HAYS, Kan. -- The Fort Hays State University Alumni Association Board of Directors has announced the addition of eight new members for the 2020-21 fiscal year.

Announced at the first-ever virtual board meeting June 12 were Jimmy Brough, Topeka; Elizabeth Gerber, Scott City; Dr. Ryan Ruda, Garden City; Dr. Tamera Schlegel, Centennial, Colo.; Tomi Schwandt, Wichita; Derrick Tice, St. Francis; Tara Vance, Norton; and Tina Wick, Wamego. Each is beginning a two-year term.

Brough, a sales specialist with the Brad Noller American Family Insurance agency, earned two degrees from FHSU – one in general studies in 2012 and another in management in 2013. He will serve on the Membership and Marketing Committee.

Gerber, a school psychologist with the High Plains Educational Cooperative based out of Ulysses, earned three degrees from FHSU – a bachelor’s of psychology in 1999, a master’s in school psychology in 2001 and an education specialist degree in school psychology in 2003. She will serve on the Membership and Marketing Committee.

Ruda, president at Garden City Community College, earned a bachelor’s in justice studies in 1997 and a master’s in counseling and guidance in 1999. He will serve on the Finance and Operations Committee.

Schlegel, a retired attorney and dean of students at Cherry Creek Schools in Colorado, is a 1983 graduate with a bachelor’s degree in political science. She will serve on the Awards and Recognition Committee.

Schwandt, an adjunct instructor for the Department of Political Science at FHSU, is a 2007 graduate with a bachelor’s degree in political science. She will serve on the Membership and Marketing Committee.

Tice is the director of marketing for Invictis Crop Care LLC. He graduated in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. He will serve on the Awards and Recognition Committee.

Vance, the executive director for the Norton County Community Foundation, is a 2004 graduate with a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership. She will serve on the Finance and Operations Committee.

Wick, owner of CORE Marketing, is a 1990 graduate with a bachelor’s degree in art. She will serve on the Membership and Marketing Committee.

“We are pleased to welcome eight new directors to the FHSU Alumni Board of Directors,” said Tammy Wellbrock, interim director of the alumni association. “They represent alumni from all parts of the state of Kansas, as well as a representative from Colorado. All bring valuable insight and energy to the association as we continue our commitment to strengthen Fort Hays State University.”

The 2020-21 Executive Council is comprised of Mike Slattery, Ed.D., Hays; Chelsey Ladd, Hays; Dr. Kendall Krug, Hays, Betty Johnson, CFRE, Lawrence, Brooke Oleen Tieperman, Denver, Colo; Mari Tucker, Topeka; and Doug Wright; Humboldt.  

Slattery will serve as the board president. He is an emeritus FHSU professor of education administration and received three degrees from FHSU: a bachelor’s in health, physical education and recreation in 1973, a master’s in education administration (secondary) in 1977 and an EDS in education administration (superintendent) in 1989.

Ladd will serve as the board vice-president. She is manager of Constituent Services for the Office of Senator Jerry Moran and graduated in 2008 with two degrees: a bachelor of science degree in organizational leadership and a bachelor of arts in political science.

Krug, an optometrist with his own practice, Krug Optometry, graduated in 1983 with a bachelor’s in general science. He will serve as the chair of the Awards and Recognition committee.

Johnson is a 1980 graduate with a bachelor’s in communication. She is president of Betty Johnson and Associates. She will serve as the chair of the Finance and Operations committee.

Tieperman is the program manager for the Environment, Energy and Transportation, National Conference of State Legislatures and is a 2001 graduate with bachelor’s degrees in Spanish and communications (public relations). She will serve as the chair of the Membership and Marketing Committee.

Tucker, a partnership liaison for registered nurse education at the Washburn School of Nursing, has earned two FHSU degrees, a bachelor of science in computer information systems in 1986 and a master of business administration in management in 1987. She will serve as an at-large member of the Executive Council.

Wright is the clinical director of the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center. He is a 1994 graduate with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and will serve as an at-large member of the Executive Council.

Other members of the board:

• Larry Daugherty ’62, ’66, Russell, is a retired educator and president of the Half Century Club. He will serve on the Awards and Recognition Committee.
• Dean Lavielle ’71, ’93, Newton, is a retired high school principal and will serve on the Finance and Operations Committee.
• Eric Norris ’09, Lawrence, librarian for the State of Kansas, and will serve on the Awards and Recognition Committee.

Denise Orth, associate professor of Allied Health, will serve on the board in an ex-officio position as a faculty representative; and Haley Reiter, Hays, incoming president of the FHSU Student Government Association, will also serve on the board in an ex-officio position as a student representative.

Retiring board members were recognized for a combined 24 years of service: Jennifer Brantley, Wichita; Mike Koerner, Hays; Leo Lake, Manhattan; Rob Schocke, Castle Rock, Colo.; and Lance Tilton, Chapman.

Established in 1916, the Fort Hays State University Alumni Association serves the population of FHSU graduates by identifying needs and providing solutions. More than 70,000 graduates live throughout the United States and approximately 77 foreign countries.

The board sets the policy and direction of the association in developing lifelong relationships between the university and alumni.

Board nominations are accepted as positions become available. For more information, visit www.goforthaysstate.com, email alumni@fhsu.edu or call 785-628-4430 or toll free 1-888-351-3591.

For a complete listing and photos of the FHSU Alumni Board of Directors, visit www.goforthaysstate.com/abod.