The Legacy ofDr. Rod Paige
“Education is the key that unlocks the door to opportunity — not just for individuals, but for our nation.”
June 17, 1933 — December 9, 2025
of Education
in the Role
Public Service
Extraordinary Life
From Monticello to the Cabinet of the United States
Roderick Raynor Paige was born on June 17, 1933, in segregated Monticello, Mississippi — a town of barely 1,400 souls — to a school principal father and a librarian mother who filled their home with books and boundless expectation. From that humble beginning, he rose to become one of the most consequential figures in American educational history.
As the 7th United States Secretary of Education and the first African American to hold that office, Dr. Paige carried with him the weight of generations who had been denied access to learning — and the fire of someone who refused to accept that any child should be left behind.
“Rod was a leader and a friend. He devoted his life to America’s young people and made a difference.”
— President George W. BushFrom coaching future NFL Hall of Famers on the football field, to reshaping the Houston Independent School District, to standing beside the President on September 11, 2001 when the world changed — Dr. Paige met every moment with the conviction that education could heal, lift, and transform a nation.
The Rod Paige Scholars & Leaders Foundation is committed to developing educators and education leaders through scholarships and leadership development. The Foundation strengthens schools and communities by connecting resources and catalyzing the innovation that expands opportunity for students. The Foundation collaborates with education organizations and thought leaders to advance research and innovation. By convening partners and connecting resources, the Foundation strengthens student and educator outcomes.
Carrying forward Dr. Paige’s commitment to educational excellence, the Foundation develops the scholars and leaders who drive transformative change in education.
Milestones That Moved a Nation
Born in segregated Monticello, Mississippi, to a principal and a librarian — his earliest education was the dinner table debate.
Coached Jackson State in the first integrated game at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.
Became Dean at Texas Southern University; founded the Center for Excellence in Urban Education.
Became HISD superintendent. Student pass rates soared from 49% to 74% under his leadership.
Confirmed as the 7th U.S. Secretary of Education — first African American and first superintendent in the role.
Instrumental in the passage of NCLB — the most sweeping federal education reform since desegregation.
At 83, returned as Interim President of Jackson State University — his alma mater.
Passed December 9 at 92. Houston Mayor declared “Rod Paige Day.” Schools bear his name in two states.
Those Who Knew Him Best
He was stronger than I ever was. He may be a better secretary of education. He may be a better man. He personified what public service was about — it was never about him; it was about taking care of others.
The curriculum in every school in America should follow the life of Rod Paige. He helped a president accomplish things that could not have been accomplished without him.
For us to be blessed to have him for 92 years — 50-plus decades of his leadership — has really transformed many individuals like myself. We too get to pioneer and do big firsts because of what he demonstrated.
Carrying the Torch Forward
The Rod Paige Scholars & Leaders Foundation exists to honor the legacy of a man who believed, with every fiber of his being, that education is the great equalizer. We provide scholarships to students who carry that same fire — young people who dare to dream beyond their zip code and their circumstance.
Scholars Program
Annual scholarships for first-generation college students pursuing education, public policy, and community leadership.
Leaders Program
Mentorship circles connecting emerging leaders with seasoned public servants and community champions.
Legacy Archives
Preserving the documented history, speeches, writings, and photographs of Dr. Rod Paige for generations to come.
Partners
The Foundation collaborates with leading education organizations to advance research, innovation, and opportunity for students and educators.
