James Cole Jr., '95: Education Department Announces Cole to Assume the Duties of Deputy Secretary

Education Department Announces James Cole Jr. to Assume the Duties of Deputy Secretary

Acting U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. announced today that James Cole Jr., who is currently serving as General Counsel to the Department, will assume the duties of Deputy Secretary.

"James is an extraordinary leader whose talents as a leader and manager, and whose commitment to educational achievement, access and opportunity for all students, make him the perfect person to take on this vitally important role. I am thrilled to continue working with James as we strive to ensure that every student is prepared and supported to succeed in college, careers and life," said King.

"I am excited to be part of the team at the Department because education has had a profound influence on my life, and continues to have a profound influence on the lives of millions of children and adults, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds," said Cole

In his new role, Cole will manage the Department's operations and lead its work on the President's My Brother's Keeper Task Force. Cole will continue to be General Counsel, serving as the chief legal officer for the Department and as legal advisor to King.

Cole, who was confirmed by the Senate as the Department's General Counsel in December 2014, was the first in his family to graduate from college. He credits a high school English teacher with inspiring and convincing him to pursue higher education. Cole went on to receive his Bachelor of Science degree in finance with honors from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and his J.D. from the University of Chicago, where he served as a comment editor of the University of Chicago Law School Roundtable.

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