Arne Duncan — SPARQNOW

At-a-Glance

Served as the 9th U.S. Secretary of Education from 2009 to 2015 in President Barack Obama's cabinet.
Was the Chief Executive Officer of Chicago Public Schools from 2001 to 2009.
Helped secure congressional support for $100 billion in education investments through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Oversaw the Race to the Top program and expanded the Pell grant program.
Graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University in 1987 with a degree in sociology.
Played professional basketball in Australia from 1987 to 1991.

Biography

Arne Starkey Duncan served as the 9th United States Secretary of Education from 2009 to 2015 in the cabinet of President Barack Obama. During his tenure, he helped secure congressional support for President Obama's education investments, including $100 billion from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to fund teaching jobs and increase Pell grants. He also oversaw reform efforts such as Race to the Top and Investing in Innovation, and interventions in low-performing schools.