Wayne State University Athletics

General 5/14/2026 8:51:00 AM Jeff Weiss, Senior Associate Director of Athletics/Media Relations

Wallace Selected To Receive Distinguished Woman in Higher Education Leadership Award

DETROIT -- Wayne State University Director of Athletics Erika Wallace has been selected as a 2026 recipient of the Distinguished Woman in Higher Education Leadership Award (DWA) by the Michigan American Council on Education (MI-ACE) Women's Network.

According to MI-ACE, "this is the highest honor bestowed by our professional organization. We recognize her outstanding leadership, commitment to the advancement of women, and significant contributions to Wayne State University and surrounding communities."

The award will be presented on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, during this year's MI-ACE Women's Network Annual Conference as part of an 11:20 AM luncheon, being held at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing.

"I am incredibly honored to receive this recognition from MI-ACE and to stand alongside so many remarkable leaders across higher education," remarked Wallace. "I've always believed leadership is measured by the opportunities we create for others and the impact we leave behind. I'm proud of the culture we are building at Wayne State Athletics, one rooted in opportunity, mentorship, excellence, and service for everyone in our department and university community. This recognition reflects the outstanding people I have the privilege to work alongside every day, and I remain committed to developing future leaders, supporting student-athletes, and building environments where people are empowered to grow, lead, and make meaningful impact."

The nomination of Wallace mentioned "Erika demonstrates leadership that transforms opportunities for women through mentorship, advocacy, program development and national service that extend far beyond her formal responsibilities.

"Erika leads one of the most complex and visible areas of the university. She builds pathways for women to assume department leadership with confidence and trust. Women occupy most senior leadership roles within Warrior Athletics and fully lead Student-Athlete Support Services. Erika actively mentors women at every career stage and sets mentorship as a core expectation of departmental leadership.

"Within WSU Athletics, Erika promotes women into roles of greater responsibility through deliberate recruitment, hiring, and retention. She ensures women access meaningful growth opportunities and professional development, including participation in Women Leaders in College Sports and related leadership programs, strengthening both career advancement and national engagement.

"Her influence reaches well beyond Detroit. Erika serves on the Board of Directors for Women Leaders in Sports and chairs the NCAA Division II Women's Basketball Committee. Through these leadership roles she shapes leadership development, championship administration and policies that support women student-athletes, coaches and administrators across higher education. Her election to these roles reflects broad recognition of her expertise and impact.

"Erika breaks gender barriers within athletics every day. She challenges outdated assumptions about who leads by delivering results, expanding programs, and forging strategic partnerships. Most recently, she launched Wayne State's first women's soccer program for 2026, creating a landmark opportunity that strengthens women's athletics at the university."

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