| Beshear picks Patton, Miller for CPE Paducah Lawyer Would Fill Third Vacant Spot |
| Former Gov. Paul Patton, the architect of Kentucky's 1997 higher education reforms, and former Lexington Mayor Pam Miller, a longtime leader in education reform, have been named to the state's Council on Postsecondary Education. Gov. Steve Beshear announced Friday that Patton, Miller and Paducah lawyer Glenn Denton would fill three vacant seats on the 16-member council, the coordinating agency for the state's public universities and community and technical colleges. All three are Democrats, as is Beshear. Patton, 71, governor from 1995 to 2003 and a University of Kentucky graduate in engineering, replaces Glasgow lawyer Walter Baker. The term expires Dec. 31, 2013. Miller, 69, Lexington's mayor from 1993 to 2003 and chairwoman of the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence, graduated from Smith College in Northampton, Mass. She replaces former KET head Virginia Fox. The term ends Dec. 31, 2012. Denton, 38, who earned degrees from Centre College and Northern Kentucky University's Chase law school, takes the slot formerly held by Alois Moore of Hazard. The term expires Dec. 31, 2010. The appointments are effective immediately. Dennis Taulbee, the CPE's general counsel, said state law requires the appointments to be approved by both the Senate and House of Representatives. The appointees can serve until the legislature reconvenes, Taulbee said, but it is unclear whether the governor must include the appointments in a call for a special session, which might occur this month. Patton's appointment, in particular, drew instant praise. University of Kentucky President Lee Todd said Patton "had the vision to reform higher education" because he understood the link between education and the modern economy. "I am excited about having his leadership and commitment" to UK's goal of becoming a Top 20 public university, Todd said. University of Louisville President Jim Ramsey, who was state budget director under Patton, called the former governor "an extraordinary choice to serve on the CPE" and said he "will have a profound impact on higher education reform in Kentucky." Council chairman John Turner of Lebanon said the new members were "three outstanding people." He said Patton "brings an awful lot of political savvy, background knowledge and perspective." The council is starting a national search for a new president. It has hired as interim president Richard Crofts, former higher education chief in Montana and Mississippi. Reach Art Jester at (859) 231-3489 or 1-800-950-6397, Ext. 3489. |
| Art Jester Ajester@herald-Leader.com |
