Gov. John Kasich has appointed area businesswoman and former Shawnee State University Board Member Kay Boynton Reynolds back to the university board to complete a five-year term.

Reynolds previously served the SSU Board of Trustees from 1999-2008 and served two of those years as Board chairwoman. She will complete the remaining five years of an unexpired term left behind by Gary Coleman. Her term began July 14 and ends June 30, 2016.

“I’m honored to be able to serve again,” Reynolds said. “Shawnee State University means a lot to me and to our community, state and region. During my previous term, we accomplished a great deal and made a number of decisions that I feel were critical in helping Shawnee State grow. In the few years since I’ve served, it’s been great watching the explosion in enrollment, the growth in housing, and the addition of new degrees, especially the master’s programs. It makes me proud.”

Reynolds is owner of Boynton Farms and Scioto Rental Management and is a managing partner with KB Properties. She is also a contractor with KRB Construction. As a longtime area business owner, she said she believes the role of Shawnee State University in the community is critical, which is one of the main reasons she considered the new appointment.

“Having a university here has impacted the education of our area. It has also brought professionals here who contribute to our region through their involvement in everything from area schools to service organizations to regional business,” she said.

Dr. Rita Rice Morris, SSU president, said Reynolds’ experience will benefit the university and the region. She called Reynolds a tremendous addition to the Board of Trustees.

“She is not only familiar with Shawnee State University and the issues facing higher education, she is very familiar with the needs of the community, our students and the people of our region,” Morris said.

The Board of Trustees of Shawnee State University has 11 voting members, which includes two student board members. Members are appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Ohio Senate. Also on the SSU Board of Trustees are Gail Ball, Melissa Higgs-Horwell, David Lodwick, Dan Mooney, Dr. Rita Roberts, Elizabeth Seif and student representative Matthew Allard.

There are two vacant board seats and one vacant student seat.

Morris also serves as an ex-officio (non-voting) member of the Board.

RYAN SCOTT OTTNEY can be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 235, or rottney@heartlandpublications.com.