAT of 164 and a median GPA of 3.89. Applications increased by more than 14%, making this one of our most competitive admissions cycles ever and underscoring the growing national demand for a Wayne Law education.

Our faculty and centers continue to lead on issues that matter most. The Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy marked its tenth anniversary with a powerful program featuring U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin and former U.S. Representative John Katko, while also releasing its groundbreaking report on People-Centered Oversight—an innovative framework now informing oversight practices nationwide. Professor John Mogk was recognized with the 2025 John W. Reed Michigan Lawyer Legacy Award for his extraordinary impact over 57 years of teaching, scholarship, and service. And our community grew even stronger with the addition of three exceptional full-time faculty members—Lesliediana Jones, Gabriella Mickel, and Jaelle Richardson—each bringing expertise and passion to their roles.

As Acting Dean, I am committed to ensuring that our students, faculty, and staff continue to thrive during this transition. The Law School’s leadership team remains strong, and our shared mission—to prepare exceptional lawyers, leaders, and advocates—continues without interruption. Dean Bierschbach will return to the Law School in time for our centennial celebration in 2027, and together we will continue building toward that milestone with pride and purpose.

Thank you for your dedication to this extraordinary community. Wayne Law’s legacy of excellence and service is stronger than ever, and I look forward to the incredible achievements we will realize together in the year ahead.

With warm regards,