Five longtime regents honored for a decade of service at 2026 Trusteeship Conference
October 05, 2026
The Council on Postsecondary Education honored five longtime board members on Sept. 29 at its 2026 Trusteeship Conference. Each has served more than 10 years on their institution's Board of Regents, nearly completing two full terms of their current appointment.
The honorees represent Western Kentucky University, Morehead State University and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS). CPE President Aaron Thompson presented framed certificates during a midday recognition ceremony emceed by Madison Silvert, CPE chair and president of Brescia University.
"When you dedicate a decade of your life to an institution, you don't just help govern it — you leave your fingerprints on its history forever," Silvert told the audience of trustees and campus leaders.
The honorees
Dr. Phillip Bale, Western Kentucky University
A physician, Bale brought a career in healthcare to the WKU Board of Regents and a calm, steady style of leadership through critical moments. He served as board chair twice, from 2017 to 2018 and again from 2021 to 2023.
Bale also served on the steering committee for WKU's strategic plan and on the search committee that selected President Timothy Caboni.
Eric Howard, Morehead State University
Howard's ties to Morehead State span more than four decades. A 1981 graduate, he led the MSU Alumni Association as president before joining the Board of Regents.
On the board, Howard has served as chair and as a member of the Executive Committee. He is known for his institutional knowledge, collaborative approach and passion for student success.
Craig Preece, Morehead State University
Preece has focused on effective governance and fiscal integrity, serving on both the Executive Committee and the Audit Committee. His careful oversight helped guide discussions on accountability and long-term strategy, keeping the university financially strong and positioned to serve Eastern Kentucky.
Preece was unable to attend but was recognized for more than 10 years of service.
Wayne Martin, Morehead State University (in memoriam)
The ceremony paused to honor the late Wayne Martin, who passed away about a month before the conference. His relationship with Morehead State spanned nearly six decades, as a student, two-time alumnus, head coach, regent and advocate.
As head men's basketball coach from 1978 to 1987, Martin led the Eagles to Ohio Valley Conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. He later served three terms on the Board of Regents, including four years as vice chair, and received the university's 2025 Founders Award for University Service.
His legacy lives on through Martin Hall and a scholarship endowment created in his name.
James Lee Stevens, KCTCS
Stevens has served on the KCTCS Board of Regents since 2015. He has been board chair and vice chair, and has chaired the Academic Affairs, Policy and Planning, and Audit committees.
His public service extends well beyond the board. Stevens is a retired Hopkins County Schools superintendent with 45 years in public education, a retired lieutenant colonel after 24 years in the U.S. Army Reserve, and a former chair of the School Facilities Construction Commission. He has been a consistent advocate for adult learners, workforce alignment and educational access in Western Kentucky and beyond.
Last Updated: 10/6/2026