(FRANKFORT, KY) – Patti Minter, a longtime university history professor and former state legislator, has joined the Kentucky Board of Education (KBE) as an at-large member.
Minter was appointed to the KBE by Gov. Andy Beshear on July 30 to replace Lee Todd, whose term expired. Minter’s term expires Apr. 14, 2030.
She started her 34th year as a faculty member at Western Kentucky University (WKU) this fall and said she is excited to bring her perspective in education and public service to the board.
“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. “Education was transformative for me, and I want it to be for everybody else so it can change their lives as well.”
Minter grew up and went to public schools in east Tennessee and earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Tennessee. She earned her master’s and doctorate degree in history from the University of Virginia.
She teaches history at WKU where she served as the inaugural chair of the WKU University Senate from 2000 to 2001 and as the elected faculty regent on the WKU Board of Regents from 2007 to 2014.
Minter said she is especially proud of her former students, many of whom have gone on to serve in leadership positions as educators, attorneys and public policy leaders.
“The thing that makes me most proud is that the people that I met in my classroom are going on and doing great things. They’re doing what they want to do. They’re taking advantage of the opportunities that education has given them, and they’re paying it forward to the next generation, just like the people who helped me have taught me to do.”
Minter also represented Kentucky’s 20th House District from 2019 to 2023.
“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.
During her legislative service, she said she especially enjoyed visiting public schools and hearing directly from educators, students and administrators– opportunities she will continue as a state board member.
“I love nothing more than being an advocate and supporter for the public school system that made me who I am today,” Minter said.
She said she looks forward to continuing to support public schools and teachers through her role as a KBE member.
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