August 11, 2006

Governor: Qualified judges are key to fair judicial process
Governor Sebelius appoints Janet Juhnke to Supreme Court
Nominating Commission

“Judges who serve on our state’s highest bench must be qualified, professional, and fair,” Governor Kathleen Sebelius said.           

“That is why the Supreme Court Nominating Commission’s role is crucial to judicial process, and those who serve on this board must be objective and thoughtful in their nominations.  To focus on the commission’s important mission, I have appointed Janet Juhnke to serve on the Supreme Court Nominating Commission,” Governor Sebelius continued. 

The Supreme Court Nominating Commission is responsible for recommending qualified individuals for appointment to the Kansas Supreme Court and the Kansas Court of Appeals.  The Governor then selects from a group of nominees recommended by the commission.

Juhnke, Salina, is retired from Kansas Wesleyan University where she was Vice President and Dean of Faculty.  Since 1986, she had been Professor of English at the university.  In 1973, she began teaching English at KWU as an Instructor and later became Assistant Professor and Associate Professor of English.  During her time at KWU, she was Chair of the Department of English and Chair of the Faculty Affairs Committee.  In 2001, Juhnke was the Women of Achievement Winner in the Category of Education from the Salina YWCA.

Juhnke will serve a four-year term.  She replaces Carolyn Bird who was unable to serve on the Commission.  Upon careful review of statutes and Attorneys’ General opinions regarding the Commission, it has been determined that Bird is unable to serve due to previous service.

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