Gov. John Kasich appointed private attorney Donald L. Mason to the Kent State Board of Trustees Fri., May 19, according to a Tuesday news release from the university.

Mason replaced Richard Marsh, who died in March.

“His extensive public service and experience as a private attorney will be an asset to the strategic vision of the university’s eight-campus system, and we look forward to his engagement with Kent State University,” stated Lawrence Pollock, chair of the Kent State Board of Trustees, in the news release.

Mason specializes in energy and environmental policy, focusing on regulating oil and natural gas development. He works as a private attorney for natural gas regulatory reform and represents Gov. Kasich on the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission.

Mason served two terms as the Commissioner of the Public Utilities Commision of Ohio. He  worked for the Ohio Department of Natural Recourses as chief of the Division of Oil and Gas and oversaw the Divisions of Parks, Forestry, Watercraft, Natural Area Preserves and Wildlife. Mason was also an officer for the Groundwater Protection Council.  

The Board of Trustees comprises 12 members appointed by the governor who serve for three years — two of which are non voting student trustees who serve for two years.

The board makes decisions that govern Kent State, including appointing the president, determining the budget, setting tuition costs, establishing regulations and approving all curriculum, programs and degrees offered by the university.

The next board meeting is on Wed., May 31, at 9 a.m. in the University Library and is open to the public. Meeting records and agendas are also available online.

Alicia Krynock is the administration reporter, contact her at [email protected].