Gov. Kim Reynolds has appointed Christine Hensley, a former Des Moines city council member, to the Iowa Board of Regents.
The announcement came Sept. 26 following the resignation of Board President and Regent Mike Richards in January 2024. According to previous reporting from the Daily, Richards was appointed in 2016 by Gov. Terry Branstad and was later voted president of the board.
“I am honored to be appointed to the Iowa Board of Regents,” Hensley stated in a press release. “I appreciate the confidence Governor Reynolds has in me with this appointment. I look forward to learning from my fellow board members and working with them to ensure our universities are able to provide outstanding education to the citizens of Iowa.”
According to her member biography, Hensley previously served in many community leadership roles, including the executive director of the YMCA of Greater Des Moines and served Ward 3 on the Des Moines City Council from 1994 to 2017.
“Chris is a remarkable person who has shown time and time again what it means to be a true leader in her community,” Reynolds stated in the press release. “Across her long and accomplished career in education, business, and elected office, Chris has proven she has the skills and innovative spirit necessary to work alongside our regent universities in the pursuit of academic excellence for our students. I’m confident she will work collaboratively with her fellow board members to ensure graduates are prepared for success in Iowa’s diverse economy.”
She has served as president of the Iowa Student Loan Corporation, the Iowa League of Cities and the Metro Advisory Council. According to the release, she currently serves as chair of the Horizon Science Academy governing board. Hensley also attended Drake University and St. Joseph’s Academy, and later received an honorary doctorate from Grand View University.
According to her member bio, Hensley will serve as the vice chair of the Academics Affairs Committee and serve on the Investment and Finance Committee. Her term is due to expire in 2027.
According to the press release, her appointment is subject to Senate approval.
Angie Hunt, Iowa State’s spokesperson, said the university “does not typically comment on the appointment of a new regent.”
