10 Within 10 Recognition

Class of 2018, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences 

As a policy advisor at the Michigan Senate, Matthew Boak, ’18, has found his place at the intersection of relationships, ideas and public service. His career in state government is built on a belief he developed long before arriving in Lansing: that working well with people — especially those you disagree with — is the foundation of getting anything meaningful done. 

Matt began his career as a journal clerk in the Michigan Senate, maintaining the official records of state governance, before moving into a role as a legislative analyst for the Department of Corrections, where he tracked and analyzed legislation and corresponded with the legislature, the governor's office and the public. Now in the Senate Majority Policy Office, he guides legislation that touches the lives of the state’s 10 million residents. Earlier this year, he was invited to a bill signing with the governor for education legislation he helped advance. 

Matt’s service extends well beyond the Capitol. He serves as vice chair of the Clinton County Democratic Party — its youngest leader in recent history, and the recipient of the Congressional District Award for his service — and was elected president of the St. Johns Public Schools Board of Education. Handing out diplomas at graduation, he said, is his favorite day of the year. 

At CMU, Matt was a Centralis Gold Scholarship recipient and a member of the Honors Program. He served as a resident assistant, chaired the Student Budget Allocation Committee for the Student Government Association and represented the university as a Campus Ambassador. Each role sharpened something different — intellectual curiosity, interpersonal discipline, organizational management and public presence. He also holds a lasting affection for Larzelere Hall and the Homecoming Medallion Hunt, including the year his residence hall actually found it. 

Matt believes there is no one true definition of success. “Each person has to forge their own journey.” Today, he stays connected to CMU through Homecoming, fellow alumni in the Michigan Capitol community and a steadfast belief that CMU graduates make excellent leaders. 

Matt holds a Bachelor of Science from CMU’s College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences.