Kimberly Andrews Espy

Kimberly Andrews Espy is an American neuropsychologist and former academic administrator. She was the first woman to serve as President of Wayne State University during her tenure from August 2023 to September 2025, when she resigned following criticism from Wayne State faculty and students (see ). She graduated from Cincinnati Country Day School in 1981 and was a National Merit Scholar. Espy completed a Bachelor of Arts in psychology at Rice University in 1985. Following this, she received a Master of Arts in 1988 and a Doctor of Philosophy in 1994, both in clinical neuropsychology and from the University of Houston. She then became a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Arizona College of Medicine from 1994 to 1996. During her studies, Espy's research focused on the impact of cocaine and pregnancy.

Career Upon completing her postdoctoral studies, Espy accepted a professorship at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. In 2005, Espy left Southern Illinois University to become the associate vice chancellor for research at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL). She also served as acting dean of UNL's Graduate Studies and directed the school's Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab. In 2008, Espy helped UNL secure a National Science Foundation's ADVANCE program grant to recruit, promote and retain female faculty in the STEM fields.

Espy worked at the University of Oregon from 2011 until 2014. While at the University of Oregon, she led a partnership to establish the South Willamette Valley Regional Accelerator and Innovation Network and secured its initial state funding. In 2014, Espy returned to her alma mater, the University of Arizona, as their senior vice president for research. As UTSA, Espy oversaw the establishment of the Najim Center for Innovation and Career Advancement and the opening of the San Pedro 1 Building, housing UTSA's School for Data Science.

On August 1, 2023, Espy became the first woman to serve as president of Wayne State University.

On September 12th, 2025, Espy removed School of Medicine Dean Dr. Wael Sakr from office without formal explanation, evoking criticism from Wayne State students, faculty, and the Wayne State Board of Governors.

On September 17th, 2025, Espy resigned as President of Wayne State University following a leaked plan from the Board of Governors for her dismissal from office.