Senate confirms new, returning Iowa Board of Regents members

Christine Hensley has been confirmed to the Iowa Board of Regents by the Iowa Senate, more than a week after the confirmation of other new and returning board members.

Hensley, whose vote was originally deferred at the request of Sen. Tony Bisignano, D-Des Moines, filled the empty spot left by Mike Richards after he resigned from the board in spring 2024. Her term is set to last until 2027.

Sen. Jeff Taylor, R-Sioux Center, said other positions Hensley holds include chair of ISL Education Lending, chair of public charter school Horizon Science Academy Des Moines and president-elect of the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. She’s a former member of the Des Moines City Council.

“Christine Hensley is a person who is well qualified to serve on the board of regents,” Taylor said.

Hensley was confirmed with a 34-16 vote.

Regents David Barker and James Risewick were both reappointed to their roles on April 29 with votes of 34-16 as well.

Barker, a real estate businessman and University of Iowa professor, has served on the board since 2019 and was confirmed for a second term. President Donald Trump nominated Barker Friday to serve as  to serve as assistant secretary for postsecondary education. Barker has not resigned from the regents board.

Risewick was appointed to the board in June 2022 to fill the spot of Milt Dakovich, and his term was set to end on April 30 before he was confirmed.

Kurt Tjaden was also confirmed in Late April to serve his first term on the board of regents, replacing Jim Lindenmeyer after he attended his last meeting in April.

Sen. Mike Pike, R-Des Moines, said during debate at the time Tjaden is an Iowa State University alum and is serving as president of the university’s alumni association.

“He’s looking forward to serving in this role, and I think he’d do a fine job,” Pike said.