Former Victory Fund endorsee L. Garnet Lewis has become Michigan’s first openly gay member of a state university governance board. The state senate confirmed Lewis as a trustee of Northern Michigan University in a unanimous vote last week, according to the Michigan Messenger.

The Messenger reported:

Lewis, who made an unsuccessful bid for the Midland-based 98th State House District seat last year, said she is stunned by the attention her involvement in politics has brought since being “out,” calling the experience “humbling.”

“What was surprising to me is how much of a difference it makes for others,” she said of her former political candidacy and university appointment.

“More of us need to run and run openly. I am asking every openly gay individual to consider a run for office,” she said.