WKU News

Dr. Patti Minter, former Kentucky State Representative and current Professor of History at WKU, has been appointed to the Kentucky Commission on Women by Governor Andy Beshear.

Formed in 1970, the Commission is dedicated to elevating the status of women and girls in the Commonwealth, empowering them to overcome barriers to equity, and expanding opportunities to achieve their fullest potential.

Some of the important mandates supported by the Commission include the supporting of volunteer community improvement programs for women, educating the public on women’s issues, as well as consulting and advising both the state and federal government on matters pertaining to women.

The Commission is chaired by Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman, who is the highest-ranking elected woman in Kentucky government.

“I want to work to ensure that the stories of Kentucky women and their history, as well as the Commission’s history and work, are lifted up and documented properly,” says Minter. “As a lawmaker, I advocated for the people in my district. As a commissioner, I’m advocating for Kentucky women by identifying problems and working towards solutions to lift up women and families in a state where we desperately need to do that work.”

Dr. Minter will serve a 4-year term on the Commission, ending in 2027. She previously worked with them when she served as the faculty regent on the WKU Board of Regents from 2007 to 2014.

“It’s my greatest honor to continue my service to the Commonwealth in this way,” says Minter.