Sebelius appoints Rep. Winn to Pearson Fellowship Board
Former senator’s legacy helps Kansas students see the world

Students gain important insight by traveling and studying overseas, and enabling those trips is the mission of the James B. Pearson Fellowship.

To help review nominees for the fellowship program, Governor Kathleen Sebelius has appointed Kansas Representative Valdenia Winn to the James B. Pearson Fellowship Award Selection Board.

“Representative Winn understands the importance of higher education through her work as a college professor.  Her sound judgment and a natural eye for leadership will be helpful in choosing students to receive this fellowship,” Sebelius said.

The James B. Pearson Fellowship is a stipend offered by the Board of Regents.  It was established by the former senator to encourage graduate students from Kansas public universities to experience the global perspective gained from studying abroad.  Preference is given to applicants whose studies are directly related to foreign affairs and the average stipend provided is $2,456.  The selection board reviews and interviews nominees for the fellowship.

Rep. Winn, Kansas City, is a member of the Kansas House of Representatives, representing the 34th District.  Her committee assignments include House Committee on Education, the Joint Committee on Economic Development and the House Committee on Economic Development and Tourism, of which she is the ranking minority member.  Rep. Winn is also a professor at Kansas City Kansas Community College. 

Rep. Winn will fulfill an unexpired three-year term.

Elaine Nelson and Kenneth North, both of Wichita, were also reappointed to three-year terms on the board.

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