Sherry Bates, 62, of Scranton has been appointed by Gov Terry Branstad to the Iowa Board of Regents, the governing body for Iowa’s three state-funded universities, the Iowa School for the Deaf and the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School.
Bates is an Iowa State University graduate. She worked most of her career as a social worker at Greene County Medical Center. She recently left the Greene County board of health after 18 years of service. She serves on the Greene County Community Foundation board and the Scranton Telephone board.
She explained that she heard of a vacancy on the board and filled out an application online. She was called twice by staff in the governor’s office and then invited to an interview with Gov Branstad last Friday.
“Sherry’s work in her community and as a social worker demonstrates her commitment to public service. Her belief in affordable, world-class higher education will serve her well as a regent,” Branstad stated in a press release.
Bates is excited about the appointment. “I’m looking forward to meeting the rest of the Regents and learning more about our state universities and all the opportunities they offer,” Bates said Monday afternoon. She also thanked Gov Branstad for the appointment.
Bates will serve the remaining 2-1/2 years of a term vacated by Nicole Carroll. Her appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.
