Topeka ? The Kansas Board of Regents has elected Nelson Galle, of Manhattan, as its new chairman and Christine Downey-Schmidt, of Inman, as the new vice chairwoman.

Galle, appointed to the Regents in 2003, is a retired businessman who spent most of his career with Hesston Corp., a manufacturer of farm machinery.

“It is truly an honor to have the opportunity to advocate on behalf of higher education in Kansas, and I look forward to a successful year,” Galle said.

Downey-Schmidt, appointed in 2005, is a former state senator.