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A Kentucky State University alumnus was recently appointed to the institution’s Board of Regents by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. 

Dr. Gerald W. Patton, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in history and political science at Kentucky State in 1969, was appointed to a term ending June 30, 2027. Patton went on to earn a Master of Arts in history at Western Illinois University in 1973 and a Doctor of Philosophy in history from the University of Iowa in 1977. He is the author of “War and Race: The Black Officer in the American Military, 1915-1941”. 

Patton, now retired, had a long and diverse career in higher education. He held teaching roles at North Carolina State University and Washington University in St. Louis. Patton held administration roles at Washington University and California State University, Fullerton. He served as associate director at North Central Association (now Higher Learning Commission) in Chicago and executive associate director at Middle States Commission on Higher Education in Philadelphia. Patton also served as the deputy commissioner for higher education and the state higher education executive officer for the New York state education department. While in those roles, Patton presided over the country’s largest and most complex system of higher education and oversaw more than 100 employees. In that role, Patton also served as a legislative advocate for numerous state-supported programs; worked with the New York State Board of Regents; and convened numerous panels and implemented initiatives on higher education issues including teacher education, assessment and accreditation. 

While at Kentucky State, Patton was the president of the student council; the keynote speaker at the 1999 Founder’s Day convocation; the convener for the class of 1969s 50th reunion; and established the class of 1969 endowed memorial scholarships. His wife, Linda, is an alumna from the class of 1971.  

Patton is a resident of California and fulfills a gubernatorial appointment to the board through KRS 164.321 that allows one alumni residing out-of-state to serve. Patton’s appointment began Jan. 14, 2022.