Kent Rowe was born in Wichita, Kansas and grew up on his family's farm in rural Greenwood County. He attended Washington University in St. Louis and Wichita State University, where he majored in Human Factors engineering. He traveled abroad to New Zealand where he obtained a master's degree in toxicology. He later returned to WSU to complete a PhD in industrial engineering.
After completing school, Kent was hired by the United States Air Force as an associate professor and taught air crash investigation, flight physiology, and human factors in flight. Kent taught at six different bases over a 17-year period. From 2000 to 2004, Kent served as Mayor of Longton, Kansas. As Mayor, Kent was instrumental in obtaining a grant for a recycling program in Elk County. Prior to obtaining the grant Elk County had no recycling program whatsoever. Despite opposition from oil companies, Kent successfully advocated for the Caney River and Elk River Wind Farms during his time as mayor. To date, he is the only Green Party Candidate to ever be elected and hold public office in Kansas. Additionally, Kent has some limited experience as a substitute teacher in K-12 schools.
Kent is currently a board member of the Kansas Sierra Club, the Southwind Sierra Club, and the Society of Alternative Resources and he is co-chair of the Kansas Green Party. He has testified before committees in the Kansas State Legislature on many occasions and his research has been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Kent's most recent research concerned optimal techniques and methodologies in K-12 instruction. He presented that research to the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education in October 2017. Kent’s experience has given him a working knowledge of several federal statutes, regulations, guidelines, and best practices. Kent's background as an educator, as well as his research and support of K-12 education are essential qualities necessary for addressing critical issues faced by the Kansas State Board of Education.
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