One of Governor Jan Brewer’s appointments to the Arizona Board of Regents has created controversy in democratic circles. As a result Rich Crandall, the chairman of the Senate’s Education Committee, refused to schedule a vote on the appointment of Espresso Pundit blog author Greg Patterson.
Crandall removed Greg Patterson’s name from the Senate’s Education Committee agenda. Democrats and others balked at the appointment and pointed out that in his blog, Espresso Pundit, Patterson criticized the regents and university presidents for a variety of reasons, according to the Arizona Republic.
Greg Patterson was appointed to replace Regent Ernest Calderon, whose term expired in January. Mr. Patterson would serve an 8-year term.
The Senate normally approves the appointments. The Governor does not necessarily need the confirmation vote by the Education Committee. She can request the Patterson nomination be moved to another committee; she can submit another name; or she can do nothing. By law, Patterson can serve up to one year on the board without confirmation, as is the case with all gubernatorial appointments.
One education insider said, “One thing about it, the education community does not tolerate criticism or scrutiny well.”
The Governor issued a statement at the time of Patterson’s appointment saying that “Greg has an extensive and well-rounded background in public service, and has been one of Arizona’s leaders in public policy and conservative philosophy for the last two decades,” said Governor Brewer. “He will bring to the Board of Regents innovative ideas about how our institutions of higher education can best serve the people of Arizona now and in the future.”
Mr. Patterson is currently Director of both the Arizona Competitive Power Alliance – a trade association established by independent power producers – and the Water Utilities Association of Arizona. He also is an elected member of the Maricopa Integrated Health System Board of Directors, which manages the Maricopa Medical Center, a variety of clinics and the Arizona Burn Center.
Previously, Mr. Patterson was Chief of Staff for the Arizona State Senate (1999-2001); Director of the Residential Utility Consumer Office (1995-1999); and a Lecturer for World Bank and USAID. He held elected office as a member of the Arizona House of Representatives from 1991 to 1995.
Mr. Patterson graduated with distinction from the Accounting Program at the University of Arizona Eller College of Management (1985), and earned his law degree from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University (2008). He is a certified public accountant and licensed to practice law in Arizona.
Brewer also nominated Dr. Ram Krishna to replace Board of Regents Chairman Robert McLendon, whose term expired in January. Dr. Krishna will also serve an 8-year term, pending State Senate confirmation.
“Dr. Krishna brings to the Board of Regents more than 30 years of experience in medicine, which will be invaluable to our state’s efforts in medical education,” said Governor Brewer. “Individuals like Dr. Krishna are needed now more than ever as we strive to improve the quality and accessibility of higher education in the State of Arizona.”
Dr. Krishna is an orthopedic surgeon and has been in private practice since 1981. Additionally, he is a member of the Arizona Board of Medical Examiners, Arizona Orthopedic Society, Arizona Medical Association and Yuma County Medical Society.
His previous work experience includes service as: Chairman (1996) and Secretary Treasurer (1994) of the Board of Trustees for the Yuma Regional Medical Center; Chief of Surgery for the Yuma Regional Medical Center (1988-1990); Chairman of the Board of Trustees (1983) and Chief of Staff (1983) for the South East Arizona Medical Center; and Chief Resident in Orthopedics at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center (1981). Dr. Krishna is a fellow with the American Academy of Neurological and Orthopedic Surgeons.
Dr. Krishna received his MBBS (equivalent to an MD) from Bangalore University (1971). He completed his residency at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Department of Orthopedics (1981).
Arizona Board of Regents President Tom Anderes commended both Mr. Patterson and Dr. Krishna for the wealth of experience they bring to the Board.
“Mr. Patterson is well-versed in public policy issues affecting Arizonans, and brings experience managing medical systems to the table, all of which will translate well to his work with the university system,” President Anderes said. “Dr. Krishna’s extensive medical background will be extremely valuable in our efforts to advance the university system medical enterprise, a critical asset to the State of Arizona.”
Governor Brewer applauded Regents Calderon and McLendon for the passionate personal investment they’ve made in Arizona higher education during their years on the Board of Regents.
“Regent Calderon has been an education visionary and champion of innovative programs that help bring a college degree within reach for Arizona students, even during difficult economic times,” said Governor Brewer. “Of course, he also was a strong advocate for Proposition 100 and the funding it continues to raise for education in Arizona. For his genuine service and leadership, Regent Calderon has my sincere gratitude.
“Regent McLendon also will be missed on the Board,” Governor Brewer continued. “He was one of the first Regents ever appointed to represent rural Arizona, and his creation of the Educational Pipeline Taskforce has been instrumental in strengthening the bond between K-12 and higher education in this state. Robert McLendon has always served Arizona, whether as a state lawmaker, a Yuma County Supervisor or a teacher of American History and Government at Yuma High School. He is truly one of our great statesmen.”