FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 6, 2006, 3:00 p.m. CT

(Lincoln, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman announced today that he will accept applications for appointment to the Board of Trustees for the Nebraska State Colleges from now until the close of business Thursday, Dec. 21. A vacancy is pending on Jan. 1, because current trustee Richard Halbert of Falls City has decided against seeking re-appointment.

"I want to thank Richard for his years of service to our state and its important system of four-year colleges in Peru, Chadron and Wayne," Gov. Heineman said. "Trustees hold an important position in guiding the future of our state college system, and Richard has helped foster its role in economic development, education and workforce preparation."

The Governor appoints six voting members of the Board of Trustees. The Nebraska Commissioner of Education, Doug Christensen, serves as an ex-officio member. Governors also appoint one student trustee from each of the campuses: Peru State College, Chadron State College and Wayne State College.

Halbert, a lawyer in Falls City, has served in various capacities on the National American University Board of Governors, the Nebraska State Bar Association, and the Peru Advancement Foundation, Inc. Then-Gov. Mike Johanns appointed him to the Board of Trustees in December 2000. His six-year term expires Dec. 31.

Individuals interested in the position should send a cover letter and resume, along with a completed application form, to Peggy King in the Governor's Office, at P.O. Box 94848, Lincoln, NE 68509. The application form is available on the Governor's Web site at http://www.gov.state.ne.us, and is also available by calling the Governor's Office.