Wayne State University's new interim president, Richard Bierschbach, said in a Thursday campus message that he plans to continue to support and advance the mission that makes the university "indispensable."

"I understand that everything we achieve -- our impact on students, our contributions to research, our service to the community -- is built on the hard work and dedication of every one of you, every day," he said. "Together, we will continue to be a place where talented, determined students can achieve their dreams regardless of their starting point; remain a force for positive change in Detroit and beyond; and uphold the academic excellence and integrity that define us as a leading research university."

Bierschbach's message mostly reflected his comments during Wednesday's special meeting of the Board of Governors, who unanimously approved him as interim president, but the message reflects how the former law school dean will approach the temporary role.

"We are urban public education as it should be," he wrote at one point.

"I am grateful to the Board of Governors for their trust during this period of transition," he wrote. "While I will miss my work at the Law School after proudly serving as dean for eight years, I begin this new work with an unwavering belief in our university and everything we represent."

Bierschbach pointed to his dad, who didn't attend college, and his mom, who was the child of immigrants, as an example of the students he served.

"Growing up in a blue-collar household in Wyoming, Michigan, I understood early the transformative power of accessible public education," he said. "My father worked nights in a factory and never attended college. My mother was a first-generation American whose immigrant parents did not finish high school. For families like mine, higher education wasn't a given. It was a gift made possible by institutions like Wayne State."

Bierschbach's contract was not available Thursday, and university spokesman Matt Lockwood could not say when it would be available.

The university has not committed to a timeline to name a permanent president, but Bierschbach's message said the board would soon begin a national search.

Bierschbach's full message is below:

"Dear colleagues and students,

"With great humility and a deep sense of responsibility to our community, I am honored to begin serving as interim president of Wayne State University. I am grateful to the Board of Governors for their trust during this period of transition. While I will miss my work at the Law School after proudly serving as dean for eight years, I begin this new work with an unwavering belief in our university and everything we represent.

"Growing up in a blue-collar household in Wyoming, Michigan, I understood early the transformative power of accessible public education. My father worked nights in a factory and never attended college. My mother was a first-generation American whose immigrant parents did not finish high school. For families like mine, higher education wasn't a given. It was a gift made possible by institutions like Wayne State.

"That belief in public education's power is why I came to Wayne Law in 2017 -- to contribute to the university's essential mission and to serve students who seek the same transformative opportunity that public education provided to me. Since that time, I have witnessed firsthand, again and again, how Wayne State changes lives and empowers communities.

"Wayne State University stands apart through its unique combination of deep student service, genuine community engagement, and extraordinary research and innovation. We serve students who are often the first in their families to attend college, from Detroit neighborhoods to small towns across Michigan and well beyond. We conduct research that addresses profound challenges facing our city, region and state. We provide health care and services that strengthen our community every day. We are urban public education as it should be.

"During my time as interim president, my commitment is straightforward: to support and advance the mission that makes Wayne State University indispensable. I understand that everything we achieve -- our impact on students, our contributions to research, our service to the community -- is built on the hard work and dedication of every one of you, every day. Together, we will continue to be a place where talented, determined students can achieve their dreams regardless of their starting point; remain a force for positive change in Detroit and beyond; and uphold the academic excellence and integrity that define us as a leading research university.

"In the months ahead, I look forward to working alongside each of you to ensure Wayne State University continues to thrive. The board will soon begin a national search to find the next permanent leader for Wayne State's future. As it does so, we will continue building on the remarkable foundation of excellence and impact that defines this extraordinary institution.

"Thank you for your dedication to Wayne State University and for the privilege of serving alongside you.

"Sincerely, Richard A. Bierschbach"Interim President and John W. Reed Professor of Law"