Brian D. Beller of Goldsby and Trevor S. Pemberton of Norman were sworn in as members of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education on May 29 by Oklahoma Supreme Court Vice-Chief Justice Dana Kuehn. Their appointments by Gov. Kevin Stitt were confirmed by both the Senate Education Committee and the full Senate.
“We are pleased to welcome Regents Beller and Pemberton to the State Regents,” said Chair Courtney Warmington. “Each brings valuable experience in public service, leadership, and policy that will benefit this board’s work to strengthen academic quality, affordability, and workforce alignment across the state.”
Beller succeeds State Regent Emeritus Jeffrey W. Hickman with a nine-year term ending in 2035. Pemberton fills the unexpired term of State Regent Emeritus Dustin J. Hilliary with a term ending in 2031.
“Regent Beller and Regent Pemberton’s expertise in the business, legal and education sectors will advance our efforts to increase degree completion in high demand fields,” said Chancellor Sean Burrage. “I look forward to their contributions as we remain focused on meeting Oklahoma’s current and future workforce needs.”
Beller is manager and director of government affairs for B&H Construction, a family-owned company specializing in multi-state underground utility work. He served for more than a decade in public K–12 education, where he worked as a teacher, coach, athletic director, and director of operations at Washington High School. Beller holds a master’s degree in education and a bachelor’s degree in history from East Central University.
“I appreciate the confidence Gov. Stitt has placed in me,” Beller said. “Oklahomans need accessible, affordable paths to higher education, and employers need an educated workforce to thrive. I look forward to participating in the State Regents’ work serving Oklahoma students and families.”
Pemberton, an appellate advocate, mediator, and former public official, has served as a Special District Judge, as a District Judge, and as Chief Judge of the Juvenile Justice System. He was appointed to the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals and later served as General Counsel to the Governor of Oklahoma. Pemberton also founded Pemberton Law Group, where he focuses on appellate advocacy, mediation, and government-related legal matters. Raised in rural Oklahoma, he earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Oklahoma and a Juris Doctor with honors from the Oklahoma City University School of Law and completed advanced mediation training through the Harvard Law School Program on Negotiation.
“Oklahoma’s public institutions play a critical role in shaping the future of our state and its most valuable asset—its people,” Pemberton said. “I am honored by the opportunity to serve in this capacity and am committed to stewarding it well in a manner that honors the Lord. I look forward to working collaboratively with my fellow State Regents to support our students and strengthen our colleges and universities.”
The State Regents are the constitutional coordinating board for the 25 public colleges and universities of the Oklahoma state system of higher education. The State Regents prescribe academic standards of higher education; determine functions and courses of study at state colleges and universities; grant degrees; request appropriations on behalf of state system institutions; set tuition and fees; approve institutional allocations; upon review, provide final approval of institutional budgets following governing board approval and submission; and manage numerous scholarships and special programs. The nine citizens who comprise the board are appointed to nine-year terms by the Governor and confirmed by the state Senate.