By TIM CARPENTER
Kansas Reflector
TOPEKA — A Pittsburg economic development professional and a Dodge City public school diversity and language director were chosen to lead the Kansas Board of Regents during the upcoming fiscal year.
Blake Benson was elected to serve as chairperson of the nine-member public higher education board, while Diana Mendoza was selected as vice chairperson. The board has governance authority over six state universities and a coordination role with Washburn University in Topeka and the state’s technical and community colleges.
Both were appointed to the state Board of Regents in 2022 by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.
“Higher education is a powerful tool capable of transforming individual lives and uplifting entire communities,” said Benson, president of the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce. “I look forward to working with my fellow regents, our Kansas colleges and universities and our external stakeholders to continue to leverage the system’s strengths for the benefit of all Kansans.”
He is in the 28th year of economic development work, and previously held positions in chamber of commerce organizations in Rogers and Fort Smith in Arkansas. He earned a journalism degree at Arkansas State University and a master’s degree in business from Pittsburg State University.
Benson replaced chairman Carl Ice, the retired chief executive officer of BNSF Railway, and a graduate of Coffeyville Community College and Kansas State University.
Mendoza, executive director of diversity and English for speakers of other languages in the Dodge City school district, works with teachers to develop best practices for the education of culturally and linguistically diverse students. She leads an effort to support migratory youth.
She said she was committed to making higher education beneficial to Kansas families and a contributing influence on the state’s economy.
“Guided by the Board’s strategic plan, Kansas colleges and universities are making significant strides in areas such as affordability and student success,” Mendoza said.
She earned bachelor and master degrees in education at Kansas State University. She is seeking a doctorate in curriculum and instruction at Kansas State.