Governor Andy Beshear appointed two new regents to the Western Kentucky University Board of Regents on Tuesday, July 5 who will serve through June 30, 2028.

Melissa Dennison of Lexington and Gary Broady of Franklin, both WKU alumni, were selected due to their previous years of work serving WKU. 

As the governing body of WKU, the Board of Regents consists of 11 members, and Dennison and Broady make up two out of eight members that are selected by the governor.

Dennison will be replacing Jason McKinney. She works as a pediatrician practicing in Glasgow, after graduating from WKU in 1980, attending medical school at the University of Louisville and completing her pediatric residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Broady is replacing Julie Hinson. He earned his undergraduate degree from WKU in 1977 and his graduate degree in 1984, and after 38 years he retired from his position as CEO of Franklin Bank and Trust Company. He is currently the Executive Director of the Bluegrass Community Bankers Association and Chair of the Franklin Bank and Trust Company board of directors.

Both have previously served in positions through WKU. Dennison served on the WKU Alumni Association, the College Heights Foundation and was a prior member of the Board of Regents. Broady was president of the WKU Alumni Association Board, chair of the Gordon Ford College of Business Executive Advisory Council and member of the board of the Hilltopper Athletic Foundation.

In a statement to WKU News, WKU President Timothy Caboni explained his excitement for the new regents.

“I know as Regents they [Dennison and Broady] will continue to advance our institution and create more opportunities for our students,” Caboni said in the press release.