William J. Bennett Biography

Fast Facts

• Was named by focus groups and analysts as the Best Communicator of 2002
• Has authored more than 24 books, two of which were number one New York Times Best Sellers
• He serves as Senior Advisor for Project Lead the Way, which provides training and curriculum to improve STEM education in American schools
• Studied philosophy at Williams College and the University of Texas and earned a law degree from Harvard University
• Quote: "I like to get to the truth of things, that's the philosopher's job․․․I'm a conservative, but I'm not going to assume that the conservative line is always right․ I want an honest investigation and examination of issues․"
• Best known as a politician and as the host of "Bill Bennett's Morning in America․"
• His positions in the U․S․ government include the third Secretary of Education, the first Director of the National Drug Control Policy, and the fifth Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities
• Has often crossed party lines on important issues, like the decline of popular culture and ending worldwide religious persecution
• He is the Washington Fellow of the Claremont Institute, which focuses on statesmanship and political philosophy
• Has taught as a professor at Boston University, the University of Texas, and Harvard University