The institutions of higher education established in this state and referred to in section 4 of article VIII of the state constitution of 1963 as Michigan college of science and technology, also known as Michigan college of mining and technology, Ferris institute and Grand Valley state college, also known as Ferris state college and Grand Valley college, are continued under the names of Michigan technological university, Ferris state university and Grand Valley state university. Each institution shall be governed by a separate 8-member board of control. The governor shall appoint the board members by and with the advice and consent of the senate for terms of 8 years commencing on January 1, with not more than 2 terms expiring in the same year. If a vacancy occurs other than by the expiration of a term, the governor shall fill the vacancy by appointment by and with the advice and consent of the senate for the remainder of the unexpired term.