Prominent lawyer, community leader named to lead OU board

"The university community is quite fortunate to have Michael Kramer become the chair of the Board of Trustees," said outgoing chair Henry Baskin.

"For the past three years, Michael has immersed himself into university affairs and has used his intellect, intuition and passion to help meet institutional objectives. He will be an outstanding chair and leader of this very important element of the university family. He is dedicated, forthright and committed to the mission."

Kramer was first appointed to OU's board in August 2008 by then-governor Jennifer Granholm. He is an equity member of the Dickinson Wright PLLC law firm, considered one of the country's leading business law firms, with Michigan offices in Detroit, Nashville, Washington, D.C., Toronto, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Columbus, Troy, Ann Arbor, Lansing and Grand Rapids. He also serves as a director/vice chairman for Oakland Family Services.

Kramer is a past director of Resolution Trust Corporation; State of Michigan Export Development Corporation; Jewish Home for the Aged; Crestmark Bancorp, Inc.; and Attorney Discipline Board for the State of Michigan; as well as past president and director of the Franklin Hills Country Club. He was selected as one of the Best Lawyers in Michigan by his peers.

"I'm pleased to accept the responsibility of leading the Oakland University board and am looking forward to working with vice chair Flynn to guide the Board's work as we enter into what I know will be a rewarding time in the university's history," Kramer said.

"We have a tremendous mix of talent, business savvy and leadership on our board. I'm also looking forward to working with President Russi, Interim Provost Awbrey and Oakland University faculty and staff to continue the positive momentum they've helped build over the past several years."

Kramer and his wife, Zina, have two children.