
Dr. Rod Paige
Former U.S. Secretary of Education
On January 21, 2001, the United States Senate confi rmed Dr. Rod Paige as the 7th U.S. Secretary of Education. For Paige, the son of a principal and a librarian in public schools, that day was the crown ing achievement of a long career in education. Born in 1933 in segregated Monticello, Mississippi, Paige’s accomplishments…
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Full Bio
On January 21, 2001, the United States Senate confi rmed Dr. Rod Paige as the 7th U.S. Secretary of Education. For Paige, the son of a principal and a librarian in public schools, that day was the crown ing achievement of a long career in education.
Born in 1933 in segregated Monticello, Mississippi, Paige’s accomplishments speak of his commitment to education. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Jackson State University. He then earned both a master’s and a doctoral degree from Indiana University.
Paige began working with students early in his career as a teacher and a coach. He then served for a decade as dean of the College of Education at Texas Southern University (TSU).
In this position, Paige worked to ensure that future educators would receive the training and expertise necessary to succeed in the classroom. He also established the university’s Center for Excellence in Urban Education, a research facility that concentrates on issues related to instruction and management in urban school systems.
Elected in 1989, Paige was sworn in as a trustee an d an officer of the Board of Education of the Houst on Independent School District (HISD) in January 1990, in which capacities he served until 1994.
In 1994, Paige left TSU to become superintendent of HISD, th e nation’s seventh largest school district.
Inside Houston Magazine named Paige one of “Houston’s 25 m ost powerful people” in guiding the city’s growth and prosperity. In 2001, he was named National Supe rintendent of the Year by the American Association of School Administrators.
Paige was the first school superintendent ever to serve as Secretary of Education. His vast experience as a practitioner-from the blackboard to the boardroom-paid off during the long hours of work needed to pass President Bush’s No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 ( NCLB).
He led the charge-in partnership with states and di stricts-to implement the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. The law gave local districts the tools and re sources they need to help every child learn, regard less of the color of their skin or the accent of their s peech.
States and districts moved forward, working to improve student achievement, empowering parents wit h options and information, providing supplemental services such as free tutoring to students in danger of being left behind, and tapping new sources of talented teachers to help students excelin our nation’s classrooms.
By June 2003-a watershed moment in education-every single state had an approved accoun tability plan in place to ensure that every single student was learning.
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Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!

LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!

MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!

SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!

SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!

CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!

PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!

CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.

GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!

WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.

FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).

WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!

FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
A Conversation With Dr. Rod Paige
Videos
Keynote Speech - Dr. Rod Paige
Rod Paige - Conversations - MPB
Books
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