Topeka ? Gov. Kathleen Sebelius today appointed five new members to the Kansas Board of Regents and reappointed another as she called on higher education officials to ensure that more Kansans have opportunities to seek post-secondary education.

“There has never been a time in our history when access to a quality education beyond high school has been more important than today,” Sebelius said.

Sebelius had come under some criticism for waiting so long to make appointments to the regents, which oversees higher education in Kansas.

Three board positions’ terms expired in June 2006 while three more expire at the end of this month.

Newly appointed to the nine-member board are:

¢ Jarold Boettcher of Beloit, who is president of several companies in the Beloit area.

¢ Jill Docking of Wichita, a longtime political figure who is vice president of investments with A.G. Edwards and Sons Inc.

¢ Richard Hedges of Fort Scott, who is a retired educator and former president of Fort Scott Community College.

¢ Gary Sherrer of Overland Park, who served as lieutenant governor from 1995 to 2003 under former Gov. Bill Graves.

¢ William Thornton of Atchison, who is vice president of quality management and corporate counsel for MGP Ingredients Inc.

Sebelius also reappointed Donna Lee Shank of Liberal, who owns and operates an insurance business with her husband.

The appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.