3 August 2005

Schools, economy linked, Governor says in appointing new Regents
Governor Sebelius appoints three to board overseeing Kansas colleges

Stating the individuals she’s appointing are dedicated to continuing Kansas’ tradition of excellent colleges and universities, Governor Kathleen Sebelius announced today the appointments of Christine Downey-Schmidt, Dan Lykins, and Janie Perkins to the Kansas Board of Regents. Each will serve a 4-year term.

“Strong schools and a strong economy are closely linked. The Kansas economy cannot grow, and Kansas businesses cannot compete if we do not have a well-educated workforce,” Governor Sebelius said. “The Board of Regents has been critical to maintaining the level of excellence we’ve come to expect from Kansas universities, colleges and technical schools. I’m confident the three individuals I’m appointing today will help continue that tradition of excellence.”

The Kansas Board of Regents is a nine-member body which governs six state universities, and supervises and coordinates 19 community colleges, five technical colleges, six technical schools and a municipal university. The Kansas Board of Regents’ members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Kansas Senate. State law requires the board to be bipartisan, with no more than five of the nine members being allowed to hold the same party affiliation, and requires each congressional district to have at least one representative.

Downey-Schmidt, Inman, is a former Kansas State Senator who represented the 31st District. She has more than twenty years of experience working in education. Between 1981 and 1995, she was an elementary teacher in Newton. Downey-Schmidt has also been an adjunct professor of teacher education at Bethel College in North Newton. Currently, she is the secretary/treasurer for G&C Farms, Inc.

Higher education has been a focus for Downey-Schmidt throughout her career. She has been a supervising instructor for student teachers in the Bethel College Education Department and Tabor College Education Department, and served as a delegate to the Midwestern Higher Education Commission. For twelve years, Downey-Schmidt was a member of the Senate Education Committee, as well as the Legislative Educational Planning Committee. She also co-sponsored recent reforms to Kansas’ higher education system.

Downey-Schmidt received her master’s degree in education from Wichita State University in 1986 and her bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1980.

Lykins, Topeka, practices law at Bryan, Lykins, Hejtmanek & Fincher, P.A., since 1986, and has more than thirty years of legal experience. He is a member of the Kansas Bar Association, Topeka Bar Association, and the Kansas Trail Lawyers Association.

He is past President and member of the Maur Hill Prep School Alumni Association and a past member of the Board of Directors of the Mount St. Scholastica Academy Alumni Association. In 2002, Lykins was elected to the Kansas State Foundation. He is active in PTO organizations at Bishop Grade School and Topeka West High School in Topeka.

Lykins received his law degree from Washburn Law School in 1972 and his bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University in 1968.

Perkins, Garden City, is currently the mayor of Garden City and supplemental programs coordinator for USD 457. Prior to this, she taught 4th grade and elementary art/reading. She is currently serving in her second term as mayor.

She has been involved in numerous organizations including The Salvation Army, CASA, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and League of United Latin American Citizens. She served on Congressman Jerry Moran’s 2004 U.S. Service Academy Selection Board and is a graduate of Leadership Kansas 2002.

Perkins received her Master of Science in education from Newman University in 2000 and her bachelor’s degree in education from the school in 1998.

Downey-Schmidt (D) replaces Bill Docking, Arkansas City, while Lykins (D) replaces Lew Ferguson, Topeka and Perkins (R) replaces Deryl Wynn, Kansas City. Docking, Ferguson and Wynn’s terms expired and they did not seek reappointment.

Governor Sebelius said, “I am grateful for the excellent service of the retiring Regents, and am confident these new appointees will do a wonderful job.”

With these appointments, the ratio of the Board of Regents becomes 5:4 (five Republicans, four Democrats.)

Kansas Statute 74-3202a outlines the guidelines for the composition of this board.