Wayne State University President Kimberly Andrews Espy, Ph.D., has announced the appointment of Melissa Smiley as the new chief of staff and university relations officer, a decision that reflects the university's commitment to community advocacy, executive strategy, organizational operations, and both state and local government leadership. As chief of staff and university relations officer, Smiley will lead the new University Relations division and be responsible for overall external advocacy strategy and operational tactics, uniting university leadership’s efforts and bringing together staff in Government and Community Affairs, Marketing and Communications, and the Board of Governors office.

As a senior at Wayne State University, Bethany Archer’s experiences in and out of the classroom have helped define her goals — while serving the community and jump-starting her career. Archer, who is double-majoring in public health and political science, sought opportunities to better understand the link between policy and public health by working in the field. Archer recently completed an internship with the Detroit Health Department, in line with WSU’s College to Career initiative.

Zoë Rogula '22 sat in Detroit's Shinola headquarters on Milwaukee Avenue with a sense of déjà vu. Standing in front of her were Wayne State University fashion design and merchandising students, who were there to pitch ideas to a room of executives. Just one year prior, Rogula — who now works at Shinola full time as a wholesale brand coordinator — was in their shoes.