For immediate release: October 8, 2003
Nicole Corcoran 785.368.8500

Governor Sebelius Appoints Two to Kansas Territorial Sesquicentennial Commission

As Kansans get ready for the 150th Anniversary of the signing of the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854, Governor Kathleen Sebelius has appointed William Muir III and Secretary Mike Hayden to the Kansas Territorial Sesquicentennial Commission. Each was appointed to the board as new members to serve terms ending 07/01/2005.

Governor Sebelius said, "This is an important celebration for Kansas and I am pleased Secretary Hayden and William Muir have signed onto this commission."

Muir, Manhattan, is the Assistant Vice President for Community Relations of Kansas State University, since 1990. He previously served as Director of Economic Development for KSU. Between 1979 and 1987, he served as Assistant to Governor John Carlin. Muir currently is a member of the Kansas Entrepreneurial Center, Inc. Advisory Board, and the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce. He was the State Commissioner and Treasurer of the Kansas Commission for the 125th (1985-1987).

Secretary Hayden, Lawrence, is Secretary of the Department of Wildlife & Parks. He served as Governor of Kansas from 1987 until 1991. Prior to 1987, he was Speaker of Kansas' House of Representatives, beginning in 1983. After serving as Governor, he was appointed to Assistant Secretary of Interior for Fish, Wildlife, and Parks by President George H. Bush and in 1993, became the President of the American Sportfishing Association.

The Kansas Territorial Sesquicentennial Commission prepares an overall program for commemorating the signing of the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 and plays, encourages, develops and coordinates observances and activities commemorating the creation of the Kansas Territory in 1854.