Keith R. Kappes, former vice president of Morehead State University, is in his eighth year as chair of the Board of Directors of the Jesse Stuart Foundation, Inc.

A JSF board member since 1992, Kappes succeeded Judy B. Thomas of Greenup, Ky., retired president of the Ashland, Inc., Foundation, in 2001.

Mr. Kappes says of his service to the Jesse Stuart Foundation:

"I had the privilege of meeting Jesse Stuart as a college student and later as a newspaper reporter and he remains one of my heroes. I am proud to serve this great organization which works so effectively to preserve his literary legacy and the personal and family values he championed throughout his life. Please be assured that the Jesse Stuart Foundation is an wonderful organization worthy of your interest and support."

A Carter County native and a former newspaper, wire service and broadcast journalist, Kappes joined MSU's administrative staff in 1969 and held various executive-level positions before being promoted to vice president in July 1990. He also served six years as CEO of the MSU Foundation, Inc. He retired from full-time service to MSU in December 2008 and now consults on a part-time basis.

Mr. Kappes can be contacted by phone at 606.356.0912 or by fax at 606.783.0319 or by e-mail at k.kappes@moreheadstate.edu.

The Board of Directors of the Jesse Stuart Foundation, Inc., consists of 22 persons holding or sharing 19 voting seats from four membership categories. One seat is vacant, pending a designee from Northern Kentucky University. The board also has three non-voting emeritus members. As of January 1, 2009, the board membership comprises the following: