Sebelius appoints two to oversee Kansas technical schools

Governor Kathleen Sebelius has appointed two Kansans to posts improving the quality and accountability of technical education throughout the state. 

“In today’s global market, education cannot end at the twelfth grade,” Sebelius said. “There is a growing demand for formal technical training, and Kansas is ahead of the curve in the fields of aviation and biosciences. We want to expand that success to other fields, and this authority will help guide this effort.”

This past May, Sebelius signed legislation to create the Postsecondary Technical Education Authority. The Authority, which operates under the Kansas Board of Regents, will oversee technical education in the state; aiming to standardize costs, credits, programs and certifications. Governor Sebelius has appointed Joseph T. Glassman as chair.

Glassman, Hays, is CEO and president of the Glassman Corporation, a mechanical construction company in western Kansas. A professionally licensed master mechanical contractor and master plumber, Glassman has utilized graduates of Kansas technical schools in his own business and understands the technical industry’s expectations of Kansas’ technical colleges.

Glassman will serve at the pleasure of the Governor.

The creation of the Postsecondary Technical Education Authority came at the recommendation of the Kansas Technical College and Technical School Commission which studies the funding and mission of technical colleges and schools in the state. To help lead this commission, Governor Sebelius has appointed George Fahnestock to serve as its chair.

Fahnestock, Wichita, is the owner and CEO of Fahnestock Heating, Air Conditioning & Electric; and Central Air Conditioning Company.  He is active in the Wichita community, serving as board chairman of the Boys & Girls Clubs; president of the Lord’s Diner; board member of the Greater Wichita Economic Development Coalition; immediate past president of Wichita Children’s Home; Board Member of Preferred Health System; and Chairman of the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame.  He is a recipient of Wichita State University’s Alumni Recognition Award; Board of Trustees Award; and won the Wichita Chamber of Commerce Top 10 Small Business Award in 2005 and 2006.

Fahnestock is a graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business, from Wichita State University.  He and his wife, Dee Anne, have three children and two grandchildren.

Fahnestock will serve at the pleasure of the governor.

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