By Ethan Sirles and Sarah Bashford
Gov. Andy Beshear has appointed Michael Garland, of Crestwood, Kentucky, to the Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Board of Regents. Garland was officially sworn in during a special-called meeting held through video teleconference on Monday, Oct. 16. Garland will serve on the board through June 30, 2029, and replaces Juan Castro.
Garland graduated from EKU with a bachelor of business administration in 1988. With more than 30 years of experience in executive leadership, he is the executive vice president of Recreonics, an aquatic facilities supplier based out of Louisville, Kentucky. In this role, he established a commercial contracting sales division and grew annual sales revenue from $500,000 to over $4.9 million. As one of the founding members and chair of the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP) Commercial Pool Council, Garland and other council members develop industry responses to challenges specific to the design, construction, operation and servicing of commercial pools and spas. Additionally, Garland is one of the founding members of the Aquatic Study Group.
“EKU alumni and business leaders, like Michael, power economic growth across the Commonwealth,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “We are excited to welcome Michael back to EKU, and for the business acumen and expertise he brings to our Board of Regents.”
As the governing body of the university, the EKU Board of Regents is comprised of 11 members, eight of which are appointed by the governor. Along with appointed members, the board includes a faculty representative, a staff representative and a student representative, each elected to serve by their respective peers.