Scott Walker reappoints UW regent Whitburn, names 2 new regents

Gov. Scott Walker on Friday reappointed one member of the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents and named two new members to fill vacant seats on the governing board for UW campuses.

Gerald Whitburn, who was reappointed, is retired chief executive officer of Church Mutual Insurance Co. He also held two cabinet positions in Wisconsin: secretary of the Department of Industry, Labor and Human Relations from 1989-1991, and secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services from 1991-1995.

Whitburn, a Merrill native, is a graduate of the UW-Oshkosh with a bachelor’s degree in political science and history and a graduate of UW-Madison with a master of arts in political science.

Walker also appointed to the board Cris Peterson of Grantsburg, owner and chief financial officer of Four Cubs Farm. She has received several awards, including 1997 Wisconsin Farm Woman of the Year, 2002 Association of Women in Agriculture Outstanding Woman in Agriculture Award and 2004 World Dairy Expo Woman of the Year.

Peterson served as a student regent to her alma mater, the University of Minnesota, where she received a bachelor’s degree in education. Peterson also attended the UW Extension for the Agricultural Executive Management Program.

Jason Plante also was appointed. He is vice president of Market & Johnson in Eau Claire. He is a graduate of UW-Eau Claire with a bachelor of science in marketing.

The UW System Board of Regents is an 18 member board responsible for establishing policies and rules for governing the UW System.

The governor appoints 14 members and two student members to serve seven-year terms and two-year terms, respectively. The appointments are subject to confirmation by the state Senate.