MARQUETTE — Northern Michigan University administrators say they are deeply saddened by the news that a recent NMU Board of Trustees appointee has died.

Travis Weber of Detroit was appointed in October by former Gov. Rick Snyder to an eight-year term beginning Jan. 1. He had completed his orientation to the board and was scheduled to participate in his first meeting as a trustee later this week.

“The Northern Michigan University community is heartbroken at the sad news of Travis Weber’s passing,” NMU President Fritz Erickson said in a prepared statement. “We had only begun to get to know this talented and engaging man, but it was obvious that Travis would have brought a lot to the NMU Board of Trustees, and I know he had a strong desire to help NMU students. Our deepest sympathies go to his family, friends and associates for their loss.”

Weber was an attorney at Warner, Norcross + Judd LLP, where he specialized in government relations. He previously served as chief legal counsel for the Executive Office of Gov. Rick Snyder. Other professional roles included deputy legal counsel and senior policy adviser for the Michigan House of Representatives Republican Policy Office and associate for Clark Hill PLC.

Weber served on the board of trustees of the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation, the board of advisers for the Michigan chapter of The Federalist Society and the board of commissioners for the State Bar of Michigan.

“It is with great sadness and grief for our board members to learn of Travis’ passing,” Robert Mahaney, chair of the NMU Board of Trustees, said in a prepared statement. “Travis was a talented, engaging gentleman who was poised to contribute in many positive ways to the NMU board and the entire NMU community. In the short time that I had the opportunity to work with Travis, it was evident that he would have excelled as a trustee and become a valued member of the NMU family. We deeply mourn the loss of Travis and extend our condolences and prayers to Travis’ family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.”