October 15, 2025

Ferris State President Bill Pink named one of West Michigan's 200 Most Influential Leaders by Crain's Grand Rapids Business

Ferris State University President Bill Pink has been named one of the 200 Most Influential Leaders in West Michigan for 2025 by Crain’s Grand Rapids Business, recognized for his leadership at a university known for creating opportunities that drive student success.

“West Michigan’s dynamic business climate is full of visionaries, passionate leaders and people who thrive on making a difference in their organizations and the community at large,” Crain’s editor Joe Boomgaard wrote in a feature published this week. “Collectively, they shepherd billions of dollars of investment and touch the lives of thousands of employees, all while contributing to the local economy.”

President Pink is one of just five educators included on the prestigious list, alongside Western Michigan University President Russ Kavalhuna, Grand Valley State University President Philomena V. Mantella, Davenport University President Rick Pappas, and Grand Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Leadriane Roby.

Ferris State earned a major distinction this year as the only public university in West Michigan to receive the elite “Opportunity University” designation, awarded by the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education. The honor reflects the university’s commitment to accessibility and its proven track record in preparing students for meaningful, rewarding careers.

That recognition also highlights Ferris State’s growing impact in shaping the talent pipeline for both West Michigan and the entire state. Notably, 54 percent of Ferris State students identify as first-generation college students, and approximately 92 percent of graduates remain in Michigan to build their careers.

In describing the honorees, Boomgaard noted that those selected for the third edition of the list are “captains of industry who have molded the region’s economy into what it is today and driven it to evolve and innovate in ways that ensure its future remains bright.”

Selections were made by the Crain’s Grand Rapids Business editorial team, based solely on the collective news judgment of its editors and reporters.

Pink also was named to the top 200 list in 2023 and 2024 and was named Newsmaker of the Year for education by the publication earlier this year.

Pink became the 19th president of Ferris State University in July 2022, following his tenure as president of Grand Rapids Community College. A native of Abilene, Texas, Pink has taught and coached in Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Oregon. He was inducted into the York College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016 for his accomplishments as a student-athlete.

In addition to his role at Ferris, President Pink serves on the boards of several national and state-level organizations focused on education and economic development.