Governor Whitmer Appoints Two New Members to Oakland University's Board of Trustees

The new appointees bring extensive professional experience and a commitment to public service.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Governor Gretchen Whitmer has appointed Nate Engle of Lansing and Shelley Davis Boyd of East Lansing to serve on the Oakland University Board of Trustees. Engle, who currently works for the Michigan Department of Agriculture, and Davis Boyd, the chief operations officer of M3 Group, will join the board with the goal of supporting the university's mission and expanding access to education.

Why it matters

Oakland University is a major public institution in Michigan, and the appointments of Engle and Davis Boyd to its Board of Trustees will help shape the university's strategic direction and priorities in the coming years. Their diverse professional backgrounds and commitment to public service are expected to provide valuable insights and leadership.

The details

Nate Engle will serve a term from March 5, 2026 through August 11, 2028, succeeding Joe Jones who resigned last month. Shelley Davis Boyd's 8-year term will commence on August 12, 2026 and expire on August 11, 2034, taking the place of Dennis Muchmore whose term is expiring. Both appointees expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to support Oakland University and its mission.

  • Nate Engle's term will run from March 5, 2026 through August 11, 2028.
  • Shelley Davis Boyd's term will run from August 12, 2026 through August 11, 2034.

The players

Nate Engle

Engle currently serves as director of community engagement for the Michigan Department of Agriculture. His professional background includes leadership and management positions in the public, private, and NGO sectors, as well as experience in the administrations of two Michigan governors.

Shelley Davis Boyd

Davis Boyd is the chief operations officer of M3 Group and previously served as director of communications, marketing, and public relations for the Michigan Association of School Boards. She also serves on the East Lansing Library Board of Trustees.

Ora Hirsch Pescovitz

Oakland University President, who expressed confidence that the new appointees will make highly valued contributions to the Board of Trustees.

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What they’re saying

“Oakland University is a world-class institution with global reach and demonstrated success moving the needle for a better Michigan. I'm excited to join the OU community and contribute to the university's future achievements and services.”

— Nate Engle (Patch)

“I am honored to be appointed to this position and grateful to Governor Whitmer for the opportunity to serve and support Oakland University, its faculty, students and community. As a single mother who graduated college by working full time, studying full time and raising a child full time, I know firsthand the transformative power of education in creating pathways that can change the trajectory of a person's life. I look forward to joining the Oakland University family and supporting its mission, so more individuals have access to life-changing education and opportunities.”

— Shelley Davis Boyd (Patch)

What’s next

The appointments of Nate Engle and Shelley Davis Boyd to the Oakland University Board of Trustees are subject to the advice and consent of the Michigan Senate.

The takeaway

The new appointees to Oakland University's Board of Trustees bring diverse professional backgrounds and a strong commitment to public service, which is expected to provide valuable leadership and guidance as the university continues to evolve and expand access to higher education.