FRANKFORT, Ky. — Patti Minter, a longtime university history professor and former state legislator, has joined the Kentucky Board of Education as an at-large member, filling a vacancy left by the expiration of former University of Kentucky President Lee Todd's term.

Minter was appointed by Gov. Andy Beshear on July 30 and officially sworn in on August 5. Her term extends through April 14, 2030. The appointment comes as Minter begins her 34th year as a faculty member at Western Kentucky University, where she has taught history since 1993.

"I'm ready to go to work for the people all over the Commonwealth as an at-large representative to this board to make sure that Kentucky educators, families and children have the best possible experience," Minter said following her appointment. "Education was transformative for me, and I want it to be for everybody else so it can change their lives as well."

Minter brings substantial experience in education policy and legislative service. She represented Kentucky's 20th House District from 2019 to 2023, and during her time in the legislature, she said she especially valued visiting public schools. She earned a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Tennessee and a Ph.D. in history from the University of Virginia.

Beyond her teaching career, Minter has served in several leadership roles, including as the inaugural chair of WKU's University Senate from 2000 to 2001 and as elected Faculty Regent for the WKU Board of Regents from 2007 to 2014. She currently serves on the board of directors for the American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky and the American Society for Legal History.

"It was one of the greatest honors of my life to serve as the state representative from Bowling Green, and it was the perfect introduction to the work that the governor has appointed me to do with the Kentucky State Board of Education," Minter said.