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Regents elect Blake Benson as chair, Diana Mendoza as vice chair and delegate interim president appointment
Summary
The Kansas Board of Regents elected Regent Blake Benson as chair and Regent Diana Mendoza as vice chair for the 2026 academic year. The board also delegated to the new chair authority to appoint an interim president for Pittsburg State University following President Dan Shipp’s departure.
The Kansas Board of Regents elected Regent Blake Benson as chair and Regent Diana Mendoza as vice chair for the 2026 academic year during its May 14 meeting. Both nominations were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.
In a related action, the board voted to delegate authority to the incoming chair to appoint an interim president for Pittsburg State University upon President Dan Shipp’s departure. The motion delegated the appointment power to the chair under Article 3 of the board’s bylaws; the board recorded an affirmative voice vote on that delegation.
Regents thanked outgoing leaders and praised President Shipp for his service; the board scheduled follow‑up items and asked the new chair to consult with regents as he carries out the delegated authority.
