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Wayne State University

Dear campus community,

After a longstanding career in government and community affairs, including more than 13 years of service to Wayne State University, Patrick Lindsey has decided to retire from his position as community relations vice president. Please join us in wishing Patrick a hearty “thank you” and best success in his next chapter.

Patrick has been a presence on campus and throughout the community since he joined the Wayne State team in 2012. His extensive external relations expertise, combined with his prior leadership experiences, commitment to service and “servant-leader” attitude, helped grow the university's government and community affairs functions. During his tenure at Wayne State, Patrick played key roles in many impactful collaborations for our campus community, including:

  • Leading governmental advocacy to secure more than $100 million in state funding for the construction of the Wayne State University Health Science Research Building and $30 million for the WSU Law School, both currently in the design phase, as well as the completed Integrative Biosciences Center ($30 million) and STEM Innovation Learning Center ($14.75 million).
  • Coordinating Lansing advocacy days for faculty, students and student organizations to advocate for policies that support Wayne State’s success.
  • Serving as a mediator to strategically navigate and resolve difficult issues involving the university and external organizations.
  • Working with the Wayne State Student Senate to establish and formally announce a polling station at the Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights at the Wayne State University Law School.
  • Engaging the community in WSU’s mission through ongoing input and dialogue in the President’s Community Advisory Group.
  • Orchestrating WSU's annual, community-centered Tribute to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Prior to joining Wayne State, Patrick led the governmental affairs and development functions at Focus:HOPE, a venerable community-serving nonprofit in Detroit. He previously managed state and local government advocacy and community relations at Chrysler for 20 years. He is a native Detroiter and — though he is a proud University of Michigan graduate — his passion for Wayne State and its mission is always clear.

Patrick’s last day in the office was April 30, 2025. In recognition of his impressive career of service to Wayne State University, Detroit and the region, please join us as we celebrate his success at an open house the afternoon of May 22. More details to follow. Patrick is leaving a long legacy of impact on Wayne State, on which we will build in the years to come!

Dr. Kimberly Andrews Espy
President

Dr. Melissa J. Smiley
Chief of Staff and University Relations Officer