A retired turkey farmer and a banker are the newest members of the Kansas Board of Regents.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius on Friday appointed Frank Gaines of Hamilton and Nelson Galle of Manhattan to the regents, who oversee the state’s universities, community colleges and technical schools.

Gaines is a former state legislator who is chairman and CEO of First National Bank in Fredonia. Galle is a retired business consultant who also owned a turkey hatchery near Moundridge.

“Education is key to economic development,” Sebelius said, “and adding two members with such diverse experience will enhance the work of this important board.”

Galle and Gaines, who will serve four-year terms, replace Fred Kerr, of Pratt, and Jack Wempe, of Lyons, on the regents. Kerr and Wempe had said they didn’t want to be reappointed.

Sebelius previously reappointed Janice DeBauge, of Emporia, as a regent. DeBauge will serve as regents chairman during the next year.

Galle moved to Manhattan five years ago when he retired.

He is a Kansas State University graduate who has worked with the university’s foundation for 10 years. He also is a member of the president’s advisory board for Hesston College. He spent six years as a vocational-technical teacher and Future Farmers of America adviser.

“When you serve the young people of Kansas most of your career, it’s hard to say no when you’re asked” to serve as a regent, Galle said. “I’m the new kid on the block, and I’m planning to get into the meetings and work with what I consider a great group of people.”

Gaines, a banker and attorney, served as a Democrat in the Kansas House in 1969-72, then in the Senate from 1973 to 1992. He also has served on the Kansas Civil Service Board and was a trustee of the state pension fund for four years.

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He was attending the Kansas Bankers Assn. annual meeting Friday in Colorado Springs, Colo., and was not available for comment.

DeBauge said she thought Galle and Gaines would add to the regents’ diversity.

“I think the board will benefit greatly from their business and legislative experiences,” she said. “I think it’ll be helpful toward having a broad, diverse set of opinions.”

Others on the nine-member regents are Bill Docking, of Arkansas City; Lew Ferguson, of Topeka; Dick Bond, of Overland Park; Jim Grier III, of Wichita; Donna Shank, of Liberal; and Deryl Wynn, of Kansas City, Kan.

Galle’s and Gaines’ appointments are effective immediately, although they will face confirmation votes in the Kansas Senate during the 2004 session.