Paul Beran is one of five new commissioners recently appointed to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), a federal interstate compact of 16 Western states and territories that work collaboratively to expand educational access and excellence for all citizens of the West.
Paul Beran leads South Dakota’s six public universities and two special schools as the Board of Regents’ executive director and chief executive officer. His higher education career includes service in six states, first as a faculty member and administrator, and for 17 years as a university CEO in Arkansas and Oklahoma public university systems. Before joining the University of Arkansas System in 2006 as chancellor of the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, Beran was president of Northwestern Oklahoma State University, with campuses in Alva, Enid, and Woodward, Okla.
Appointed to four-year terms by the governors of each of their respective states, commissioners serve on a 48-member commission that provides strategic direction for WICHE and oversees its robust and diverse portfolio of higher education programs, research, and policy work. Four other new WICHE commission appointees are:
· Rita Hartung Cheng (Arizona), president of Northern Arizona University
· Kathleen H. Goeppinger (Arizona), president and chief executive officer of Midwestern University
· State Rep. Laurie Bishop (Montana), member of the Montana State House of Representatives
· Sheila M. Stearns (Montana), former president of the University of Montana
“All five of these individuals bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to our board that will be valuable as we build upon and advance the many ways in which WICHE serves students in the region,” said Demaree Michelau, WICHE president. “I look forward to working closely with each of them to promote successful student outcomes, vibrant economies, and strong leadership throughout the West.”
