Stacie Clayton, a native Detroiter and two-time alumna of Wayne State University, has been named the university’s new director of community affairs. 

The office serves as the primary contact for people, municipalities, businesses and community organizations that seek involvement with the university.

“Stacie will promote the urban mission of the university by strengthening, developing and sustaining mutually beneficial relationships and partnerships throughout the metropolitan Detroit area,” said Patrick Lindsey, vice president for government and community affairs. “This will include strategically extending university resources to the community so that Wayne State continues to have a significant impact on the cultural, economic and social life of Southeast Michigan.”

Clayton has more than 30 years of external affairs experience in Michigan's government, corporate and nonprofit sectors. Most recently, Clayton served as director of administration and special projects for the president of Detroit City Council. Previously, she was vice president of government and community affairs for Detroit Renewable Energy.

Clayton has also held positions in the Michigan governor’s office and the City of Detroit Mayor’s Office and Clerk’s Office. She currently is serving her second term as chair of the Michigan Civil Rights Commission.

“My work as a student assistant in the Wayne State Department of Political Science when I was a sophomore was the impetus for my interest in government and community affairs,” said Clayton. “It was while working as a student assistant in the WSU Career Services Office that I learned about the position with the Detroit City Council that launched my career in government and community affairs. I am so pleased to now come full circle as the Wayne State director of community affairs.”

Clayton lives in Detroit and is a graduate of Renaissance High School. She earned a bachelor of arts in political science and a master of business administration at Wayne State.