Wayne State welcomes accomplished new faculty for 2024-25

Students aren't the only ones excited for the new academic year: Wayne State University has begun the academic year with 66 new faculty members joining its 13 schools and colleges between July 1 and Sept. 1. The tenured, tenure-track, and full-time faculty join Wayne State from prestigious universities around the country. These new faculty are showcased on a new webpage that include academic profiles and departmental information.

"Our faculty lead our mission to advance knowledge and prepare a diverse student body to thrive, and we are proud to welcome these highly accomplished scholars," said Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Laurie Lauzon Clabo, Ph.D. "These new faculty members will partner with our students in a world-class educational experience and bring significant expertise that will enhance our community. We look forward to their academic and research contributions here at Wayne State."

New faculty members say they chose Wayne State for many reasons, including the diverse backgrounds amongst the student body, its commitment to student success, opportunities for transdisciplinary collaboration at a major research university, and its urban location in a dynamic city.

Assistant Professor of Global Supply Chain Management Junwoo Cha, Ph.D.

"I chose to join the Mike Ilitch School of Business because of its outstanding reputation for fostering innovation and excellence in business education," said Global Supply Chain Management Assistant Professor Junwoo Cha, who earned his Ph.D. at the University of Tennessee. "The school's strong emphasis on experiential learning and its connections to the thriving business community in Detroit were particularly appealing to me."

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to 10 new faculty members this fall.

Assistant Professor of Chemistry Matthew Dent, Ph.D.

Matthew Dent, assistant professor of chemistry, brings a National Institute of Mental Health NIH Pathway to Independence Award for highly promising postdoctoral scientists with him. He secured the award as a postdoctoral researcher in the Vascular Medicine Institute at the University of Pittsburgh. He earned his Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

"As a scientist, I strive to pursue important research questions that will have a positive impact on the world, but I also believe that the people I train will largely outshine my individual impact," said Dent. "I believe that I am well-aligned with the mission of the university and my department, and I am excited to get started with trainees in my laboratory and classroom!"

For Jennifer Bird-Pollan, the new Alan S. Schenk Chair in Taxation and professor of law, who joins WSU from the University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law, it's a bit of a homecoming.

Professor of Law and Alan S. Schenk Chair in Taxation Jennifer Bird-Pollan, J.D., Ph.D.

"My family are all in the Detroit area, so I was always excited to come home," said Bird-Pollan, who earned her law degree at Harvard and her doctorate in philosophy from Vanderbilt University. "Wayne Law is in an incredible place right now, with a strong faculty, exciting projects on the horizon, wonderful students and the potential to become even greater. It was very exciting to consider joining such a fantastic law school. I have been impressed by everyone I've met and am eager to get into the classroom to get to know the students. And my mom is a Wayne Law alum, so that feels extra-special!"

New faculty orientation for full-time faculty was held Aug. 19 and provided a resource fair and presentations on a variety of topics including an overview of the student body, research support and instructional resources. Faculty were also given opportunities to take a bus tour of the city. The day ended with a reception hosted by WSU President Kimberly Andrews Espy, Ph.D.

"We are thrilled to welcome such a talented cohort of scholars to our outstanding faculty," said President Espy. "Their infectious enthusiasm, dedication to impactful teaching and innovative scholarly research competencies will serve to strengthen the top-tier education provided to our students and provide benefit to our community and world."

The Office of Faculty Affairs and Development in the Division of Academic Affairs, will host a new faculty seminar series throughout the semester with sessions on student conduct and care; academic grading and policies; and international opportunities for new faculty.

Wayne State has approximately 1,470 full-time and 850 part-time faculty members.

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