Lamar Alexander

Read our coverage of the fifth U.S. Secretary of Education, who served from 1999 to 1993

Explainer

U.S. President George H. Bush glances toward his choices for two Cabinet positions during a White House press briefing, Monday, Dec. 18, 1990 in Washington. At left is former Tennessee Gov. Lamar Alexander, the President's pick for education secretary.
Lamar Alexander, Fifth U.S. Education Secretary: Biography and Achievements
Background and highlights of Lamar Alexander's tenure as the fifth U.S. Secretary of Education.
View Explainer
Federal Outgoing Department Officials Lay Plans for New Pursuits
Some Education Department officials said they have plans for academic, legal, corporate, or public-policy pursuits, while others have no firm future plans.
Mark Pitsch, January 20, 1993
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5 min read
Federal On Familiar Political Turf, Alexander Hits The Campaign Trail
Except for a knot of reporters and television cameramen stationed by a voter-registration table, the Arden Fair shopping mall here is quiet.
Julie A. Miller, September 30, 1992
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9 min read
Education Alexander Seeks To Involve Libraries in America 2000
Secretary of Education Lamar Alexander last week launched a campaign to involve libraries in the Bush Administration's strategy for reaching the national education goals.
September 16, 1992
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1 min read
Education Alexander Seeks Political Boost By Rewarding Inventive Schools
Secretary of Education Lamar Alexander last week launched a school-recognition program that he acknowledges will give him a chance to tout President Bush's education record in visits across the country in the two months leading up to the Presidential election.
Mark Pitsch, September 9, 1992
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2 min read
Education Funds Tagged For Chapter 1, City Schools
Secretary of Education Lamar Alexander last week proposed that $100 million that had been set aside for new programs be used to aid growing school districts and inner-city schools, and to involve defense personnel in schools.
Julie A. Miller, June 10, 1992
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2 min read
Education Report Documents Alexander's Business Dealings
When he was president of the University of Tennessee, U.S. Secretary of Education Lamar Alexander steered university business to political associates and an inn in which his wife held an interest, while intentionally concealing the connections, the Tennessee state comptroller has concluded.
Julie A. Miller, June 3, 1992
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2 min read
Education Alexander Offers More Details on 'Arts Partnership'
Secretary of Education Lamar Alexander last week offered more details of his evolving plan for an "America 2000 arts partnership" to strengthen arts education in the nation's schools.
Debra Viadero, March 25, 1992
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1 min read
Federal Alexander Plans 'Partnership' To Strengthen Arts Education
Amid criticism that music and the arts have been left out of reform efforts, Secretary of Education Lamar Alexander intends to form a national "partnership".
Debra Viadero, March 18, 1992
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2 min read
Education Alexander Finds Funding Source For School-Recognition Program
Secretary of Education Lamar Alexander has proposed financing this year's Blue Ribbon Schools competition from a $100-million fund set aside for new programs.
February 12, 1992
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1 min read
Federal Bush's School Plan Is 'Lamar's Baby,' Participants Agree
President Bush ceremoniously unveiled his America 2000 plan in April, and officials emphasize that it is "the President's strategy."
Julie A. Miller, June 5, 1991
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8 min read
Federal Alexander Wastes No Time Making Office His Own
Secretary of Education Lamar Alexander said that he supports expansion of the National Assessment of Educational Progress to allow for comparisons.
Julie A. Miller, March 27, 1991
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6 min read
Federal After Two-Month Delay, Senate Confirms Alexander
Nearly two months after Lamar Alexander was first nominated, the Senate unanimously confirmed him as the next Secretary of Education.
Julie A. Miller, March 20, 1991
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4 min read
Federal Educators Hail Nomination of Alexander as Secretary
During the campaign, George Bush told students: "I want to be the education President. I want to lead a renaissance of quality in our schools."
Julie A. Miller, January 9, 1991
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11 min read
States Tennessee's Best Salesman
Lamar Alexander likes to say that governors should spend at least half of their time convincing people that they're right.
J.R. Sirkin, October 30, 1985
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19 min read
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