FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 26, 2011

REGENTS APPLAUD WSU PRESIDENT BEGGS’ SERVICE

(TOPEKA) – Regent Ed McKechnie of Arcadia, the Chair of the Kansas Board of Regents, issued the following statement regarding today’s announcement that President Donald Beggs is ending his career as the leader of Wichita State University (WSU) at the end of the current academic year, June 30, 2012:

“Today the Board pauses and recognizes the incredible contributions that Don and Shirley have made to WSU, the Wichita community and higher education in Kansas during the past 12 years.”

“President Beggs has increased the national profile of WSU, which helps focus attention on the innovation, research, and unique educational opportunities Kansas has to offer. Recently, WSU was recognized by the National Science Foundation as the number two school in the nation for aeronautical research and development expenditures. Don worked tirelessly with the WSU Foundation to upgrade campus facilities including the National Institute for Aviation Research, the Advanced Education in General Dentistry facility, and Koch Arena. He has promoted the unique opportunities WSU has to offer through experiential learning programs, working with 400 employers each year to promote student success through classroom and workplace connections. These accomplishments are a reflection of his leadership and dedication to the success of WSU; the University is a stronger institution as a result.”

“I wish Don and his family the best as they enter a new chapter of their lives. Don has been an outstanding leader for WSU. Thank you.”

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About the Kansas Board of Regents:
The nine-member Kansas Board of Regents, founded in 1925 and established in the Kansas Constitution, is the governing board of the six state universities and the statewide coordinating board for the state’s 32 public higher education institutions (six state universities, one municipal university, 19 community colleges, and six technical colleges). In addition, the Board administers the state’s student financial aid, adult education, GED, career and technical education programs, and the state university retirement plans. The Board also approves private proprietary schools and out-of-state institutions to operate in Kansas, and administers the Kan-ed network, a statewide network that provides broadband Internet access and distance learning capabilities for schools, hospitals, and libraries.

For more information contact Vanessa Lamoreaux at (785) 296-3421 or vlamoreaux@ksbor.org.

Visit the Kansas Board of Regents online at www.kansasregents.org.