Shereef Akeel, a Democrat and civil rights attorney, is running for the Wayne State University Board of Governors in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.
Ten candidates are competing for two eight-year terms, according to the Michigan Department of State’s official candidate list. Voters may choose up to two candidates.
Akeel responded to the Birmingham-Bloomfield Bulletin candidate questionnaire. Unless otherwise noted, the information and responses below come from that questionnaire.
Asked why he is running, Akeel pointed to his experience as a Wayne State graduate, attorney, certified public accountant and parent.
“Wayne State helped shape my future, and I want others to have that same opportunity,” he said.
He said he wants to keep the university affordable, help first-generation students graduate, support faculty and staff, and strengthen its service to Detroit and Michigan.
“Every student deserves a fair opportunity to succeed,” he said.
Candidate information
Party: Democratic.
Education: Akeel reported earning a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Michigan, an MBA from Wayne State University and a law degree. His campaign biography identifies his law school as Detroit College of Law, now Michigan State University College of Law. He also reported holding certified public accountant credentials.
Occupation: Akeel is a civil rights and employment attorney. He said he previously worked as an accountant.
Family: Akeel said he and his wife have been married for more than 34 years and have five sons. His wife has worked in special education involving sign language.
Previous elected or appointed office: Akeel reported none.
Family in politics or government: Akeel said no family member currently works in politics or government.
Experience and public service
Akeel said his legal practice has involved discrimination, retaliation, wrongful convictions and other abuses of power.
He also described working with legal teams on nationally significant litigation, including the Abu Ghraib torture case. The Center for Constitutional Rights’ case record documents a 2024 jury verdict awarding $42 million to three Iraqi plaintiffs against military contractor CACI Premier Technology.
Akeel said managing a legal practice and working as an accountant have given him experience reviewing finances, supervising professionals and making difficult decisions.
“My work has required me to listen carefully, assess competing arguments, and hold powerful institutions accountable,” he said.
He also cited recognition by Forbes, which included him in its 2024 legal rankings. His Forbes profile describes his work in employment, civil rights and human rights litigation.
On the issues
Affordability and graduation: Akeel identified the cost of attending Wayne State and helping students complete their degrees as his biggest priorities.
“Admission opens the door, but financial pressures, work obligations, and gaps in support can prevent students from completing their degrees,” he said.
He supports effective advising, mental health services and clearer pathways from enrollment to graduation and employment. He also wants the university to measure results and address barriers facing first-generation, working and transfer students.
Tuition and financial oversight: Akeel said university spending should have a clear connection to its educational mission.
“Before increasing tuition, the university should examine administrative costs, purchasing, space use, and other opportunities for savings,” he said.
He also supports seeking state funding, philanthropy, alumni support and partnerships consistent with Wayne State’s public mission.
Faculty, staff and facilities: Akeel said affordability and support for university employees should be considered together.
He supports fair compensation, collective bargaining, strong academic programs and responsible facilities maintenance while keeping student costs in focus.
“My CPA and MBA background would help me evaluate tradeoffs, protect financial stability, and seek savings while preserving educational quality,” he said.
Community partnerships: Akeel wants Wayne State’s teaching, research and medical expertise connected more closely with community needs, including underserved communities.
He said partnerships should support both students’ opportunities and the university’s service to Detroit and Michigan.
Accountability and participation: Akeel said he would bring independent judgment to board decisions and listen to students, faculty, staff and community members.
His campaign platform also emphasizes transparent governance, financial oversight and opportunities for university community members to participate in decisions.
Endorsements
Akeel is endorsed by the Michigan AFL-CIO and AFSCME Michigan, according to the organizations’ published endorsement lists.
Other candidates
The other candidates are Democrat Richard Mack; Republicans Andy Anuzis and Christa Murphy; Libertarians Alex Avery and Jami Van Alstine; U.S. Taxpayers candidate Jeff McDonald; Natural Law candidate Kathleen Oakford; Green candidate Paul M. Ragan; and Working Class candidate Suzanne Roehrig, according to the official candidate list.
Advice that guides him
“Listen before you speak, and never forget the people affected by your decisions,” Akeel wrote.
“Good judgment begins with understanding another person’s experience, especially when that person has less power or fewer opportunities to be heard,” he said.
This profile draws primarily on Shereef Akeel’s responses to the Birmingham-Bloomfield Bulletin candidate questionnaire, with additional information from official election records, his campaign materials, organizational records and published reporting. Responses have been excerpted and paraphrased; direct quotations retain his wording.
