[1] Espy began her academic career at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, where she taught first-year medical students in neuroscience using problem-based learning.

She played a key role in establishing partnerships, including the academic collaboration with Banner Health [3] and the creation of the Defense Security Research Institute.

Her tenure has focused on realigning university leadership, strengthening partnerships with local businesses and organizations, and implementing the WSU Prosperity Agenda to enhance social mobility, urban health and regional innovation.

Key accomplishments include: She also introduced the University Leadership Council to enhance shared governance and led a record-breaking Giving Day campaign.

Espy’s research focuses on early childhood development, particularly how attention control in young children affects academic and health outcomes.