April 15, 2025
Ferris State President Pink honored by Detroit organization for supporting educational opportunities in the region
Ferris State University President Bill Pink is being honored with a Game Changer Award by the Payne-Pulliam School of Trade and Commerce, a non-profit organization, for his work expanding educational opportunities in the Detroit area.
Pink is among five leaders saluted by the organization, with a presentation planned for Thursday, April 17 at the school’s Door Opener Awards celebration.
The Payne-Pulliam School, founded by Betty Pulliam and Freddie Payne, has been serving the Detroit community for more than 50 years, providing training for employment, financial coaching, basic literacy, GED preparation, soft skills, entrepreneurship, and other fields.
The organization provides service in the workforce development sector and currently facilitates a Detroit At Work Career Center on the east side of the city.
“Dr. Bill Pink was chosen as one of our Game Changer Awardees because of his shared passion for education and the workforce in Michigan,” program manager Trudy Matthews said. “He is the first African American president of Ferris State University since its inception in 1884. He is a truly a ‘Door Opener,’ offering opportunities for students in the state of Michigan. He is a ‘Game Changer.’”
Ferris State has a Student Success Hub serving metro Detroit, a partnership with Macomb Community College providing students access to classes and support services.
The university also will be a partner in Bedrock’s plans for the phased development of a dynamic 14-acre district in downtown Detroit that will focus on fostering innovation in life sciences, technology and entrepreneurship.
The project includes BAMF Health, Michigan Innovation Headquarters, and Wayne State University and its TechTown Detroit entrepreneurship hub, with others to be determined as development proceeds.
“It’s an honor for Ferris State to be recognized for the work we’re doing in Detroit and throughout Michigan,” Pink said. “For 140 years, our mission has been to expand access to quality education for all Michiganders. While we’ve welcomed Detroit-area students to our Big Rapids campus for decades, we’re now bringing more opportunities directly to the community. That not only strengthens Detroit—it strengthens our entire state.”
The 30th Annual Door Openers Even is the organization’s fundraiser and celebrates leaders who have opened doors for others. The founders created the event because they believe several doors were opened for them during their 50-plus year journey and felt it only fitting to honor those in the community who open doors for others.
Other awardees are the Rev. Solomon Kinloch, Pastor, Triumph Church; Marvin Beatty, chief community officer of Hollywood Casino at Greektown; Rev. Dr. V. Lonnie Peek Jr., E Business Strategies LLC CEO; and Isaiah "Zeek" Williams, founder of New Era Detroit.