Goldsby’s Brian Beller has been appointed by Gov. Kevin Stitt to the Oklahoma State Regents for High Education.

Beller was one of two of Stitt’s final appointments to the state regents board. The other appointee is Trevor Pemberton of Norman.

Beller, a construction professional from Goldsby, will replace Jeff Hickman, a former speaker of the Oklahoma House, who was appointed to the board by Gov. Mary Fallin in 2017.

Beller’s full nine-year term will begin May 17 and run through May 16, 2035.

Both appointments will require confirmation from the Oklahoma State Senate prior to the adjournment of the 2026 legislative session.

Beller is currently a project manager for B&H Construction and director of government affairs.

His background would appear to fit with Stitt’s goal of aligning higher education with Oklahoma’s workforce needs. From 2010 to 2022, Beller worked at Washington High School as a teacher, coach and administrator. In 2018, he was named the school’s athletic director and director of operations.

Stitt said in a statement he is proud to appoint Beller and Pemberton, a Norman attorney.

“Their real-world experience in business, education and public service will help our campuses prepare students for their future jobs,” Stitt said.

In a statement, Chancellor Sean Burrage said Pemberton and Beller were “proven leaders.”

“(Their) expertise and experiences will greatly benefit our state system and the students we serve. We look forward to their service as State Regents,” Burrage said.

Beller told The Purcell Register he and Stitt have developed a “pretty good working relationship” with his work as government affairs director for B&H.

“I think with my background both in public education and in the private sector is why I got the job,” Beller said.

“My main goal is to focus on developing the work force for the state, keeping Oklahoma kids here and attracting others to want to come here.

“I’m excited for the opportunity and am excited to get to work,” he concluded.

Beller said the senate hearing will be in a couple of weeks.