Rod Paige
Former Public Policy Scholar
Professional affiliation
Secretary of Education, 2001-2005
Wilson Center Projects
"The Academic Achievement Gap"
Full Biography
Dr. Paige has had an extensive career in education, as a teacher, coach, and administrator. He graduated from Jackson State University in Mississippi and later earned both a master's and a doctoral degree from Indiana University. He served for a decade as dean of the College of Education at Texas Southern University. In 1994 , Dr. Paige became superintendent of the Houston Independent School District. The American Association of School Administrators named him as National Superintendent of the Year in 2001. Dr. Paige was confirmed as President Bush's choice for Secretary of Education in January 2001, and he served in this capacity until his resignation in January 2005.