Shalyn Peterbark is a law student at UMass Dartmouth and the Student Trustee representing the UMassD student body on the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees for the 2026-2027 school year. She is passionate about student advocacy, institutional accountability, and ensuring that student voices lead to meaningful action across the university community.

 

Before entering law school, Shalyn worked as a teacher in Revere, MA, where she developed a deep appreciation for mentorship, accessibility, and the importance of creating environments where people feel supported and heard. Prior to teaching, she also worked in administrative education settings, experiences that gave her firsthand insight into leadership structures, organizational decision-making, and the gaps that can exist between institutions and the people they serve.

 

At UMass Law, Shalyn has been actively involved in student leadership and peer support initiatives. As a member of the executive board of the Black Law Students Association, she stepped in during a leadership transition to help manage treasury responsibilities and ensure organizational continuity. Through her new role as BLSA Public Relations/Social Media Chair, she looks forward to support fellow law and pre-law students professionally and presenting the progress and ongoing within the organization.

 

Throughout her campaign for Student Trustee, Shalyn connected with students across campus and was energized by the openness, kindness, and engagement of the UMass Dartmouth community. Those interactions reinforced her belief that effective leadership begins with listening, visibility, and a willingness to ask difficult questions in pursuit of meaningful solutions.

 

As Student Trustee, Shalyn hopes to serve as a strong bridge between students and university leadership while advocating for transparency, student-centered decision-making, and continued improvements to campus life. She is especially interested in issues related to infrastructure, accessibility, supports for students with children, organizational accountability, and strengthening connections across the university’s diverse campuses and student populations.