December 29, 2025

Corp! Magazine names Ferris State President Bill Pink one of Michigan’s Inspiring Leaders

Ferris State University President Bill Pink has been named one of Michigan’s Inspiring Leaders by Corp! Magazine in a special edition published this month.

Corp! Magazine is a Detroit-based magazine that started in 1988 and is targeted at business owners, entrepreneurs, and C-suite executives. Its content focuses on professional success stories, economic trends, and leadership best practices.

The magazine highlighted 102 exceptional leaders across Michigan who are making a significant contribution in their organizations and communities.

“There are scores of business leaders across Michigan who go above and beyond the bounds of leadership to guide their teams to high levels of success, not just in business, but in their communities,” the publication wrote.

“They have the skill and designer to lead their teams to perform at high levels as they try to reach, and exceed, company goals. They lead by example, and their companies benefit from their experience and their drive.”

Pink is one of just five leaders from higher education to be honored. He’s joined by Oakland University President Ora Pescovitz, Grand Valley State University President Philomena V. Mantella, Davenport University President Richard Pappas, and Lawrence Technological University President Tarek Sobh.

“Their leadership and accomplishments truly standout and we’re excited to recognize their contributions,” the magazine wrote.

Under Pink’s leadership, Ferris State earned the elite “Opportunity University” designation, part of a new classification system by the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education. This recognition highlights institutions that enroll diverse student populations and successfully launch graduates into the workforce. The designation reflects that Ferris State grads earn more when starting careers than students graduating from peer institutions.

The publication asked leaders about their approach to decision making during uncertain times and to provide advice for the next generation.

“In uncertain, as well as certain times, I am a deep believer in the power of teamwork,” Pink said. “I put my trust in my team and their input in good times, as well as those more challenging times.”

Pink’s advice for future leaders is to use their voice as a platform for positive change within their organization as well as in their community.

“As a leader, you have a louder megaphone than many people around you, and you must be a good steward of that responsibility,” he said. “Seek to spread the concept of civility in your personal and professional conversations.”

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.