FHSU Foundation welcomes new Board of Trustees members

Aug 17, 2023

The Fort Hays State University Foundation recently added two new members, Julie Deterding, and Brandon Prough, to its board of trustees.  

“I’m excited about the addition of these two members and the backgrounds they will offer this group of dedicated and generous individuals. Deterding and Prough will bring a level of leadership and commitment that will undoubtedly impact the Foundation and the future of Fort Hays State,” said FHSU Foundation President and CEO Jason Williby. 

Julie Deterding  

Julie Deterding is new to retirement following her career as a Wichita-based financial analyst and accounting professional. Deterding attended Barton County Community College before moving on to Fort Hays State University. She graduated from FHSU with an undergraduate degree in marketing in 1982 and a Master of Business Administration degree in 1983. Upon graduating, she landed a job with Grant Thornton, LLP in Wichita as an auditor, where she remained for several years.   

Her later role at Wesley Medical Center was an excellent fit for Deterding. Over an impressive 35 years with the center, she served in various capacities, including internal auditor, financial analyst, and, most recently, clinical system analyst. In addition to her professional roles, Deterding is active in P.E.O., an international women’s philanthropic educational organization, and in serving her community through events like the United Way Read to Succeed. As a recent retiree, Deterding looks forward to spending more time with loved ones.   

Brandon Prough  

Patrons of the Bank of Hays may be familiar with its senior vice president and chief lending officer, Brandon Prough. In 1986, Prough relocated to Hays from southwest Kansas to complete his high school education at Hays High. After falling in love with the area, Prough earned his agricultural business degree at Fort Hays State University in 1993. His education helped kickstart a career as an Area Specialist with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development in Hays, where he dedicated nearly 20 years of service.  

Prough has been with the Bank of Hays in his current position since 2011. Aside from professional achievements, Prough recently graduated from the Graduate School of Banking in Colorado and devotes additional time to the Hays community as a board member at Westview Church.   

The current Foundation board is comprised of 46 FHSU alumni and friends, with each trustee serving a four-year term. Trustees actively participate in various activities contributing to the educational and financial success of the university and the FHSU Foundation.  

Foundation board of trustees come from diverse education and industry backgrounds representing all five academic colleges at Fort Hays State University, and they reside in several states, including Kansas, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Missouri, and Texas.  

Deterding and Prough will join other FHSU Foundation board of trustees members later this week for the organization’s on-campus annual business meeting. Trustees will get an inside view of what’s happening at Fort Hays State and will hear updates from the Department of Agriculture, the Rodeo Club, and the men’s and women’s wrestling teams. Additionally, trustees will tour the university farm, the Institute for New Media Studies, and the newly constructed home of FHSU’s Shotgun Team, the Wilmer and Lorena Kellogg Training Center, located out at the Hays City Sportsmen’s Club. A number of trustees will conclude their weekend with the university’s 14th annual Tiger Auction and dinner Saturday evening.   

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