November 29, 2021
Following a national search that drew the interest of many exceptional candidates, Oakland University has appointed Boyd Farnam to the position of vice president for legal affairs (VPLA) and general counsel. HIs appointment will become effective on Dec. 1, 2021.
Boyd has more than 18 years of experience with Oakland, having served as an assistant general counsel to former VPLA Vic Zambardi, who retired in April, and as Interim VPLA since that time.
“I look forward to continue working to inspire my colleagues and others through positive, compassionate and collaborative leadership,” Boyd said. “My primary goal as vice president for legal affairs and general counsel will be to build strong client relationships based upon trust, respect, professionalism and accessibility.”
Over the years, Boyd has provided a broad range of strategic legal and business advice, as well as counsel and support to the president, executive team, deans, administrators and other institutional clients.
Boyd has been active in the broader community, having served as a board member for the Crittenton Hospital Medical Center Foundation and the Paint Creek Center for the Arts, as director and president of the Rochester Bar Association and as a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. He proudly shares that he has twin daughters, Sarah and Emily, and that Emily has earned two degrees from Oakland.
Prior to joining the university, Boyd acquired 15 years of legal experience in private practice at large and small firms representing clients in civil and commercial litigation and various business, employment, construction, real property, family law, probate and estate matters.
“We are extremely fortunate to have Boyd's vast experience, expertise, institutional knowledge and dedication to the university working in our favor,” said Oakland University President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz. “I have every confidence that he will provide outstanding guidance and support for the university's mission, vision and strategic goals.”