Mich. Comp. Laws § 390.551
The established state institutions known as Central Michigan university, Eastern Michigan university, Northern Michigan university and Western Michigan university are continued under these names. Each institution shall be governed by a separate 8-member board of control. The governor shall appoint the board members by and with the advice and consent of the senate for terms of 8 years commencing on January 1, except that the first boards shall be appointed so that the terms of 2 members of each board shall expire on December 31, 1964, 1966, 1968 and 1970. When a vacancy occurs other than by the expiration of a term, the governor shall fill the vacancy by appointment by and with the advice and consent of the senate for the remainder of the unexpired term.
MCL 390.551