PIERRE - Gov. Dennis Daugaard on Monday announced that he will appoint John W. Bastian, of Belle Fourche, to the South Dakota Board of Regents.
Bastian, an Aberdeen native, retired in 2013 after serving for 20 years as a circuit court judge in Belle Fourche. Prior to that service, Bastian spent nearly 10 years in the attorney general's office. He is a graduate of South Dakota State University and Hamline University School of Law, and a veteran of the United States Air Force.
"I thank Judge Bastian for taking on this important role," said Daugaard. "The Regents oversee a system of state universities that is focused on quality and affordability, and John Bastian will be a strong addition to the board."
Bastian's appointment is effective immediately. He will succeed Regent Randall K. Morris of Spearfish, who served for 13 years on the board before passing away in November.
