Student Trustee
The University of Massachusetts is governed by a 22-member Board of Trustees. Seventeen (17) members of the board are appointed by the Governor and five (5) members are UMass students elected by the student body on each of the five campuses.
The University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees sets the UMass system’s strategic direction, establishes policies, and approves campus budgets and other routine matters. The Student Trustees from each campus are full-fledged members of the Board and provide student perspectives on matters coming before the Board. As Board Members, they are also expected to be good ambassadors for UMass and to play a role in a range of annual campus ceremonies.
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Shalyn Peterbark, Class of 2028
Law
Shalyn Peterbark is committed to serving as a strong advocate for students and ensuring their voices lead to meaningful action. Her interest in the Student Trustee role is grounded in firsthand experience recognizing that student concerns are often heard—but not always advanced. Through her time in law school and engagement in student leadership, she has seen how important it is to move beyond barriers and push ideas toward solutions.
As a member of the executive board of the Black Law Students Association, Shalyn has demonstrated reliability and leadership, stepping in to manage treasury responsibilities during a transition to ensure programs and initiatives continued without interruption. She has also supported her peers academically by helping lead a review session, creating space for collaboration and building student confidence.
Shalyn’s commitment to service extends beyond campus. As a former teacher and active community member, she believes leadership is rooted in consistency, accountability, and a willingness to put others first.
She is running for Student Trustee to serve as a bridge between students and university leadership—ensuring that student perspectives are not only heard, but respected and reflected in the decisions that shape the UMass Dartmouth experience.