Ted Mitchell

With an illustrious career in higher education, Ted Mitchell is a figure who has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding and passion for the sector. His tenure as President of the American Council on Education (ACE) since September 2017 is a testament to his dedication to academia. His prior role in the Obama administration as U.S. Under Secretary of Education (2014-2017) further underscores his commitment to advancing education policies at a national level. In these roles, he has been instrumental in reinstating Pell Grants for incarcerated adults, creating the College Scorecard, and restoring millions of dollars to students who were defrauded by their institutions.

Mitchell's experience extends beyond policy and into the heart of academia. His leadership roles at Occidental College, University of California, Los Angeles, Dartmouth College, and Stanford University have provided him with an intimate knowledge of the challenges and opportunities within higher education. His diverse roles, from president to department chair, have honed his ability to communicate effectively and persuasively on a wide range of educational topics.

Aside from his contributions to higher education, Mitchell has also significantly impacted K-12 education. As the former chief executive officer of the NewSchools Venture Fund and president of the California State Board of Education, his influence spans across all levels of education. Furthermore, his current board memberships with Coursera, Khan Academy, and other educational institutions and foundations highlight his commitment to fostering educational advancement. His academic achievements, including a bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. from Stanford University, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, further solidify his credibility and depth of knowledge in the field of education.