Secretary of Education Arne Duncan ’86

President-elect Obama has selected Chicago school superintendent Arne Duncan '86 to serve as Secretary of Education.

President-elect Barack Obama has selected Arne Duncan '86 as his Secretary of Education, the New York Times reported. Duncan became superintendent of Chicago's schools in 2001, and has been credited with improving performance in the nation's third-largest district. Read Harvard Magazine's profile here. The Times reports that Duncan, who helped draft Obama's education platform, has been particularly interested in expanding early-childhood education.

For Boston Globe columnist Bob Ryan's warm reflections on Duncan's undergraduate basketball and academic career, and his work since, see here.

 

 

Related topics

You might also like

A new book explores the Harvard-trained architect’s vision and impact, from Ground Zero to the Smithsonian.

David Battat promotes alumni engagement.

Derek Bok donated his car for a good cause.

Most popular

Harvard art historian Jennifer Roberts teaches the value of immersive attention

Teaching students the value of deceleration and immersive attention

The 1884 Cannibalism-at-Sea Case That Still Has Harvard Talking

The Queen v. Dudley and Stephens changed the course of legal history. Here’s why it’s been fodder for countless classroom debates.

The University will compensate families of those whose remains were sold and establish a scholarship to honor anatomical donors.

Explore More From Current Issue

A vibrant illustration of a red car parked, surrounded by cheerful people and historic buildings.

Derek Bok donated his car for a good cause.

A football player in a white jersey evades a defender in a green uniform on the field.

Despite personnel losses, Crimson captain Xaviah Bascon is upbeat about the 2026 season.

Modern building with large glass windows, surrounded by greenery and pedestrians.

A roundup of University news from the summer of 2026