EMU Today

Of all the role models a young man can have, perhaps none are more influential than one’s own father. For Michael Hawks [BA83], now in his second eight-year term on the Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents, his father’s memory continues to set the standard for success.

“My father was very active in community affairs,” says Hawks of his father Gary, who passed away in February. He spent 17 years at EMU in various roles, including executive director and vice president of University Relations and secretary to the Board of Regents. “Dad’s work for Eastern gave me insight into government affairs activities. The way he presented himself really shaped me. He had a tremendous ability for relationship development and engagement. Hopefully, some of that rubbed off on me.”

Fostering relationships has been at the core of Hawks’ career. Two years ago, he became CEO of Governmental Consultant Services Inc., a Lansing-based bi-partisan firm he joined in 1989. Now, he’s working with high-profile clients like Masco Corporation, the City of Detroit, Consumers Energy, and AT&T.

“I engage state legislators and public officials on matters of importance to my clients,” says Hawks, a resident of Okemos. “A lot of my work involves developing trust. It doesn’t mean legislators will always agree with me, but having a sense of trust allows me to present information from my clients in the best possible manner.”

Hawks entered Eastern on a football scholarship and was a letter-winner and starter on defense for three seasons. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in business administration, he earned a master’s in higher education administration from Michigan State.

“I developed a lot of friendships at Eastern that I still maintain,” Hawks says. “Not just members of the football team, but also other students. It’s been fun to follow their successes in different areas over the years.”

After completing his education, Hawks took a part-time job at the state capitol, working for a local legislator who was also Speaker of the House. Afterward, Hawks served as chief of staff for the Majority Floor Leader in the Michigan House of Representatives. 

“In these roles, I was very fortunate to be surrounded by highly skilled and successful people at the top of their careers,” Hawks says. “I owe a lot of people for contributing to my success.”

Former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder appointed Hawks to his first eight-year term as an EMU Regent in 2011. He currently serves as vice-chair.

“I honestly had never envisioned being a Regent,” Hawks says. “It’s an honor to contribute to university operations and to the student community. It gives me great joy to arrive on campus with a deep sense of commitment to the university and a strong desire to work alongside highly skilled colleagues.”

Hawks cites the modernization of campus buildings, classrooms, and athletics facilities; increasing campus diversity; enhancing student services, and eliminating non-core assets as some of the positive initiatives achieved in his time as a Regent.

“Being part of a group that identifies a need and pursues a plan is something I cherish,” he says. “Maintaining a highly skilled and dedicated faculty is also crucial. Seeing things through from start to finish is very rewarding. And the best is yet to come with the revitalization of student housing for the next generation of Eastern students.”

Hawks’ days of tackling running backs on the gridiron ended when he graduated from Eastern, but not his involvement in sports. He and his wife Orlene—director of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs—have two athletic daughters: Lana, 15, and Natalia, 12.

“At this stage in my life, I don’t have a lot of discretionary time for myself,” says Hawks, who completed this interview alongside a soccer field while he waited for one of his daughters to finish practice. “I chase my kids all around town supporting all their athletic endeavors. My wife and I are blessed to have two very good athletic kids who play travel basketball, lacrosse, and soccer, as well as school sports.”

Regent Hawks’ current term expires in December 2026.

Editor's Note: This is the fourth in a series of feature stories about members of the EMU Board of Regents. We will be featuring a Regent each Wednesday from now through November.  Regent Michelle Crumm was featured on Sept. 28,  Regent Dennis Beagen was featured on Oct. 5, and Regent Eunice Jeffries was featured on Oct. 12. 

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 15,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.