Beshear Appointed New University of Kentucky Trustees
Governor Andy Beshear appointed Phillip Patton and Joseph Palumbo to the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in People
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Governor Andy Beshear has appointed a former circuit judge and a businessman to fill vacant seats on the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees. The appointments follow the expiration of a member's term and the passing of a former trustee.
Why it matters
State law mandates that the university board maintain political balance and reflect the broader demographics of Kentucky. These appointments ensure the board remains at full capacity to oversee institutional governance and policy.
Phillip Patton previously served as a trustee from 2003 to 2009, while Joseph Palumbo has been appointed to a six-year term. These leadership changes occur following a period of significant staffing reductions at the university, which saw approximately 1,000 employees laid off in June.
The players
Andy Beshear
He is the Governor of Kentucky responsible for making appointments to state university governing boards.
Phillip Patton
He is a retired circuit judge who previously served as a University of Kentucky trustee from 2003 to 2009.
Joseph Palumbo
He is a businessman, former congressional candidate, and current member of the Kentucky Ethics Commission.
The details
Phillip Patton, a retired circuit judge, succeeds the late Claude Berry, while businessman Joseph Palumbo replaces Ron Geoghegan. The new members were officially sworn in during a board meeting hosted at the University of Louisville.
Timeline
Ron Geoghegan's term expired on June 30, 2026.
Former trustee Claude Berry passed away on July 17, 2026.
Governor Beshear offered the position to Phillip Patton on September 16, 2026.
The new trustees were sworn in on September 18, 2026.
Market Landscape
These appointments follow the requirements of Kentucky state law regarding board diversity and political balance. The move aims to stabilize the governing body of the university as it navigates operational transitions following significant staff reductions.
Residents and stakeholders should note that these appointments fulfill requirements for institutional oversight. The board continues to manage the university following the loss of 1,000 employees earlier this year.
The takeaway
Governance updates represent a critical step in maintaining administrative continuity during periods of institutional restructuring. Future board meetings will rotate across the state to increase transparency and public access to university oversight.
Further reading
For more on influential figures in the state, visit Kentucky People.
Live Poll
Should university boards of trustees be composed of independent figures rather than political allies?
