Governor Beshear Appoints Members to the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education

FRANKFORT, KY (June 6, 2008) - Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear today made appointments to fill vacancies on the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education. The three appointees are former governor, Paul Patton; former Lexington-Fayette County mayor Pam Miller; and Glenn Denton, an attorney from Paducah.

"At this crucial juncture when the Council is in the process of selecting a new president, these three individuals bring the knowledge, experience and energy necessary to assist in making that process a success and to provide additional leadership as we move forward," said Gov. Beshear. "Paul Patton, as governor, worked tirelessly to bring about higher education reform and giving the existing Council the authority to address the needs of higher education in Kentucky. Pam Miller chairs the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence and has led that organization's drive to move Kentucky's educational efforts forward. And Glenn Denton brings an exciting, fresh approach to the Council that will help breathe new life into the Council at a time when new ideas are so badly needed."

· Patton, of Pikeville, served as governor of Kentucky from 1995-2003. One of Patton's accomplishments as governor was to help reform higher education in Kentucky. As governor, Patton also served as Chair of the Southern Regional Education Board, the Education Commission of the States, the President's Commission on the High School Senior Year and the National Education Goals Panel. Patton received his bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky. He replaces Walter Baker of Glasgow, who has resigned from the Council. He shall serve for a term expiring December 31, 2013. The appointment is effective immediately.

· Miller, of Lexington, served as mayor of Lexington-Fayette County from 1993-2003. Prior to that she served on the Urban County Council from 1974-1977 and 1980-1993. Miller serves as Chair of the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence. She received her bachelor's degree from Smith College in Northampton, MA. Miller replaces Virginia Fox on the Council and shall serve for a term expiring December 31, 2012. The appointment is effective immediately.

· Denton, of Paducah, is an attorney with Denton & Keuler. He received his bachelors' degree from Centre College and his law degree from Salmon P. Chase College of Law. Denton replaces Alois Moore on the Council and shall serve for a term expiring December 31, 2010. The appointment is effective immediately.

The Council on Postsecondary Education, a 16-member board appointed by the Governor, with consent of the House and Senate, and is the state coordinating board for postsecondary and adult education in Kentucky. The Council on Postsecondary Education coordinates change and improvement in Kentucky's postsecondary education system as directed by the Kentucky Postsecondary Education Improvement Act of 1997.

The Council is a statewide coordinating agency comprised of sixteen members with thirteen citizens, one faculty member, and one student appointed by the Governor; the Commissioner of Education is an ex-officio member.