Wayne State’s Board of Governors approves integrative neuroscience doctorate program

At its last general meeting of the year on Wednesday, Dec. 11, the Wayne State University Board of Governors unanimously approved an exciting new academic initiative.

The doctorate in integrative neuroscience program - also known as INSPIRE - will launch in fall 2025 and will be located in the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Designed to tackle some of today's most pressing challenges in neuroscience, INSPIRE represents a bold, interdisciplinary approach to education and research, combining expertise from biology, psychology, engineering and other disciplines.

A strong advocate for the program, Laurie M. Lauzon Clabo, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, celebrated the approval as a milestone in Wayne State's academic evolution.

"This is a model for us of future programming," Clabo said. "The ability to be interdisciplinary, contemporary and move our offerings forward is key to the university's mission. This program will also serve as the foundation for a submission to NIH, specifically the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, for a T32 application, a critical funding mechanism to support predoctoral and postdoctoral students."

One of INSPIRE's most significant features is its emphasis on collaboration. To ensure that students benefit from a truly cross-disciplinary education, the new program will be supported by 57 faculty members across five colleges in addition to WSU Applebaum, including the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering, College of Nursing, College of Education, and the School of Medicine. Faculty and students from diverse disciplines will work together to address complex issues such as neurological diseases, mental health disorders and cognitive challenges. This collaborative spirit aligns with Wayne State's broader mission to advance education, research and community engagement.

The program also aims to prepare students for a rapidly evolving job market. By focusing on adaptability and cross-disciplinary training, INSPIRE will equip graduates to excel in diverse roles, from academic research to positions in the private sector. The program's approval underscores Wayne State's college-to-career commitment to fostering innovation and excellence, ensuring that graduates are ready to lead in a competitive global landscape.

As the program prepares to welcome its first cohort in 2025, it marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for Wayne State and its mission to push the boundaries of scientific understanding.

Keast Commons update

The Board of Governors approved a $4.3 million revitalization of Keast Commons, which will be funded from the Reserve for Special Non-Recurring Funds and the Housing Authority Office account.

Robert Davenport, associate vice president of Facilities Planning and Management, said the restoration will give "the institution the unique opportunity to redesign the area to become a more future focused, inviting and vibrant gateway into the Midtown campus, as well as celebrate the use of green infrastructure and sustainability strategies." The project will include appropriate drainage, irrigation, lighting, landscaping and some seating while maintaining a large open space to allow for flexible recreational activities.

Keast Commons is currently the central commons for Wayne State student residence halls.

BOG re-elects officers

The Board of Governors unanimously re-elected Shirley Stancato and Bryan C. Barnhill II to one-year terms as the board's chair and vice chair, respectively, at its Dec. 11 meeting.