“Even though a lot of what we deal with is not necessarily partisan, I’m excited that I’m going to be joining a Democratic majority,” Byrum said.

Woodard, a school administrator in Detroit and a 1973 MSU graduate, said she has a lot to learn before January.

“I’ve got to learn all that there is to know about what trustees do,” she said. “I’ve got to talk with others about what’s happened past and present and then look toward the future.”

A 1974 MSU graduate, Byrum said she is excited about serving on the university’s governing board.

“I have a lot of love for the university and I have a desire to make sure it remains an outstanding, high-quality university for today’s students and future generations of students,” she said.

Byrum and Woodard replace Romney and Democratic trustee Dorothy Gonzales.

Romney, the son of former Michigan Gov. George Romney and brother of former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, served on the board for eight years after being elected in 2000.

“I’m disappointed I didn’t win and I’m honored to have served as long as I did,” Romney said. “(I) hope that everybody continues — and I believe that everybody will continue — to work for the best of the university. But it was great fun to serve while I did.”

Bouchard could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

Republican Trustee Melanie Foster said Tuesday night she was disappointed with the election’s outcome but hopeful Byrum and Woodard will be beneficial additions to the board.

The other Republican on the board, Don Nugent, echoed Foster’s thoughts.

“I think it’s a loss to the board, losing Scott who served for the last eight years,” Nugent said. “That’s too bad. I had high hopes that Lisa would be able to get elected as well. Be that as it may, I’m sure that the two who were elected will become very good trustees and think about the betterment of the university.”

Fellow Democratic Trustee George Perles said he was happy with the election’s outcome but said the party’s 6-2 majority doesn’t mean much in the board room.

“We’re not going to make our decisions based on politics, we’re going to make our decisions based on what’s best for the university and students,” he said.